Gastric balloon treatment has long been preferred as a method that does not require surgical intervention in the fight against obesity. It may be a more attractive option for some patients compared to gastric sleeve surgery, which is a surgical intervention.
However, it is not correct to combine gastric balloon and gastric sleeve surgery in one pot. The effects and usage areas of both methods differ from each other. Surgical methods used in the fight against obesity involve more complex and detailed operations compared to the gastric balloon procedure. Comparing these two treatments may actually prevent us from fully understanding the advantages and limitations of each.
What is a Gastric Balloon?
Gastric balloon is an innovative method used in obesity treatment. Made of durable materials such as silicone or polyurethane, these balloons take up space in the stomach, giving people a constant feeling of satiety. This encourages individuals to eat less and thus promote weight loss.
This method, first developed in the 1980s, has become more practical and user-friendly with technological advances over time. In early applications, endoscopy and anesthesia were required to insert and remove the gastric balloon into the stomach. Today, however, some modern gastric balloons can be easily swallowed, inserted and removed in the same way, which means that anesthesia and endoscopy are not required.
After Gastric Balloon Application
After the gastric balloon procedure, your stomach tries to digest this foreign body, but since the gastric balloon is a non-digestible material, some side effects may occur during this adaptation process. Symptoms such as cramping, nausea and vomiting may occur during this period. But don’t worry; these side effects usually subside and end within 3 to 7 days. Your doctor will provide you with the appropriate treatment guidelines and medication to help you get through this period more comfortably.
The real success continues with changes in your diet and lifestyle. Following the diet recommended by your doctor and dietitian is the key to your success in this process. In the long term, making this diet a way of life is essential to achieve lasting success in weight control.
Gastric Balloon Risks
The risks and potential complications of gastric balloon procedure are among the most frequently asked questions of our patients.
These are the most common complications in the first week after gastric balloon procedure. During this period, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and general weakness may be observed. Such side effects are related to the body’s adaptation process to the gastric balloon and may sometimes require early removal of the balloon.
Rare complications include bloating, heartburn, reflux, decreased stools and bowel movements, and foul-smelling belching. These symptoms are usually manageable and treatable. Emergency complications are extremely rare. They include serious conditions such as deflation of the contents of the gastric balloon. However, the fact that the blue-colored liquid inside the gastric balloon reacts with urine and feces makes early diagnosis and intervention of such complications possible.
Advantages of Gastric Balloon
Gastric ballooning is a modern and minimally invasive method preferred in the treatment of obesity. It has many advantages over other methods:
- The gastric balloon can be successfully placed by endoscopy specialists in a short time and under clinical conditions.
- After this procedure, patients can quickly return to their daily lives without the need for hospitalization.
- There is no pain or severe discomfort during the procedure, which means a comfortable treatment process for patients.
- Depending on the patient’s request, the gastric balloon can be removed at any time.
- If necessary, this treatment can be repeated more than once.
- Insertion of the gastric balloon is a reversible procedure that does not lead to permanent changes.
- The risk factors of this method are very low and it is generally considered very safe.