Laparoscopic Gastric Balloon
Gastric balloon, which is the most preferred method among non-surgical gastric reduction methods, is demanded by people who are afraid of aggressive gastric reduction operations.
What is a gastric balloon?
An intragastric balloon or gastric balloon is a soft silicone ball that is inserted endoscopically into the stomach and creates a feeling of fullness and satiety that makes it easier to stick to a diet. The biggest benefit of using a gastric balloon is that it prevents overeating by limiting the amount of food we eat. This in turn changes eating behavior, helping you stick to your diet. This is a technique that has been used successfully for a long time.
The successful elimination of the overweight problem depends on the correct treatment. It often requires taking appropriate dietary measures supplemented by regular controlled physical activity. In cases where these measures are not enough, therapeutic alternatives that can accompany and complete the treatment come into play.
How is the gastric balloon placed?
In order to reach and visualize the stomach from the gastric tube, two flexible tubes are sent to the stomach through endoscopy. The balloon, which is deflated and has reached the stomach, is filled with sterile saline fluid (serum). Once the balloon has reached the desired volume, it is separated from the tube to which it was sent and both tubes are removed from the gastric tube.
What situations are not suitable for the gastric balloon ?
How much space does the balloon take up in the stomach ?
The purpose of gastric balloon application is to reduce stomach volume and experience weight loss by restricting food intake. A typical human stomach has an average volume of 1 to 1.5 liters. Gastric balloons can be filled with up to 700-900 milligrams of liquid/air. The volume of the gastric balloon is determined by the doctor performing the application, taking into account various criteria. It would not be correct to give a fixed rate. However, to give an average figure, it is 1/3 or half of the stomach volume.
Are intragastric balloon systems approved ?
Some gastric balloon equipment used today is FDA (American Food and Drug Administration) and CE (Comité Européen) approved. Before having a gastric balloon, we recommend that you ask your doctor if the type of gastric balloon is approved.
Will I experience pain/discomfort during or after the procedure ?
Sedation is applied so that people do not feel any pain or discomfort during the operation. The process of sedation is the state of briefly putting the patient to sleep. Sedation should not be confused with general anesthesia. In general anesthesia, the breathing of the person is ensured by external equipment, while in sedation, the person is in a state of sleep and does not need any external help.
How long does the operation last?
The procedure takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes, including the insertion, adjustment or removal of the balloon. Sometimes it can take up to 45 minutes. This is due to the details of the sedation procedure, so that the patient does not feel any pain or discomfort during the operation.
How long does the balloon stay in the stomach ?
Different types of gastric balloons may be preferred depending on the amount of weight to be lost. Depending on the type of balloon, it can stay between 6 and 12 months. 12 month balloons can be inflated every 3 months to prevent the stomach from adapting to the balloon. The inflation method will not be performed for the 6 month balloon after it was inflated in the first procedure.
How to remove the gastric balloon?
The shrinkage is applied based on the type of balloon placed endoscopically. As a rule, the balloon is deflated and emptied with suitable dismantling kits. Once the balloon is deflated, it is held and removed from the esophagus to the mouth. The extraction process takes an average of 15 minutes.
What are the risks ?
Gastric balloons are used safely worldwide for obesity and overweight. Complications are very rare and can be easily treated. Complications that may arise are not life threatening.
Is there a risk during the transaction?
The risks associated with endoscopy during the gastric balloon insertion procedure are generally very low. The risk of complications is well below 1% and the risk of major complications is well below 0.1%.
After gastric balloon
After the gastric balloon is inserted, cramping, nausea, and vomiting will begin after 1-2 hours as the gastric balloon tries to digest it. This situation can vary in intensity and duration depending on the person's pain threshold, and can last 3 to 4 days on average. These are completely normal and expected symptoms. When you are discharged from the hospital, you will be prescribed medication for cramps, stomach protectors and anti-nausea.
Does the gastric balloon stay in the stomach longer than the removal time, is there a problem ?
If the gastric balloon stays in the stomach longer than expected, the risk of the balloon bursting increases. It is recommended to quickly remove the exhaled balloon.
When can I return to work and exercise after a gastric balloon ?
The application of the gastric balloon does not prevent you from doing your daily work. You can continue your normal life one day after the operation. It is strongly recommended that you begin a regular exercise program along with a proper diet. It is safe to perform all exercises, but we recommend that you avoid strenuous exercise for 2-3 weeks after balloon insertion to avoid water and electrolyte balance issues.
Follow-up after gastric balloon insertion
You should talk to your doctor and dietitian once a month about your complaints about weight control, body analysis, and diet control while the ball is tied. During this time, your progress will be assessed and you will learn the basics of health, nutrition and exercise so you can be successful in the long term.
Travel after balloon insertion
There is no obstacle to travel after the application of the gastric balloon. You can travel safely.
Does the gastric balloon affect medication use ?
The gastric balloon poses no problem with regard to the effectiveness of medication. The side effects on the stomach of the drugs to be used during the insertion of the gastric balloon must be taken into account. You should avoid drugs that can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. It is recommended to inform your doctor in case of illness.
How should nutrition be after a gastric balloon?
Your diet may be restricted during the process of inserting, adjusting and removing the balloon. Once your stomach has gotten used to the balloon, you can move on to normal eating. However, do not forget that a regular diet and the application of a gastric balloon are essential.
During this period, since the portions will become smaller, you will often have a small eating pattern in your life. With gastric balloon;
After insertion of the gastric balloon and following a suitable dietary program, you can lose an average of 20 to 25 kilos.
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