What is a Gastric Balloon?
The gastric balloon is a process that reduces the volume of the stomach by being inflated with air or liquid after being placed in the stomach. It is applied to people who cannot lose weight despite diet and sports. There are certain conditions for surgery and it is important for the person to meet these conditions. It is a temporary weight loss process. The balloon has a residence time in the stomach. It should be removed at the end of this period, otherwise it will cause complications.
The gastric balloon is effective in the treatment of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, gout and endocrine system diseases. The disorders in the hormonal systems can go away on their own as a result of weight loss. The gastric balloon effect has also been observed in the treatment of disorders such as cholesterol and triglycerides.
How Does the Gastric Balloon Work?
The volume of the balloon varies between 400-700 cc. The volume of the balloon changes according to its content. The balloon occupies a certain place in the stomach. This way, the food intake capacity of the stomach decreases. The person’s meals are reduced and he starts to lose weight. The patient is satiated quickly.
The common problem of people who gain weight is that the feeling of satiety occurs late. Therefore, the portions increase and weight is gained quickly. The aim of the experts was to reduce the stomach capacity when they were developing the gastric balloon application, and consequently reduce the portions.
How is the Gastric Balloon applied?
The gastric balloon is inserted with the endoscopy method under general anesthesia. A balloon is placed at the end of the endoscopy device and placed into the stomach through the mouth. An extension cannula is inserted into the balloon. With the help of the cannula, liquid or air is introduced into the balloon. After the volume of the balloon is formed, the cannula is removed. It is not a surgical procedure. It is comfortable for the patient and has no recovery time.
The balloon should be removed in an average of 6-12 months after it has been inserted . The effect of the procedure is visible within an average of 1 month. The risk of complications is negligible. The average processing time is 30 minutes. This period can vary depending on the doctor’s experience and the patient’s stomach structure.
How Many Types of Gastric Balloons Are available?
There are four different types of gastric balloons: swallowable, adjustable, liquid pressure or air. The most commonly used type is the air balloon model. An average of 600 cc of air is inserted into the air balloon and the balloon is given volume. It stays in the stomach for up to a year. In the liquid balloon model, the balloon is inflated with saline. Any leakage is evident from the patient’s urine.
The swallowable balloon model is in the form of a capsule. It is swallowed with water like a pill and remains in the stomach for 4 months. At the end of this period, it dissolves spontaneously and is excreted through excretion. It has started to be preferred frequently since anesthesia and endoscopy procedures are not needed. On the other hand, the volume of the adjustable gastric balloon model can be changed according to the patient’s weight loss.
How Much Weight Loss is possible With a Gastric Balloon?
The rate of weight loss varies from patient to patient. However, the weight ratios determined by experts are between 20-30 kilos on average. There are some things that need to be done to increase these values. These include;
- Prepare a nutrition program by meeting with a specialist dietitian after the balloon application
- Exercise regularly and effectively
- Consume at least 2 liters of water during the day
- Have the condition of the balloon checked by visiting the doctor regularly.
Both the effect of the balloon and the metabolic rate of the body can be increased by paying attention to these listed issues. This way the desired weight can be reached in a shorter time. Since it is not a surgical procedure, the stomach capacity can increase despite the balloon. Therefore, the doctor’s recommendations should be strictly followed.
Which Type of Gastric Balloon Should I Prefer?
There are four different balloon models used for treatment. The specialist physician decides which model will be preferred by making the necessary checks. While choosing the gastric balloon, the weight of the patient, stomach disorders, chronic diseases and the target weight ratio are taken into consideration. Since liquid balloon models are heavy, they put pressure on the stomach. Nausea may occur as a result of this pressure. Therefore, it is not applicable to every patient.
The swallowable balloon model is not preferred for patients with a body mass index of 37-40. The aim of this model is to lose a maximum of 15 kilos. The stomach can develop a reaction against the foreign body to which it is not accustomed. Therefore, if the side effects do not go away, it is necessary to go to the doctor and be examined.
Does the Weight come Back After the Gastric Balloon is Removed?
The stomach capacity decreases until the balloon expires, and one can get used to being satiated with a small portion. However, the stomach muscles are very flexible and there is no limit to their growth. Therefore, although it does not happen in the early period, the weight lost after the balloon is removed can be regained in the future. Maintaining the diet and regular exercise should be continued.
The stomach has a structure that develops and grows throughout life. Therefore, regardless of age, a balanced and regular diet always improves the quality of life. You should not trust the institutions that tell you that you will not regain the weight lost after the procedure. A gastric balloon is a temporary treatment technique that is reversible.
What are the Risks of Gastric Balloon Application?
Although the procedure has a low risk in terms of complications, there are some risks. In general, the risks encountered are leaking in the balloon, bleeding, infection, risk of sedation, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. If the balloon contains liquid, there will be telltale signs of leaking. However, this cannot be determined without using an ultrasound on the air balloon model. Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting go away on their own within 3 months. However a doctor should be consulted in cases where such symptoms persist. Doctor control is important, especially for cramp-like pain.
The risk of sedation can be recognized in the early period. The reaction to the anesthetic drugs can be detected with the tests performed during the preparation stage for the procedure. If the doctor’s experience is not sufficient during gastric balloon insertion or removal, the risk of bleeding can occur. However, as long as the procedure is applied by experienced physicians, the risk of bleeding is almost non-existent.
Comments of Those Who Have Had Gastric Balloons
An examination of the results of the operations performed by the institution reveals that people who have had a gastric balloon procedure are generally satisfied with the result. It is a great convenience especially for people who cannot exercise and pay attention to their diet due to their intense work schedule. It can be easily preferred since no incisions are made during its application and the stomach capacity is reduced in a short time, and it does not interrupt business life.
It is an important weight loss technique for people whose weight is not enough to undergo an operation or for those who do not want to have surgery to lose weight. It is preferred for people who do not have a chronic disease and have not developed metabolic syndrome yet. People who want to have this application can have an idea by reading the comments of people who have had the procedure before.
Gastric Balloon Prices 2026
The brand of the balloon used, the exchange rate difference, the doctor’s procedure fee, the endoscopy price, the balloon model and the anesthesia applied are taken into consideration when determining the treatment cost. Hospitals have different pricing policies. Therefore, although the balloon brand is the same, the same price offer is not quoted because the treatment fees and patient care costs are different. Patient care and treatment services of private hospitals are divided into categories. There are institutions that provide hotel services. Therefore, care should be taken in choosing the hospital.
You can have this application done to achieve your ideal weight without undergoing obesity surgery. By choosing our institution with a low risk of complications and high success rates, you can have the procedure done with peace of mind. You can contact us at our contact numbers to get information about gastric balloon prices.