Gastric Balloon Procedure Turkey Cost and Details

Obesity is a serious health problem that causes important disorders in almost all systems of the body, especially cardiovascular and endocrine. Losing weight with diets, exercises and medications may not always give the desired result. The most important reason why diets cannot be sustained is feelings of hunger and satiety. 

What is Gastric Balloon ?

Endoscopic intragastric balloon, or simply gastric balloon, is a non-surgical obesity treatment method applied all over the world. The idea of ​​controlling obesity by giving a feeling of satiety with the help of a balloon that takes up space in the stomach was first developed in 1982. The gastric balloon, which was developed only to fill the gap between diet and exercise and more complicated bariatric surgical methods, has been widely used in overweight and obese patients who are not within the surgical margin in recent years.

Gastric balloon procedure is also applied as a preparation for bariatric surgery. Thus, it is aimed to lose excess weight quickly.

Details About Gastric Balloon Procedure

There is a wide variety of gastric balloons on the market today. The two most important groups are those filled with serum or air. In general, the gastric balloon is produced to withstand stomach acid for 6 months. All balloons are designed to be filled and left in the stomach. The Spatz brand balloon, on the other hand, has an insert that can be pulled back into the mouth endoscopically to allow filling and emptying, and is marketed as an adjustable gastric balloon. As a result, all balloons act by creating a mass effect in the patient's stomach and creating a feeling of satiety. It is also stated that the BIB system also delays gastric emptying and reduces the feeling of hunger through the hormone Ghrelin. Helioscopie, on the other hand, bases the logic of the air-filling system on the fact that the feeling of satiety originates from the upper parts of the stomach called the fundus, not from the exit of the stomach.

Is the Gastric Balloon a New Method?

The use of gastric balloon as a non-surgical obesity treatment is a known and valid method all over the world. The idea of ​​controlling obesity by giving a feeling of fullness with the help of a balloon that takes up space in the stomach was first developed in 1982. Since then, it has been proven by hundreds of studies that successful weight loss can be achieved with many different types of balloons.



At a scientific congress held in Florida in 1987, many international experts came together and determined the basic design criteria for the ideal gastric balloon. In this way, the new generation gastric balloons produced have become an accepted treatment method all over Europe. Gastric balloon, which can be applied endoscopically without surgery, can be considered as an option to lose 10-25 kg on average.

What is the Difference Between a Swallowable Gastric Balloon and a Gastric Balloon?

Elipse swallowable gastric balloon is a procedure that does not require endoscopy and is applied with a special balloon that is taken into the stomach by swallowing, as the name suggests. The standard gastric balloon is placed in the stomach under the control of a surgeon through endoscopy. It is generally accepted as a more valid method.

The common point between them is that they are both non-surgical obesity treatment methods.

How is the Gastric Balloon Inserted?

The gastric balloon is placed in the stomach with the help of a lighted camera called an endoscope. This device has an average thickness of 0.8-12 mm and is flexible enough to pass easily through the esophagus. With the conscious sedation technique called sedoanalgesia applied by the anesthesiologist during the procedure, the patient is provided to sleep completely for 10-15 minutes without stopping breathing. In other words, it is not possible for you to feel or remember anything during the procedure.


After the patient is put to sleep, a complete endoscopic examination is performed first. In other words, the entire upper digestive system from the esophagus to the duodenum is examined. If reflux, ulcer, severe gastritis or a suspicious lesion is not observed in the stomach, the endoscope is removed and the balloon is lowered into the stomach.

Then, the balloon is gradually filled with the endoscope. To fill the balloon, saline with an ink-like dye called methylene blue is used. The purpose of this is to ensure that if there is the slightest leak in the balloon, the patient will notice the color in his urine or stool and come to the control. After the balloon is inflated, the endoscope is removed and the procedure is completed and the entire procedure takes up to 15 – 20 minutes. Afterwards, the patient recovers immediately. After 1-2 hours of rest, patient can leave the hospital. There is no discomfort in the early period after the procedure. A few hours later, symptoms such as stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting may occur.

These side effects depend on the physical effect of the balloon in the stomach and usually lasts for a maximum of 3-4 days. In this process, the symptoms are alleviated with drugs to be taken either orally or intravenously. Very rarely, if the patient cannot consume enough fluid, supplementation with intravenous serum may be required. In most patients, the complaints completely disappear at the end of the first week. Very rarely, early removal of the balloon may be required in cases where the symptoms do not subside and the balloon cannot be tolerated despite all treatments.

How to Remove Gastric Balloon?

