Gastric balloon
The gastric balloon process is based on the fact that the balloon placed in the stomach reduces the stomach volume by taking up space. In this way, small amount of food is eaten and feeling of satiety occurs. During the period when the balloon remains in the stomach, patients get used to feeling of satiety by eating small portions. Thus, patients can continue to lose weight owing to this habit after the balloon is removed from the stomach.
The balloon used in the procedure is hollow and silicone and is filled with blue colored serum after being placed in the stomach. Thus, if any deflation is experienced, it can be understood from the color of urine or stool. Balloons are of three types: 3 months, 6 months and 1 year according to their duration of use.
Patients are processed if they do not have a condition that prevents the procedure after clinical evaluation. It is sufficient for the patients to come in the morning on an empty stomach for the procedure and no other preparation is needed. The procedure takes about 10 minutes and is performed with anesthesia. Thus, patients do not see, hear and feel anything. The procedure is performed by endoscopy after the upper digestive tract is evaluated and it is seen that there is no problem in the stomach. The balloon is placed in the stomach and inflated according to the volume of the stomach. Patients wake up after about 15 minutes. Our dietitian informs the patient about nutrition and they are discharged after being informed about the drugs to be used during the adaptation period. The weight loss process after discharge is controlled by our dietitian and updates are made to the diet list when necessary.
The adaptation period begins in the evening after the balloon is placed in the stomach and can last up to 4 days. During this time, vomiting, nausea and cramps may occur. After this period is over and the patient is relieved, the balloon does not cause any problems.
The targeted weight loss with this procedure is approximately 15 – 20 kgs. If physical exercise is added to this process, it is possible to lose more weight.
The risks of the procedure are minimal. These are; the risk of the stomach not accepting the balloon, the risk of the balloon deflating, the standard endoscopy risks and the standard anesthesia risks. If the stomach does not accept the balloon, the adaptation period lasts one week. This situation is very rare and the problem solves when the balloon is removed. The deflation of the balloon is usually seen in balloons that have passed the normal period of use. If the balloon is removed as soon as this situation is detected, there will be no problem. Therefore, it is important that the balloons are removed from the stomach as their usage time expires.
Gastric balloon removal is performed after the usage time expires. Just like the balloon insertion, it is performed with anesthesia and endoscopy. It takes about 10 minutes. The liquid in the balloon is emptied with the help of a needle and the balloon is taken out of the stomach. There is no nausea or vomiting after the procedure. Patients who wish can have a new balloon inserted during the balloon removal process. In this case the patient will not experience an adaptation period again because the stomach is already used to the presence of the balloon.
The cost of the gastric balloon procedure varies according to the brand of the balloon to be used, the hospital where the procedure will be performed and the experience of the physician who will perform the procedure. These factors are also necessary for the safe implementation of the procedure. Contact us to learn the current gastric balloon operation price or to get more detailed information.
