Gastric Baloon Surgery

What is the Gastric Ballon?

The balloon placed in the stomach is made of silicone and is an FDA-approved balloon.

There are also cheaper models of gastric balloons made of other materials, but here too, Dr. Aynacı only the best materials to provide complete patient satisfaction and safety.

Who is suitable for gastric balloon?
Gastric balloon surgery is an alternative to gastric surgery for obese people. The most suitable patients for the gastric balloon are patients with a body mass index of 27-32.

A gastric balloon can also be used to give patients with a body mass index over 50 (super obese) the opportunity to lose weight while preparing for surgery.

You must also be at least 18 years old and under 65 years old.

You shouldn't have any mental disorders or consume drugs and alcohol.

If you are determined to lose weight and need help with this, a gastric balloon can be a good option. Dr. Aynacı is ready to give you professional advice and help you have a better life.

How is the gastric balloon used?
It's not a surgical method. The procedure is done with endoscopy after the patient is given general anesthesia. First, the inside of the stomach is examined. After it is determined that there is no obstruction to the placement of the balloon in the stomach, the balloon is placed with the help of an endoscope. The balloon is inflated to some degree with liquid and methylene blue (blue dye) depending on the patient's weight.

You should stop eating 12 hours before the procedure and stop drinking fluids 6 hours before the procedure. It is extremely important to adhere to this rule as the patient may feel nauseous after inflating the balloon. The process takes about 20 minutes. After the procedure, you will be observed for 1-2 hours, then you can go to the hotel. While the gastric balloon cannot remove as much as surgical methods, it is ideal for effective weight loss.

How does the gastric balloon work?
The gastric balloon covers a certain part of the internal stomach volume and helps you to eat less and to be full faster. You cannot eat the maximum amount that you could eat before the balloon.

Another benefit of the gastric balloon is that it slows the passage of food out of the stomach and leaves you feeling full longer.

How long can the balloon stay in my stomach?
The gastric balloon remains in the stomach for 1 year. If necessary, it can be inflated more and the liquid removed. The balloon is then blown out under anesthesia and removed with the help of endoscopy.

Benefits of the gastric balloon
• It is not a surgical procedure

• It is quick and easy to use so you don't have to spend a few days in the hospital.

• In combination with diet and exercise, it can bring about effective weight loss in the long term.

• Up to 30% of excess weight can be lost with a gastric balloon.

• The procedure has very few complications and problems are very rare.

• 12 months later, Dr. Aynacı emptied and removed with the help of gastroscopy.

Disadvantages of the gastric balloon
• Some patients may not be able to tolerate the balloon. Nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps can be a problem in the first few days.

• Acid can cause reflux, so patients should use drugs to lower stomach acid for long periods of time.

• It can stay in the stomach for a maximum of years. Then it has to be removed.

• There is a risk of gaining weight again after removing the balloon.

How Much Weight Can I Lose With the Balloon?
This is up to you, but you can lose between 10 and 25 kg with the balloon. The weight you lose will depend on your starting weight and your ability to follow a new diet and exercise regimen. It is imperative to continue a certain diet and exercise program after the gastric balloon has been removed.

Studies have shown that an average of 15-20% of the total body weight can be lost with the balloon.

What is the process after the balloon is inserted?
You may feel a little uncomfortable for the first few days after inserting the balloon. Some patients may feel bad eating. Vomiting may occur from time to time.

These symptoms go away after the first week. The feeling of hunger is suppressed in the first week. In the second week, the feeling of hunger gradually returns, but the feeling of fullness can be felt quickly with little food.

Between 3-6 weeks, your stomach will fully adjust to the balloon and you can eat more food. In this process, you should try to improve your eating habits. You shouldn't eat quickly; you should stop eating when you feel full. If symptoms such as nausea and hiccups occur after meals during this process, it means that you are eating too much or too quickly. Lifestyle changes (exercise and proper eating habits) are extremely important so that you can continue to lose weight over the following weeks.

Risks and Side Effects?
As with all other treatments, there may be side effects. However, these belong to the milder category and are mainly vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Therefore, drugs are also prescribed for these complications.

It is not dangerous for the balloon to burst. The balloon is filled with salt water that contains paint. Therefore, when the balloon bursts, your urine will become discolored. In this case, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible

When can I return?
You can fly the day after inserting the gastric balloon.

Are there any additional fees for me?
All services provided by Dr. Aynacı are included in the prices, so there are no additional fees later.