What is a Gastric Balloon?

What is a Gastric Balloon?

The gastric balloon application, which is one of the leading weight loss applications, is a non-surgical weight control method. The purpose of gastric balloon application is to increase the feeling of fullness throughout the day in a period ranging from 6 to 12 months and to provide weight loss through meal control.

How is the Gastric Balloon placed?

Gastric balloon is a very comfortable application. The process is done on an empty stomach. The balloon is placed in the stomach with an endoscopic method with an average application of 20-25 minutes. After placement in the stomach, the balloon is inflated and covers a part of the stomach. Since the patients will be under mild anesthesia during the whole process, they do not feel any pain or ache during the procedure. 

How many days do you need to stay in the hospital for the Gastric Balloon application?

The gastric balloon application, which can be performed in a clinical setting, does not involve any surgical procedure. There is no need for hospitalization. After the gastric balloon is placed in the patient, it is sufficient for the patient to stay in the clinic for one or two hours. 

Who are suitable candidates for Gastric Balloon application?

Gastric balloon application is suitable for patients with a body mass index between 30 and 35, who can be said to be overweight but healthy and do not need gastric surgery. Gastric surgeries give more effective results in patients with higher body mass index. However, if the morbidly obese person is also very advanced, a gastric balloon can be applied to some patients to make the operation more comfortable before the gastric surgery. 

How much weight loss is achieved with the application of a Gastric Balloon?

Although gastric balloons are generally recommended for use for 6 months, they can be re-inflated in some patients, and this period can be increased to 12 months by using an adjustable gastric balloon. Although it varies from patient to patient, an average weight loss of 15 to 20 kgs can be achieved with gastric balloon application. However, the important thing here is to make the new eating pattern a vital habit. Good management of the feeling of fullness that the gastric balloon will create while it is in the stomach and determining a new diet is important to maintain this order after the balloon is removed. 

How is the Gastric Balloon removed?

Removing the gastric balloon is as comfortable and reliable as its insertion. After the procedure performed under mild anesthesia, the gastric balloon can be removed in a few minutes. After the procedure, it is sufficient to keep the patients under the clinic for a few hours.