Endoscopic Gastric Balloon
The intragastric balloon application is a procedure performed in a short time with the endoscopic method. The sedation anesthesia is required for the procedure to be performed. By reaching the stomach through the endoscope, it is checked whether the stomach is healthy or not, and then the gastric balloon is placed in the stomach and inflated to the desired volume and the process is completed. The gastric balloons we apply can stay in your stomach for a period of 6 months to a year. After the end of the procedure, the patient can be discharged after being followed up in the hospital for 1-2 hours.
To Whom is the Gastric Balloon Applied?
- • First of all, if he/she tried to lose weight on his/her own will but was unsuccessful.
- • If the body mass index (BMI) is over 27.
- • With the purpose of losing weight to prepare for the bariatric surgery if body mass index (over 50) is very high.
- • If he/she can adapt to the gastric balloon application and comply with the given diet program.
To Whom is the Gastric Balloon not Applied?
- • The obese people whose body mass index is not suitable.
- • The people who have had major abdominal surgery previously.
- • Those who have diseases such as inflammation and ulcers in the esophagus.
- • Those who have had stomach surgery previously.
- • The obese people having the mental disorders who cannot follow the given instructions.
- After the gastric balloon application, the expectation is to achieve approximately 20% weight loss within 6 months. Although this varies from person to person, it is possible to lose weight in the range of 15-30 kilos on average.
Swallowable Gastric Balloon
The swallowable gastric balloon is placed by swallowing under the supervision of a doctor in a short 15-minute procedure without the need for the hospitalization. The balloon takes up space in your stomach and allows you to lose weight by increasing the feeling of fullness and by delaying the gastric emptying and reducing the amount of the food eaten at each meal.
Its Advantages
- • It does not require endoscopy and anesthesia for the placement or removal in the body.
- • You do not require to be hospitalized.
- • It is a short process of 15 minutes.
- • During the time the balloon stays in the body, the individuals lose an average of 20% of their body weight.
- • The balloon is expelled naturally through your digestive system at the end of 4-6 months. In this way, unlike other balloons, the swallowable gastric balloon does not cause expansion in the stomach.
WHAT SHOULD BE ATTENTION TO AFTER THE STOMACH BALLOON?
- • The symptoms such as stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting can occur shortly after the gastric balloon is placed. These symptoms are natural as long as they are not too severe; because an unfamiliar foreign body has entered the stomach. In order to alleviate the possible symptoms that can occur, you can use various gastric protective or pain relievers with the advice of your doctor. Generally, these side effects disappear about 3-4 days after the balloon is inserted into the stomach.
- • The intragastric balloon causes you to feel full faster and less food intake by reducing your stomach volume. However, after the balloon is removed from your stomach, your stomach will return to its original state. Therefore, if you do not maintain the lifestyle that includes healthy eating and exercise, it is possible to gain weight again.
- • If you have a gas problem, walking will alleviate this discomfort.
- • Avoid heavy exercise for the first week after the application.
NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS AFTER THE GASTRIC BALLOON
- • Make sure that the foods and beverages you consume have a low fat content and do not contain sugar. Have meals of which protein is high.
- • Do not consume caloric and acidic liquids.
- • (Sweet juices, acidic beverages, alcohol, etc.)
- • Prefer your meals in small portions.
- • Make sure that the time you allocate for eating is 20-30 minutes.
- • Eat 3 main meals and 2-3 snacks regularly. Do not skip meals.
- • Do not consume liquids during the meals. Consuming solids and liquids together can cause bloating, nausea, and insufficient protein intake.
- • After each meal, 1 glass of water should be drunk slowly.
- • Consume your meals by chewing well.
- • Limit your daily caffeine intake (2 cups of coffee per day). You can choose decaffeinated coffee.
- • If you experience discomfort such as reflux while eating, stop eating.
- • Stop eating 2 hours before going to sleep.
- • Use your vitamin-mineral supplements regularly under the control of your doctor
