• What is Swallowable Gastric Balloon?

• Swallowable Gastric Balloon in Antalya / Turkey

Swallowable gastric balloon is a new generation gastric balloon that can be swallowed with water, without the need for endoscopy or anesthesia. It helps in weight loss by occupying space in your stomach. It provides a feeling of fullness, slows down the passage of food through the stomach, and reduces your appetite. Additionally, it allows you to feel satisfied with small amounts of food due to the volume it occupies in the stomach. Swallowable gastric balloon is one of the non-surgical options that effectively treats obesity.

Resembling vitamin pills commonly used in daily life, the swallowable gastric balloon is designed in a capsule form that can be easily swallowed with plenty of water. It is compressed and has thin walls. This design allows for easy swallowing and passage through the intestines, eventually being excreted through the feces. The thinness of the balloon's walls does not imply vulnerability to puncture or inability to withstand stomach acid; it is as durable as other balloons.

The group that benefits the most from the swallowable gastric balloon is individuals with a body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 35. It can be applied to individuals between the ages of 18 and 65. Studies are still ongoing for older and adolescent age groups, and there is no definitive application procedure for these groups yet. The fact that the procedure does not require anesthesia makes it an ideal method, especially for those who are unable or unwilling to undergo anesthesia.

The swallowable gastric balloon also brings a great innovation in patient follow-up. The advantage of the balloon being naturally excreted eliminates the need for rehospitalization, endoscopy, or anesthesia, which are mandatory for other balloons. Therefore, it is commonly preferred by patients who come from geographically distant locations to healthcare facilities as a non-surgical method for weight loss.

The swallowable gastric balloon remains in the stomach for an average of 4 months. During this period, it helps you lose approximately 7-15% of your initial weight. Many scientific studies have shown that the majority of weight loss in individuals with a gastric balloon occurs within the first 12 weeks, and beyond 16 weeks, the presence of the balloon does not significantly contribute to weight loss. Nevertheless, the swallowable gastric balloon program lasts for 6 months. The aim is not only weight loss but also to maintain a healthy eating habit from the day the balloon is placed until its removal. This ensures the maintenance of the current weight and prevents weight regain.

Preparation for Swallowable Gastric Balloon Procedure

Fighting obesity requires a multidisciplinary approach involving multiple branches and the application of different methods through standard procedures. Therefore, it is crucial to seek healthcare institutions where access to all facilities is convenient, there is high-quality equipment, and dedicated teams are available.

After obtaining a detailed medical history from the patient, the reasons causing excessive weight are identified, and recommendations are made accordingly. A dietitian plans a healthy eating program in collaboration with the patient.

The medication that the patient should use for one week before the swallowable gastric balloon procedure is prescribed by the physician. For patients without a history of severe gastric complaints, using the prescribed medication is sufficient.

Food and drink should be discontinued 12 hours before the procedure. A 12-hour fasting period is important. Fluid intake should be stopped within the last 6 hours.

If the patient is using anticoagulant medication, it is recommended to consult with the physician and make appropriate plans, including discontinuing the medication one week before the procedure, which should be done 1 week before the procedure.

How is the Swallowable Gastric Balloon Procedure Performed?

First and foremost, it should be noted that anesthesia and endoscopy are not required for this procedure. The balloon, compressed into a capsule form, is swallowed with an ample amount of water under the supervision of a physician. The capsule has a connection apparatus at one end, which is used to inflate the balloon. To confirm that the balloon is correctly positioned in the stomach, an X-ray is taken for verification. Then, the physician inflates the balloon with a liquid using the apparatus at the end of the balloon. The liquid used for inflation is a safe fluid that does not have any adverse effects on the body and is provided along with the swallowable balloon package. After inflating the balloon with 400-450 cc of fluid, another X-ray is taken. The final position of the fluid-filled balloon is confirmed. Following thorough checks, the apparatus at the end of the balloon is gently pulled and removed from the mouth. Thus, the procedure is completed. The swallowable balloon procedure takes about 20 minutes, and throughout the procedure, the patient remains conscious and continuously interacts with the physician.

