Gastric Balloon
Gastric Balloon

Gastric Balloon

What is a Gastric Balloon? How Does It Work?

A gastric balloon is an innovative and effective method for weight loss. It also serves as the first step and a tool for a long-term transition to a healthier, more positive lifestyle. In Turkey, the gastric balloon process begins with a detailed briefing, allowing our surgeon to tailor the procedure to your specific needs. This is accompanied by the placement of the balloon, detailed nutritional instructions, and regular follow-up by our team.

The program aims to ensure maximum weight loss while also helping maintain the results in the long term. After completing the program, you should take control of your fitness and new dietary habits, maintain your weight loss results, and sustain the new lifestyle you have built for yourself.

Who Are Ideal Candidates for the Gastric Balloon?

Ideal candidates for the gastric balloon procedure in Turkey are obese individuals aged 18 to 60 with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30 and 40 kg/m².

Because the balloon technically helps reduce food intake, it makes it much easier to maintain a weight-loss diet. This procedure is especially suitable for those suffering from obesity and those who have had little success losing weight through other methods.

How Does the Gastric Balloon Work?

The gastric balloon aids weight loss in several ways. First, it reduces the available volume in your stomach for food. The average stomach volume is about 1.5 liters, and the balloon fills nearly half of this space. As a result, around 60% of your stomach remains available for food.

Secondly, the balloon slows down the passage of food and liquids through the stomach, making you feel full faster and for a longer period of time.

Gastric Balloon Procedure Steps

1) Consultation
In the initial phase, our specialist will spend ample time during your first consultation to provide comprehensive information and assess your motivation. The surgeon will review your medical history to ensure the procedure's success. Additionally, the specialist will identify your risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular complications.

2) Anesthesia
You and your doctor will decide on the type of sedation and anesthesia. This ensures you will not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

3) Balloon Placement
You must fast for a day before the procedure. Our specialist may recommend consuming only clear liquids a few hours before the examination.

The deflated balloon is inserted through your mouth and esophagus directly into your stomach. The surgeon may first use an endoscopic camera to examine your stomach. If there are no abnormalities that could affect the procedure, the surgeon proceeds with the placement of the device.

How is the Gastric Balloon Removed?

The gastric balloon is made from innovative, biocompatible materials that are resistant to stomach fluids for up to a year. However, to ensure safety, it must be removed after 12 months.

Keeping the balloon in the stomach longer increases the risk of material degradation and deflation. It could then pass into the intestines and cause an obstruction. If you haven’t fully reached your weight loss goal, a new balloon can be inserted. The removal is performed under anesthesia or sedation.

The doctor punctures the balloon with a special sclerotherapy needle, and the specialist removes all the filling fluid using negative pressure. Then, the deflated balloon is grasped with a unique retrieval tool and gently removed through the mouth.

Post-Procedure Recovery

After the gastric balloon procedure, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Eat slowly.

  • Plan your meals.

  • Stick to your chosen diet plan. Avoid eating out of boredom, even during movies, vacations, or parties. Stay committed to your program.

  • Choose nutrient-dense foods.

  • Nutritious foods are the opposite of processed foods. These usually include vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish.

  • Eliminate fast food and carbonated drinks from your life.

  • Maintain a sustainable exercise routine.

    • If your post-balloon workout leaves you sore for days, it's likely unsustainable. Find something you can do five or more days a week to stay active.

Gastric Balloon Costs in Turkey

The cost of gastric balloon procedures in Turkey varies depending on location, surgeon experience, applied techniques, balloon materials, anesthesia, and many other factors. For exact pricing on gastric balloons in Turkey, feel free to contact us. Our specialists will provide transparent pricing.

Keep in mind that the cost of a gastric balloon in Turkey is at least four times lower than in the UK, USA, and many other countries.

Gastric Balloon Results in Turkey

You will begin to see results from the gastric balloon in Turkey in a short time. However, the gastric balloon is not a magic pill and won’t work miracles on its own. Following the weight loss program designed by our professionals and maintaining your desire to improve your quality of life will lead you to the desired outcome successfully.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the gastric balloon placement procedure is typically performed under mild sedation or anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort. After the procedure, you may experience nausea or mild cramps for a few days, but these symptoms usually pass quickly.
Depending on your personal metabolism, diet, and lifestyle, patients using a gastric balloon can lose an average of 10-25 kg. For the best results, healthy eating and regular exercise are recommended.
Yes, but for the first few days, you will need to stick to liquids and soft foods. Over time, you can gradually transition to solid foods as recommended by your doctor. Eating small portions and eating slowly will help make your experience with the gastric balloon more comfortable.
This entirely depends on your lifestyle. If you continue the healthy eating and exercise habits you adopted during the gastric balloon process, you can maintain your weight loss. However, if you return to old habits, there is a risk of regaining weight.
The gastric balloon is generally suitable for individuals between the ages of 18-60 with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30-40 kg/m². However, it may not be suitable for pregnant women, individuals with serious stomach conditions, or those who have previously undergone stomach surgery. It is recommended to consult a specialist for the most accurate assessment.