How the Gastric Balloon Works
The gastric balloon is inserted simply and easily during a gastroscopy. The advantage of this is that, on the one hand, no complex surgery is necessary and, on the other hand, the stomach can be examined for irregularities by the surgeon before the insertion.
In most cases, twilight anesthesia is sufficient to perform the gastroscopy. Once the gastric balloon is in the stomach, a blue-colored saline solution is filled into the balloon. The entire surgery takes about 30 minutes.
How Successful is Gastric Balloon Surgery
A gastric balloon remains in the patient’s stomach for about 6 to 12 months. Since many obese or severely overweight patients find it difficult to eat less in general, the gastric balloon can help by filling the stomach to a certain degree. As a result, the feeling of satiety sets in early. Basically, the gastric balloon only allows small portions.
The success of the gastric balloon surgery depends, among other things, on your discipline. Studies on the success of the gastric balloon show that the support of an obesity centre makes an important contribution to the success of the surgery. That’s why our experienced team will accompany you on your way.
Our experience has shown that patients with a BMI between 27 and 35 benefit most from surgery. Nevertheless, it is also possible to combine different procedures and, for example, to work first with a gastric balloon and then to use gastric bypass surgery or gastric sleeve surgery. Because in obese patients, an operation cannot always be carried out without problems. A study on the gastric balloon shows that body weight could be reduced by around 18 percent.
Who is a Good Candidate for Gastric Balloon Surgery
At this point we would like to give you a brief overview of the requirements for gastric balloon surgery in Turkey.
- Healthy gastric mucosa
- BMI between 27 and 35
- Very late feeling of satiety, eating beyond hunger
- Willingness to make long-term and sustainable changes in eating habits
Especially the last point is important. Because as soon as the gastric balloon is removed, the stomach also offers more space. Yet the change to healthier eating habits can be difficult. We know this and are happy to accompany you through the highs and occasionally also the lows of losing weight. With us in Antalya you will receive therapeutic and individual support.
What to Expect After Gastric Balloon Surgery
Immediately after inserting the gastric balloon, you may experience mild nausea or abdominal cramps. The stomach must first get used to the balloon and this takes a few days. After about 3 to 7 days, the discomfort should subside. The problem can usually be managed with a light diet and plenty of rest.
Basically, patients with a gastric balloon should follow the following dietary advices:
- Thorough chewing, slow eating
- Small meals
- Slight movement after a meal
- Avoid hard-to-digest food (at the beginning)
During your care at Turkey Bariatrics, you will also receive many helpful suggestions and hints to help you maintain your weight after the gastric balloon has been removed.