Some patients may have concerns about difficulties in swallowing the balloon. However, it should be well understood that the majority of patients can swallow the balloon without any difficulty. Furthermore, your physician will be with you throughout the entire process, informing and guiding you. In case of difficulties in swallowing, a thin guide included in the package can be used by the physician to guide the balloon into the stomach.

There is no need for another procedure to remove the swallowable gastric balloon. The balloon has a dissolvable valve. After approximately 4 months, the valve dissolves, and the fluid inside the balloon empties. Subsequently, the deflated balloon passes through the intestines and is excreted from the body through feces. The balloon, which is manufactured to be very thin, is usually not felt by most individuals when it is expelled from the body.

Post-Swallowable Gastric Balloon Procedure Care

During the initial three days, which are referred to as the adjustment period, the most common side effects observed in all balloon procedures are nausea and cramps. With the support of medication and dietary recommendations, along with the stomach's acceptance of the balloon, this natural process can be overcome. In rare cases where complaints persist despite a 3% occurrence rate, the balloon may need to be removed. In very rare cases, side effects such as gastritis, ulcer, and reflux may occur.

After the swallowable gastric balloon procedure, the physician prescribes medication for the patient to facilitate a comfortable adjustment period. It is essential for the patient to follow this treatment regimen to ensure a smooth and problem-free process. Additionally, the patient is informed about the liquid and soft diet program to be followed in the first few days.

Once the adjustment period is completed, the follow-up process begins with a personalized healthy eating program prepared in collaboration with a dietitian. Individuals who undergo gastric balloon procedures are advised to avoid unhealthy foods such as fried foods, acidic beverages, and snacks that can increase reflux disease and caloric intake.

The time required to return to work after the swallowable gastric balloon procedure depends on the adjustment period and typically ranges from 1 to 3 days.

• Gastric Balloon in Antalya / Turkey

• What is a Gastric Balloon?

• How is Gastric Balloon Placement Procedure Done?

• Who Can Undergo Gastric Balloon Treatment?

• Gastric Balloon Prices

• Non-Surgical Gastric Reduction

Gastric Balloon in Antalya

In cases where diet and exercise do not yield results in obese patients or when rapid weight loss is necessary for health reasons, surgical and non-surgical treatment options are utilized. Gastric balloon is one of the non-surgical methods for gastric reduction. Gastric balloon is widely preferred by patients and experts in recent years due to its ability to assist in rapid weight loss and its non-surgical application.

What is a Gastric Balloon?

The World Health Organization defines obesity as the excessive accumulation of fat in the body. According to the criteria of the World Health Organization, obesity can be defined when the body mass index is above 30. It is well known that there are many health problems associated with the global epidemic of obesity. These include serious health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension. Therefore, obesity needs to be treated not only for aesthetic purposes but also for a healthy life. Nowadays, there are many surgical and non-surgical options available for the treatment of obesity. The decision regarding which treatment to apply to an obese patient is made by considering factors such as the patient's height, weight, age, and general health condition under the supervision of an expert doctor. Gastric balloon is one of the commonly preferred non-surgical treatment methods for obesity. The main purpose of gastric balloon treatment is to reduce the amount of food consumed in a single meal and provide a long-lasting feeling of fullness. Gastric balloons are silicone devices that are inserted into the stomach and can remain there for a certain period of time. The gastric balloon procedure involves placing a deflated balloon into the stomach and then inflating it with saline or a biocompatible and approved blue dye. The inflated balloon occupies more than half of the stomach. The amount of inflation is determined during the procedure, considering that everyone's stomach structure and anatomy are not the same. The endoscopic gastric balloon procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.

How is Gastric Balloon Placement Procedure Done in Antalya / Turkey?

