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Gastric balloon has become much more prominent in recent years with the increase in obesity problems. Especially those who are not willing to undergo surgery to get rid of obesity may prefer this method.
It should be noted that the gastric balloon, which is one of the methods that helps facilitate weight loss, is made of silicone material that does not harm the body in any way. The volume of the gastric balloons used in this method varies between 500 ml and 1000 ml. After the examination and tests, the gastric balloon with the most suitable volume is determined by the doctor. One of the most frequently asked questions is how much weight can be lost with a gastric balloon. We will also examine this subject closely, but first, let us briefly summarize how the gastric balloon, which is of great interest to those struggling with obesity, is inserted.
How Is a Gastric Balloon Inserted?
First of all, it should be stated that the gastric balloon method can be applied through an extremely comfortable process, and patients do not feel any pain, soreness, ache, or cramping during the procedure. This is because the procedure is performed using a sedation method called sedoanalgesia. Thanks to this method, it can be said that the patient remembers nothing for approximately 10 minutes. Moreover, the sedoanalgesia method does not have any side effects, and in this respect, patients can benefit from this method without any concerns.
Immediately after the patient is sedated with sedoanalgesia, the endoscopy stage begins. With the endoscopy method, the patient’s stomach is checked for any wounds or reflux. If there is an ulcer, in other words a wound, or reflux (large hiatal hernia), the procedure is cancelled.
Because in this case, reflux or the ulcer must be treated before the gastric balloon procedure. If no problem is detected during the endoscopy procedure, the stage of placing the gastric balloon into the stomach begins. It should also be noted that this balloon is placed into the stomach through the mouth. No incision is made in the patient’s abdominal area, and therefore there is no need for stitches.
With the help of a tube-shaped medical instrument, the gastric balloon is guided from the mouth into the stomach. Immediately afterwards, methylene blue, popularly known as ‘blue water,’ is placed inside the balloon and the balloon is inflated. Once the gastric balloon is inflated to the desired level, the procedure is completed. Gastric balloon application, which is one of the methods that does not leave any room for concern for the patient, is among the procedures that are completed in a very short time.
Are There Any Risks of Gastric Balloon?
Of course, those who want to benefit from this method are also concerned about the risks of the gastric balloon procedure. First of all, we should state that this method does not carry any very serious risk. Especially when performed by an experienced doctor, the risks of this procedure can be much lower. The risk in question is only the possibility that the firm tip of the balloon may damage the throat tube, in other words the esophagus, during placement into the stomach.
It should also be known that gastric balloons, regardless of their volume, need to be removed after a certain period of time. If they are not removed when this period expires, there is a risk of rupture. If the gastric balloon ruptures, a change occurs in the color of the urine and the urine turns blue.
In such a case, patients should immediately contact their doctor, provide information, and ensure that the gastric balloon is removed. Sometimes the rupture of gastric balloons can cause blockage of the small intestine. That is why those who undergo the gastric balloon procedure need to be extremely careful about the duration of use of this material. By the way, we should also emphasize that the brand of the gastric balloon used and whether it has CE or FDA approval are of great importance. Gastric balloons without CE or FDA approval should never be used.
How Much Weight Can Be Lost with a Gastric Balloon?
One of the first questions patients wonder about is how much weight can be lost with a gastric balloon. However, mentioning an exact number as the answer to this question may be misleading. Because how much weight is lost with the gastric balloon procedure varies depending on both the patient and the volume of the balloon used.
However, in general, it is possible for a person to lose approximately 20% of their average body weight with a gastric balloon. Of course, for this to happen, there are also conditions such as the patient being well prepared for the process, taking the dietitian’s recommendations and warnings into consideration, not neglecting dietitian follow-ups, and having a gastric balloon from a good brand inserted.
With a process that complies with all these conditions, weight loss at a fairly high rate such as 20% can be possible. Another very important advantage is that the gastric balloon can be inserted without the need for a surgical operation or incision. Because patients can benefit from this procedure without experiencing a difficult recovery period, without the need for clinical rest or bed rest at home, and without taking a long break from work. Afterwards, if they feel well, they can continue their daily lives from where they left off.
How Does a Gastric Balloon Work?
During the first 3 days after the gastric balloon is inserted, the patient’s body struggles to expel the balloon from the stomach. During this period, complaints of nausea and vomiting related to nausea may occur. However, these complaints are seen in only 10% of patients. Let us also note that during these 3 days following the procedure, patients experience weight loss ranging between 3 kg and 5 kg.
Because after 3 days, the effects of the gastric balloon also begin to be noticed by patients. Since the gastric balloon occupies a certain space in the stomach, it allows signals to be sent to the brain as if there is food in the stomach. As these signals make the patient feel full, naturally less food begins to be consumed. If diet and exercise also accompany the consumption of smaller amounts of food, the slimming process begins.
How Long Can a Gastric Balloon Stay in the Stomach?
First of all, let us state that gastric balloons are divided into two types in terms of how long they can stay in the stomach. These are;
- 6-month gastric balloons
- 12-month gastric balloons
Of course, it should also be noted that this period can sometimes be extended by 2 to 3 months. We should also mention that if the removal period of gastric balloons is extended by a few months, it does not cause any harm to the patient. However, it is also very important not to extend this period any further.
Does a Gastric Balloon Work?
The first question we usually hear from patients is whether this method works or not. If the gastric balloon is applied to the right person at the right time, it is impossible for it to fail. What is important here is that the patient has sufficient information about both the procedure and the process. If the recommendations of the doctor and the dietitian are taken into consideration, this procedure will definitely work and will help the patient lose weight.
Can a Gastric Balloon Burst?
It should not be forgotten that gastric balloons are made available for use only after undergoing many tests and analyses. Under normal conditions, it is almost impossible for gastric balloons to burst. It should also be remembered that the risk of complications is almost negligible. So far, no case has been reported in which a gastric balloon burst and harmed the patient. However, let us once again emphasize that it must be removed at the end of its period of use.
What Is Put Inside a Gastric Balloon?
Today, gastric balloons are filled with water and air. However, air-filled gastric balloons have not been preferred much recently due to the complications that occur during insertion and the fact that they are more difficult to apply.
Is There an Age Limit for Gastric Balloon?
There is no age limit for gastric balloon, but in light of our experience, we can say that it is a procedure we recommend for patients over the age of 10. Of course, it is beneficial to have a pediatric consultation before the procedure. You can write your questions about the gastric balloon in the comments section.
For detailed information, you can contact us:
Landline: 0212 230 20 08
Mobile Phone: 0505 120 82 62
