Gastric Balloon

This method is a treatment method that can remain in the stomach for 6-12 months and has been used for about 30 years in the treatment of obesity. If the diet and exercise programme is followed, a weight loss of around 20 kg per year can be expected with this method.

Once the balloon has been inserted, weight control is achieved by adjusting the diet as part of a programme under the supervision of a dietician.

It is a procedure that does not require surgical treatment of obesity. This method contributes to weight loss by reducing food intake with the help of a balloon that covers the stomach volume and creates a low-calorie environment by providing a constant feeling of fullness.

The gastric balloon can ;

– Patients with a BMI of 30 or more,

– Patients who have failed despite numerous diet and exercise programmes,

– overweight patients for whom surgical treatment is too risky.

This procedure can be used in patients over 18 and under 60 years of age.

However ;

Patients with alcohol and drug addiction,

Patients who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy,

Patients with severe heart, kidney, liver and lung disease,

Patients who have previously undergone surgery on the oesophagus or stomach,

Patients who have to take blood thinners constantly,

Patients with stomach hernias, reflux and associated oesophageal burns,

Unfortunately, patients with a gastro-duodenal ulcer cannot be treated with the gastric balloon.

How is the gastric balloon inserted?

The gastric balloon is inserted into the stomach under light anaesthesia using a light camera device known as an endoscope.

As it is anaesthetised, the patient feels nothing during the procedure and the operation is completed in around 15 minutes.

Before the balloon is inserted, the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum are examined endoscopically and it is determined whether there is an obstacle to the insertion of the balloon. If there is no obstruction, the endoscope is removed and the balloon is inserted into the stomach through the mouth and oesophagus using a special device. After the endoscopy has been performed again and the position of the balloon in the stomach has been determined, the balloon is inflated with a special endoscopic device by adding a saline solution coloured with methylene blue to the balloon.

Initially, 400 cm³ of saline solution is administered; this amount can be gradually increased depending on the patient’s tolerance. The patient wakes up immediately after the procedure and is discharged home after about 1-2 hours in hospital.