At the end of the 6-month period, the balloon is removed with the endoscopic method. First, the liquid in the balloon is emptied with a special apparatus, then the balloon is caught and removed with a special holder. The reason we mention this is to state that the instruments found in a standard endoscopy unit will not work for balloon removal.Balloon placement and removal should be performed by bariatric surgeons with experience in endoscopy.

Gastric Balloon Prices

Gastric balloon prices vary, as there are a wide variety of different quality gastric balloons in the market. However, to give a general information, the cost of gastric balloon procedure is lower than surgeries such as sleeve gastrectomy. Although there is no change in the cost of gastric balloon in foreign currency, the price of gastric balloon has increased partially due to the exchange rate in 2022. It should also be noted that there are many factors that affect the price in the gastric balloon, as in the bariatric surgery types. Variables such as the competence of the surgeon who will perform the application, the hospital where the application is made and the materials used determine the price. Private insurance companies do not cover this procedure.

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Who Can Have Gastric Balloon Procedure?

The gastric balloon is used in the temporary treatment of obesity. It greatly reduces the risk of other obesity-related diseases (such as Type II diabetes, vascular diseases, joint diseases..). It also provides support for 6 months, in some cases up to 1 year, to help the patient acquire a new eating habit.

• Before bariatric surgery, gastric balloon procedure helps patients lose some weight before the surgery helps to reduce the surgical risks. For this reason, gastric balloon is recommended to be used as a first step in patients who are superobese or have serious co-morbidities.
• After the balloon is removed, it should be ensured that the weight loss of the obese person continues with a diet program. Otherwise, it is possible to quickly regain the lost weight.
• The balloon should not remain in the stomach for more than six months. In cases that exceed this time, the silicon starts to deteriorate and the extraction process, which is a very complicated procedure, becomes more difficult. Serious complications such as perforation of the esophagus or stomach may occur during the removal process. In expert hands, these risks are close to zero.
• At the end of the required time, the balloon is removed from the stomach endoscopically.
• Gastric balloon allows the person to lose 15-20% of their total body weight within six months. At least 2-3 kilos can be lost per month and 15 kilos can be lost in 6 months. With the regular implementation of diet and exercise programs, a loss of 30-40 kilos can be expected. The ability to lose weight and the amount of weight lost completely depends on the motivation of the person for a new lifestyle and his determination to change his eating habits. 
• It is an important condition for the success of the treatment that the patients to whom the balloon will be applied are compatible. The patient should be willing and determined to change his eating habits and lifestyle.

Who is a good candidate for Gastric Balloon Procedure?

Gastric balloon is a non-surgical, drug-free alternative treatment method for obesity. Cases where gastric balloon procedure use is appropriate:

• Patients aged 18-60 years
• Patients ineligible for bariatric surgery, BMI 30-39
• Patients with a BMI over 35 who need to lose weight before bariatric surgery as they have serious risks
• Patients who have tried and failed other methods before
• Those who do not have problems in the digestive system such as large stomach hernia, esophageal varices, stenosis, ulcers
• People without alcohol and drug addiction
• No previous history of bariatric surgery, bowel obstruction or peritonitis
• No history of chronic high-dose pain reliever or aspirin use

Who cannot have gastric balloon procedure?

Patients not suitable for gastric balloon:

• Body mass index below 27. This method should not be used for cosmetic purposes only in overweight individuals whose body mass index is not suitable.
• Those with digestive system disorders such as esophagitis, stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, Crohn's disease
• Those at risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, such as esophageal or gastric varices
• Congenital or acquired digestive system problems such as atresia or stenosis
• Patients with mental retardation, patients who are emotionally unstable or have psychological problems
• Alcohol and substance addicts
• Those with a poor health profile that cannot receive even mild anesthesia
• People with large gastric hernia
• Those who have previously had open abdominal surgery

Risks and Complications of Gastric Balloon

Serious side effects are rare after gastric balloon insertion and removal. Pain and nausea affect about a third of people a few days after placement of the gastric balloon. However, these symptoms usually only last a few days after the balloon is placed. These symptoms can usually be treated at home with oral medications.

In some cases, the balloon may deflate. The risk is that if the balloon deflates, it may move through your digestive tract. This can lead to a blockage that may require an additional procedure or surgery to remove the balloon. Other possible risks are ulcers or a hole in the stomach wall that may require surgery to fix.

In addition, dehydration may develop due to insufficient fluid intake. If the patient cannot consume enough fluid for any reason, ıv serum can be given.

What Happens If Gastric Balloon Pops?