Before the gastric balloon is placed in the stomach, the patient undergoes a detailed evaluation by expert doctors. The patient's general health condition is examined, and any other stomach-related health problems are assessed through endoscopic imaging techniques. If any other health problems such as reflux, gastritis, or ulcers are detected during this examination, the existing health issue is treated first. Afterward, the gastric balloon can be placed. During the gastric balloon placement procedure, general anesthesia is not required. The patient is under sedation while the balloon is being placed. The patient does not experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Currently, gastric balloon can be placed in the stomach through two different methods:

ENDOSCOPIC GASTRIC BALLOON in Antalya / Turkey

During the endoscopic gastric balloon procedure, sedation is administered to make the patient more comfortable. Since the procedure is performed using an endoscopic technique, the patient is advised not to eat or drink anything for a certain period of time before the procedure. The necessary preparations before the procedure are explained to the patient. During the balloon placement stage, an endoscope, which is a thin and flexible tube with a camera at the tip, is inserted into the stomach, and the balloon is placed in the stomach. Then, the balloon is inflated with saline or a completely compatible and health authority-approved blue dye. The inflated balloon occupies approximately more than half of the stomach. Since everyone's stomach structure and anatomy are not the same, the decision on how much to inflate the balloon is made during the procedure. The endoscopic gastric balloon procedure is completed within approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.

SWALLOWABLE GASTRIC BALLOON in Antalya / Turkey

While endoscopic gastric balloon treatment has been successfully applied for many years, swallowable gastric balloon or elipse gastric balloon procedures have gained prominence as alternative methods due to the lack of sedation during the procedure and the absence of endoscopic assistance. In the swallowable gastric balloon procedure, the patient swallows a capsule-shaped balloon attached to a thin wire in an uninflated state with plenty of water. For patients who have difficulty swallowing the balloon, the doctor can assist the patient in swallowing the balloon using a thin guide wire. Once the balloon reaches the stomach, the doctor verifies its correct placement through imaging methods such as X-rays. An apparatus resembling a thin wire at the end of the balloon allows for inflation of the balloon. The doctor ensures that the balloon is correctly positioned and proceeds to inflate the balloon using approximately 500 mL of water containing potassium sorbate. After inflating the balloon to the desired extent, the final position is rechecked. Following thorough checks, the apparatus at the end of the balloon is carefully removed by the expert doctor. The swallowable gastric balloon procedure takes approximately 20 minutes. Since no anesthesia is administered during the procedure, the patient can return to their daily life shortly afterward. The swallowable gastric balloon has a leak-proof and soluble valve. Approximately 4 months later, the valve dissolves, the fluid inside the balloon is emptied, and the deflated balloon passes through the intestines and is excreted from the body. Due to the absence of anesthesia and endoscopy during placement and removal, the swallowable gastric balloon is one of the preferred methods for patients who have been unsuccessful in losing weight through diet and exercise.

Who Can Undergo Gastric Balloon Treatment in Antalya / Turkey?

Not every overweight or obese patient is suitable for a gastric balloon. So, who can undergo gastric balloon treatment? The body mass index of the patient is crucial for gastric balloon treatment. For individuals with a body mass index below 30 or above 40, alternative treatment options may need to be considered. Additionally, individuals who do not meet these criteria but need to lose weight quickly due to health issues such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases may be eligible for gastric balloon treatment based on the doctor's discretion.

Gastric Balloon Prices in Antalya / Turkey

Gastric balloons are made of materials that can remain in the body for 6 to 12 months. Gastric balloon prices vary depending on factors such as the type of balloon used in the procedure and the duration it remains in the body.

Non-Surgical Gastric Reduction

Non-surgical gastric reduction methods aim to reduce the volume of the stomach without any incisions or stitches, assisting patients in rapid weight loss. Methods such as swallowable gastric balloon are among the non-surgical gastric reduction methods preferred for the treatment of obesity. Non-surgical gastric reduction methods, including gastric balloon, are successfully performed by experienced and specialized physicians in our hospitals. If you want to lose weight, you can visit our obesity clinics to undergo a thorough examination to determine your suitability for the procedure and to receive information and make an appointment.

Gastric Balloon in Antalya, Gastric Balloon Prices, Gastric Balloon Treatment Antalya Turkey