Gastric balloon in Turkey

ANAESTHESIA

IV Sedation

DURATION

40 min

HOSPITAL STAY

outpatient

SHOWER

N/A

OFF WORK

1-2 days

FULL RECOVERY

N/A

Lasting Weight Loss

Transform your life with weight loss solutions that help you achieve your goals with minimal downtime. By curbing hunger and promoting healthier eating habits, this innovative procedures empower you to shed pounds effectively and maintain your new, healthier lifestyle. Start your journey today and experience the confidence that comes with lasting results.

What is Gastric Balloon ?

An intragastric balloon is a non-surgical, temporary weight-loss solution for people struggling with obesity. The procedure involves placing a soft, silicone balloon in your stomach to reduce its capacity. This helps you feel full with smaller portions, making it easier to control your food intake. A healthcare provider inserts the deflated balloon through your mouth using an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube. Once inside the stomach, the balloon is inflated with saline, occupying space and helping you feel satisfied with less food. The balloon is typically removed after six months.

Benefits and Candidacy

The intragastric balloon is ideal for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40 who have not achieved significant weight loss through diet and exercise alone. It’s particularly beneficial for those seeking a less invasive option compared to bariatric surgery. This procedure can also serve as a preparatory step for weight-loss surgery by helping patients lose enough weight to reduce surgical risks.

Patients who undergo this procedure often experience significant health improvements, including reduced risk of obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease. While the balloon is in place, most patients lose 10-15% of their total body weight. To maintain long-term results, it is crucial to adopt healthy eating habits and a consistent exercise routine.

Who Should Avoid the Intragastric Balloon?

The intragastric balloon may not be suitable for everyone. Your healthcare provider may advise against the procedure if you have:

  • Peptic ulcer disease
  • Hiatal hernia
  • A blood clotting disorder
  • Liver disease
  • Substance use disorder
  • A history of gastrointestinal surgery

Risks and Complications

Common Side Effects of Intragastric Balloon

The intragastric balloon procedure is generally safe, but some side effects are common as your body adjusts to the balloon. These side effects usually appear shortly after the procedure and often resolve within a few days. Common side effects include: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea and Abdominal pain. Your doctor will prescribe medications to help manage these symptoms. However, if you notice persistent symptoms, it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider.

Serious Risks and Complications

Though rare, serious complications can occur with the intragastric balloon. These complications may include:

  • Balloon Deflation: If the balloon deflates, the saline inside is tinted blue or green to alert you by changing the color of your urine. A deflated balloon can move through the digestive tract, potentially causing a blockage that might require surgical removal.
  • Hyperinflation: In some cases, the balloon may spontaneously overinflate, leading to discomfort and requiring early removal.
  • Gastric Ulceration: Pressure from the balloon can cause ulcers in the stomach or esophagus, which may lead to serious complications like perforation (a hole in the stomach wall). This could require emergency surgery.
  • Acute Pancreatitis: In rare cases, the balloon may press against the pancreas, causing inflammation. This condition can be painful and serious, necessitating balloon removal.

Gastric Balloon Procedure

The intragastric balloon procedure is a minimally invasive, outpatient process that takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Before inserting the balloon, your doctor will examine your esophagus and stomach to ensure no conditions, such as ulcers or a hiatal hernia, would make the procedure unsafe. Once sedated, your doctor will use an endoscope to guide the uninflated balloon through your mouth and down into your stomach. The balloon is then inflated with saline (650 to 750 milliliters) and a blue dye, which acts as a safety indicator in case of balloon deflation. The balloon takes up about one-third of your stomach, helping to slow the stomach’s emptying process. 

Removal Procedure: Removal of the intragastric balloon is similar to its placement and also requires light sedation. The balloon is first drained of its saline solution and then carefully pulled out through the mouth. After removal, you may experience some common side effects similar to those you felt after the initial placement.

Recovery and Results

The gastric balloon procedure is endoscopic, meaning it is easier and faster to recover from compared to traditional surgery. Both the placement and removal of the balloon are performed under targeted IV sedation. The sedation lasts for just 20 to 30 minutes, and both procedures are outpatient, allowing most patients to return to their daily activities or work within 1 to 2 days.

During the six months that the balloon remains in your stomach, your body adjusts to smaller portion sizes and reduced impulse eating. This period is less about physical recovery and more about retraining your eating habits. By the time the balloon is removed, you should have developed new, healthier eating patterns that help maintain the weight loss achieved during this period.

Why Choose Max Aesthetics in Turkey?

Max Aesthetics offers a unique blend of expert care, cutting-edge technology, and personalized attention, making your intragastric balloon procedure both safe and highly effective. Our experienced team ensures that every step of your journey is tailored to your individual needs, from the initial consultation to post-procedure support, all within a comfortable and welcoming environment. Plus, we offer competitive pricing, making top-tier care accessible without compromising on quality.