The maximum durability of the balloon is 6 months. In recent years, balloon brands that can stay for 1 year have also been introduced to the market (For example: Spatz gastric balloon). In addition, new types of gastric balloons have emerged after endoscopically placed gastric balloons such as Orbera. Some types of swallowable balloons marketed as “gastric balloon pills” have also been introduced (such as Obalon, or Microballon…). However, we do not find it appropriate to insert an apparatus into the stomach without endoscopy, and we believe there will be drawbacks.

Methylene blue is used to detect if the balloon has deflated prematurely. If the stability of the balloon is in doubt, a simple abdominal X-ray or ultrasound will suffice. Bowel obstruction is very, very rare. Occurs when the balloon is not noticed to have deflated. 

What are the Results of Gastric Balloon Application?

The main mechanism of action of the balloon is to create a feeling of fullness and to restrict food intake with its partial space-occupying effect in the stomach. Appropriate patient selection, appropriate dietetic and behavioral therapy are key points in the success of the balloon. However, there is no guarantee that any patient will lose weight. Those who have a gastric balloon should know that success can only be achieved with diet and lifestyle changes.

The most effective period of the balloon is the first 3-4 months. During this period, a decrease in appetite and discomfort with excessive food intake are evident. Strict adherence to the nutrition program is essential. On average, 15-20 pounds of weight loss can be expected. This limit can range from 0 to 80. Successful results have been reported in many studies conducted on hundreds of patients in different countries such as Italy and the Netherlands.

The most important thing here is that the patient can maintain his eating habits after the balloon is removed. Avoid high-calorie, sugar-containing foods.

Weight regain is possible after removal of the balloon. In cases where the patient does not change his eating habits, problems such as insufficient weight loss or inability to maintain weight may be encountered. In compatible patients, weight loss can continue even if the balloon comes out.

More studies are needed on the long-term consequences of gastric ballooning. It is imperative to understand thoroughly that this method is a non-surgical, low-risk and reproducible method that provides a boost to change eating habits. It is not right to expect the full effect from the balloon or to present the balloon as a great cure. Therefore, a question like "gastric balloon vs gastric sleeve" is meaningless.

Recovery After Gastric Balloon Procedure

The purpose of the nutritional changes that should be made after the gastric balloon application during the recovery period is to facilitate the adaptation of the body to this new situation as long as the balloon remains in the stomach.

Nutrition After Gastric Balloon

• You must eat very slowly and chew well.
• It is beneficial to eat the food by cutting it into small pieces and serving it on small plates.
• You should stop eating as soon as you feel acid reflux or bloating.
• You should not exceed three main meals and three snacks a day.
• You should avoid fast food.
• You should drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day
• You should not consume liquids while you're eating. You should make it a habit to drink before or after meals.
• Avoid carbonated drinks and strong coffees.
• Do not smoke before eating.
• Do not eat very late.
• Stop eating and drinking at least 2 hours before bedtime.
• If you feel pain in your stomach, first change the lying position.
• Try to exercise for at least 40 minutes a day.
• If your nausea and vomiting do not improve despite medication, if you have a constant pain in your stomach or if you notice blue in your urine, contact your doctor immediately.

 

Physical Activity After Gastric Balloon Procedure

After proper evaluation of the heart and respiratory system and physical condition, try to perform daily aerobic exercises (such as walking, swimming, hydrogymnastics..) regularly. The exercises should last at least 40 minutes and include light weight training according to your instructor's recommendations.
 

Frequently Asked Questions About Gastric Balloon Procedure

How Does a Gastric Balloon Helps You Lose Weight?

The gastric balloon procedure simply provides weight loss by indirectly restricting the amount of food taken into the stomach by the balloon that takes up space in the stomach.

What Does a Gastric Balloon Do?

Gastric balloon is useful for overweight and obese patients to lose weight without any surgery.

Are Patients Satisfied with Gastric Balloon Results?

People who have gastric balloon procedure usually consist of patients who have tried various methods to lose weight and have managed to lose weight with a gastric balloon. Therefore, patients who have undergone gastric balloon application are generally satisfied.

What are the Pros of Gastric Balloon?

Gastric balloon, which is seen as the last solution before surgery, is preferred because it is an application with a high satisfaction rate and a low risk of complications.

What are the Risks of Gastric Balloon?

After the balloon is inserted, the biggest risk is the possibility of the balloon deflating (burst) and moving in the digestive tract. Although it is a very rare situation, the gastric balloon should always be carefully monitored under the supervision of a doctor.

How Much Weight Can I Lose With a Balloon?

The result totally depends on you. Typically you are expected to lose between 15% and 20% of your total body weight within 6 months.