Gastric Balloon

The gastric balloon method, preferred for controlling obesity, supports weight loss without surgical intervention. The balloon, which occupies space in the stomach, helps regulate your eating habits by providing a feeling of fullness quickly, even with reduced meal portions.

What is a Gastric Balloon?

A gastric balloon is a medical procedure placed in the stomach endoscopically without requiring surgical intervention. The balloon fills a certain part of the stomach, allowing the person to feel full with less food. This makes it easier to adhere to a diet during the weight loss process and ensures more comfortable appetite control.

What is the Purpose of a Gastric Balloon?

This method is one of the most effective non-surgical procedures supporting the weight loss process. The gastric balloon partially limits stomach capacity by occupying volume. Thus, the person achieves a feeling of fullness by consuming less food, and calorie intake decreases.

Key Features of the Gastric Balloon

The gastric balloon supports the weight loss process as a method that does not require surgical intervention. By occupying space in the stomach, it creates a rapid feeling of fullness with less food, making it easier for the person to adhere to their diet. When used in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise, it helps achieve effective results in weight loss. Furthermore, it contributes to the reduction of metabolic and obesity-related health problems caused by excess weight.

• No Surgery Required: Weight loss is achieved without an operation.
• Rapid Weight Loss: Effective and controlled weight reduction is possible.
• Health Benefits: Obesity-related diseases and risks are reduced.

How is a Gastric Balloon Inserted?

Gastric balloons can be applied in two different ways: balloons placed endoscopically and swallowable capsule-form balloons.

In the endoscopic gastric balloon procedure, the patient is placed under light anesthesia. The surgeon evaluates the stomach with the help of an endoscope and, if deemed suitable, places the balloon in the stomach. The patient feels no pain during this procedure, which takes approximately 15 minutes.

The swallowable gastric balloon (Elipse balloon) is swallowed orally with the help of water. It does not require endoscopy or anesthesia. Its arrival in the stomach is checked with an X-ray, and then it is inflated with a special liquid. The correct position of the balloon is confirmed with a second X-ray, and the procedure is completed. In individuals who have difficulty swallowing, this balloon can also be placed using an endoscopic method.

Who is Eligible for a Gastric Balloon?

Individuals between 18 and 55 years old who have been unable to lose weight despite diet and exercise, and have a body mass index (BMI) over 27, are suitable candidates for the gastric balloon procedure.

Who is Not Suitable for a Gastric Balloon?

Gastric balloons are not suitable for individuals with severe stomach ulcers, those who have undergone previous stomach surgery, or those with a significant hiatal hernia.

What BMI Range is Suitable for a Gastric Balloon?

Gastric balloons are recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 27. Necessary medical check-ups must be performed before the procedure.

Is Weight Regained After the Gastric Balloon is Removed?

To prevent regaining weight after the gastric balloon is removed, it is necessary to continue a healthy eating routine and adopt an active lifestyle. If these habits are not maintained, weight regain is possible, as with other obesity treatments.

What are the Risks and Side Effects of a Gastric Balloon?

As with any medical procedure, there may be some risks associated with the gastric balloon. Stomach irritation, bleeding, or perforation risks are very rare. Nausea and vomiting may occur in the first few days after the procedure, but these complaints usually subside within a week. In rare cases, the gastric balloon may need to be removed.

Will There Be a Scar When a Gastric Balloon is Inserted?

Since this procedure is performed entirely endoscopically through the mouth, no incision, stitches, or scars will form.

When Does Weight Loss Occur After a Gastric Balloon?

The gastric balloon alone does not guarantee weight loss. The weight loss process depends on the individual's diet, physical activity level, and metabolic rate.

How Much Weight Can Be Lost in 1 Month with a Gastric Balloon?

Weight loss varies according to the individual's initial weight, lifestyle, diet, and frequency of physical activity. On average, a significant difference is observed in the first month.

How Effective is a Gastric Balloon?

The gastric balloon reduces stomach volume, allowing less food to be consumed. However, the success of the application is directly related to the individual's ability to cope with psychological hunger and adopt healthy eating habits.

Things to Consider After a Gastric Balloon

Weight problems are associated with many factors such as irregular eating, a sedentary lifestyle, genetic factors, and stress. Therefore, after a gastric balloon procedure, it is crucial to adopt a balanced diet plan and a regular exercise habit. Among non-surgical weight loss methods today, the gastric balloon stands out as an effective and reliable option.

Is Hospitalization Required After a Gastric Balloon is Placed?

The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes, and patients can usually be discharged on the same day. After a short rest period, the individual can return to their daily life.

What is a Gastric Balloon Inflated With?

The gastric balloon is filled with a specially prepared blue-colored liquid. This liquid warns the person by changing the color of the urine in case of a possible balloon leak.

Types of Gastric Balloons

Gastric balloons differ according to their application methods and design features and can be primarily classified into three types:

Endoscopic Gastric Balloon

This type of balloon is placed in the stomach with an endoscopic procedure performed under sedation. During the procedure, the balloon is guided into the stomach and inflated with saline solution in the correct position. It remains in the stomach for an average of 6 to 12 months, supporting the individual in their weight loss process.

Swallowable (Allurion) Gastric Balloon

Next-generation swallowable balloons can be applied without the need for endoscopy or anesthesia. The patient swallows the capsule-shaped balloon; once it reaches the stomach, it is inflated with liquid and deflates naturally at the end of a specified period. The balloon is expelled from the body via stool, and the process is completed in approximately 4 months.

12-Month Adjustable Gastric Balloon

Manufactured from silicone material, this balloon is placed endoscopically in the stomach and initially inflated with 450–500 ml of blue liquid. Its volume can be adjusted throughout its effective period; if necessary, it can be expanded up to 750–800 ml with an endoscopic procedure. This feature offers the patient a more flexible and longer-term weight loss process for 12 months and increases weight loss success compared to classic 6-month balloons.

Is a Diet Required After a Gastric Balloon is Placed?

After a gastric balloon, patients are given a special liquid-based diet for the first 10 days. In subsequent periods, a balanced nutrition program is arranged. The gastric balloon makes this diet easier to follow and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.

Gastric Balloon Prices

The cost of a gastric balloon procedure can vary depending on the patient's general health, the preferred type of balloon, the complexity of the procedure, and the technological equipment of the center where it will be applied. The type of balloon to be used, the quality of medical equipment, the experience of the expert team, pre-procedure preparations, and post-procedure follow-up processes are also significant factors affecting the total cost.

Furthermore, post-procedure dietician support, nutritional counseling, and control processes play a decisive role in pricing. Since the gastric balloon is a special procedure that does not require surgical intervention, contacting the relevant center directly will be the safest way to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date price information.

Provinces Where We Provide Gastric Balloon Services

The gastric balloon is a modern weight loss method that achieves safe and effective results when applied by experienced teams with appropriate technological infrastructure. Centers offering services in this field provide professional and comprehensive support not only in their own cities but also to patients coming from surrounding provinces.

Before the procedure, detailed evaluation, the application process, and post-procedure follow-ups are planned to help the patient achieve healthy weight loss and improve their quality of life. Gastric balloon services are offered to patients from surrounding provinces with the same care and standards.

Individuals who want to get rid of excess weight, improve their eating habits, and achieve healthy weight control can get detailed information about the gastric balloon and plan the process with expert teams.