Thanks to technological developments and advances in modern medicine, new solutions have emerged for people who struggle to lose weight. For many individuals, diet and exercise alone may not be enough, which leads people to look for solutions that can deliver faster results. At this point, people searching for alternatives to surgery often turn to gastric balloon treatment, one of the non-surgical weight loss methods.
This method has become an effective and safe alternative, and its use has been increasing steadily.
The gastric balloon is a method preferred by patients who are overweight but do not want surgery or are not suitable candidates for surgical procedures. Because the procedure can be performed in a short time, does not require a long hospital stay, and offers a fast recovery process, it has become very popular. The number of people achieving successful results with this treatment continues to increase every day.
In this article, we will answer the questions “What is a gastric balloon, how is it placed, and what should patients pay attention to after the procedure?” in detail.
Let’s continue.
A gastric balloon is a specially designed silicone balloon that is placed inside the stomach to help with weight loss. The balloon takes up space in the stomach, allowing the person to feel full more quickly and helping reduce portion sizes.
The main purposes of a gastric balloon are to temporarily reduce the stomach’s capacity and to create a feeling of fullness with smaller amounts of food. As calorie intake decreases, the weight-loss process accelerates. Patients usually experience a reduction in appetite compared to before the procedure.
After gastric balloon treatment, patients are expected to support the process by adopting healthy eating habits.
The gastric balloon procedure may be suitable for:
People with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 27 and 40
Individuals who cannot lose weight through diet and exercise
Patients who do not want surgical procedures
People who need to lose weight before bariatric surgery
No. The gastric balloon is usually designed to remain in the stomach for 6 or 12 months. After this period, the balloon is removed.
The gastric balloon procedure is not a surgical operation. It is usually performed using an endoscopic method and takes approximately 15–20 minutes.
1. Pre-evaluation
Before the procedure, the patient’s overall health condition is evaluated. Necessary blood tests and stomach examinations are performed.
2. Endoscopic Placement
The patient receives mild sedation. Then, using an endoscope inserted through the mouth, the empty balloon is placed into the stomach.
3. Inflation of the Balloon
After placement, the balloon is filled with sterile liquid or air so that it occupies a certain volume inside the stomach.
4. Completion of the Procedure
Once the balloon is properly positioned, the endoscope is removed and the procedure is completed. Patients are usually discharged the same day and can return to their daily lives shortly afterward.
The success of gastric balloon treatment depends not only on the procedure itself but also on the patient’s lifestyle after the treatment.
In the first days, the body goes through an adaptation period. During this phase, patients are usually advised to consume:
Liquid foods
Pureed foods
Soft foods
Afterward, patients gradually transition to a balanced and healthy diet.
Because the gastric balloon creates an early feeling of fullness, it is important to eat smaller portions and avoid heavy foods that can strain the stomach.
Drinking enough water supports the weight-loss process. Liquid foods such as soups and water-rich fruits and vegetables can also help digestion. Caffeinated beverages (coffee, green tea, etc.) and alcohol should be consumed in moderation.
The gastric balloon is not a miracle solution on its own. Even though appetite decreases, it is important to activate your metabolism. Regular walking, light exercises, and an active lifestyle will significantly improve results.
Regular check-ups with your doctor and dietitian help ensure a healthy and successful weight-loss process. Nutrition plans can be personalized during follow-up visits.
With gastric balloon treatment, patients usually lose 10–20% of their excess weight.
However, each individual is unique. Results may vary depending on eating habits, physical activity level, and metabolism.
For this reason, the gastric balloon should be seen as a supportive tool for developing healthy lifestyle habits.
When performed by an experienced specialist, the gastric balloon is considered a safe method. Since the procedure does not require surgical incisions, recovery is generally very quick.
During the first few days, some patients may experience nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, or abdominal pain. These symptoms are related to the body’s adaptation process and usually disappear within a few days.
If you are looking for a reliable doctor to guide you through this journey, you can confidently trust the expertise of Dr. Mahmut Doğan.
Our experienced international team manages every step of the process with the highest level of care.
If you are wondering whether a gastric balloon is right for you, and you struggle to lose weight despite diet and exercise, we are here to help.
Contact our expert team to receive a free pre-evaluation and learn about the most suitable weight-loss solution for you.
Take the first step toward a healthier and new beginning today.
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