What is a gastric balloon?
A gastric balloon is a small, soft balloon placed into your stomach to help you feel full with less food. This is not a kind of surgery. No cuts or stitches involved. The gastric balloon is placed through your mouth and then filled with liquid or air. Balloon stays in the stomach for a few months. What happens? This causes eating less and losing weight. It is good way to push toward healthier habits like eating less!
Who may be a candidate for a gastric balloon?
| Candidates for a gastric balloon |
Details |
| BMI between 30 and 40 |
For individuals with moderate obesity |
| Obesity-related health issues |
Conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure |
| Struggles with weight loss |
Tried diets and exercise without success |
| Willing to adopt healthier habits |
Ready to commit to better eating and exercise |
| No previous stomach surgeries |
Suitable for those without surgical history |
| Looking for a non-surgical option |
Ideal for avoiding invasive procedures |
| Age between 18 and 65 |
Generally recommended for adults in this range |
| Approved by a doctor |
Requires medical assessment for eligibility |
Procedure is good option for people struggling with weight loss. Ideal candidates should have a BMI between 30 and 40. If one has health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, losing weight can help improve them too.
Can anyone get it? Not everyone. You should not have stomach or esophageal surgery story. Also, don’t think gastric balloon is a magic fix! It works best for those ready to commit to healthier habits. This surgery roles as a supportive tool! The real change comes from you!
What are the benefits of a gastric balloon?
| Benefits |
What makes? |
| Helps you eat less |
Makes you feel full faster |
| Non-surgical |
No cuts, no stitches, quick placement |
| Boosts weight loss |
Kickstarts healthier eating habits |
| Improves health |
Reduces diabetes, blood pressure, and apnea |
| Temporary solution |
Removed after building better habits |
| Easy and safe |
Simple, non-invasive weight loss option |
A gastric balloon helps you feel full faster, making it easier to eat less. Like using a smaller plate. It is non-surgical, quick, and simple, giving you a good start on weight loss and healthier habits. Balloon for weight loss also improves your health by easing issues like diabetes or high blood pressure. It is temporary but you build better habits before being removed. Briefly? Simple, safe, and effective!
Are there any alternatives to gastric balloons?
Alternative options? Definitely! For a more permanent solution, there are other surgeries: Gastric bypass or gastric sleeve. Don’t forget these are more invasive and take longer recovery.
Without surgery? Sticking to a well-planed diet and exercise help you. You need patience and discipline for them.
Can medications help? For some, yes. They might be helpful to lose extra weight. This requires close medical supervision.
At the end of the day, the right option depends on your needs, lifestyle, and what feels right for you!
| Alternative |
Info |
| Gastric bypass |
Permanent surgery to reduce stomach size |
| Gastric sleeve |
Removes part of the stomach surgically |
| Diet and exercise |
Natural and gradual weight loss method |
| Weight loss medications |
Prescription drugs to aid weight loss |
| Endoscopic procedures |
Non-surgical stomach size reduction |
| Behavioral therapy |
Focuses on changing eating habits |
Gastric sleeve surgery vs. Gastric balloon procedure: What is the differences?
A gastric balloon is a minimally invasive, temporary weight loss solution where a balloon is placed in the stomach to limit food intake. It is quick (20-30 minutes) and does not require surgery, making it ideal for those looking for a short-term option. However, since the balloon is removed after 6-12 months, it is less effective for long-term weight loss.
Gastric sleeve is a permanent surgical procedure in which a large part of the stomach is removed, significantly reducing food intake. In sleeve gastrectomy, part of your stomach is removed about 70 to 80 per cent. The size and capacity of your remaining stomach is reduced, your stomach is narrower and around the shape and size of a banana. The amount of food you consume at a time is naturally reduced, allowing you to keep your hunger under control. It provides long-term weight loss and is often a permanent treatment for obesity-related health problems such as diabetes.
However, it involves a surgical procedure that requires a longer recovery period and carries risks such as leakage or vitamin deficiency. It is ideal for those with a BMI over 40 or those looking for a permanent solution to obesity. Sleeve gastrectomy usually results in a loss of 25 to 30 per cent of your body weight from the beginning of the procedure, and 50 per cent of your weight for the overweight. Some people lose less weight, while others lose more weight if they are overweight. The procedure is irreversible, which can be a disadvantage for those who are hesitant about permanent body changes.
Read More: Gastric Sleeve Surgery Istanbul, Turkey
How you prepare gastric balloon procedure?
Getting ready for a gastric balloon procedure is simpler than you might think. There’s no need to stress! It’s not surgery, so the preparation is pretty straightforward. Your doctor will guide you through everything step by step, making sure you feel confident and ready. You’ll have a consultation where your medical history and goals are discussed, and a few simple instructions will follow! Nothing overwhelming! It’s all about setting you up for success before, during, and after the procedure.
During the procedure
Preparing for and undergoing a gastric balloon procedure is simple and straightforward. Here’s a quick look at the key steps before and during the process!
| What are steps? |
Details |
| Pre-procedure |
|
| Consultation and evaluation |
Discuss your medical history and weight loss goals |
| Pre-procedure tests |
Blood tests to check if you are ready for the procedure |
| Light diet preparation |
You should avoid heavy, fatty, or spicy foods |
| Fasting |
Don’t eat food or drink for 6-8 hours before |
| Medication adjustments |
Pause or adjust certain medications. Ask your surgeon |
| Stay hydrated and rest |
Drink water and get a good night’s sleep |
| During the procedure |
|
| Sedation or numbing |
You will receive mild sedation or throat numbing spray |
| Balloon placement |
Guided with an endoscope into the stomach |
| Balloon inflation |
Balloon is filled with sterile saline or air |
| Quick procedure |
Procedure is completed in 20-30 minutes |
After the procedure
After the procedure, your body will need some time to adjust, but don’t worry! It’s a straightforward process! what to expect and how to take care of yourself?
| After the procedure |
Info |
| Post-procedure rest |
Your health team will monitor you briefly before going home |
| Rest and recovery |
Manage nausea or discomfort in the first days |
| Start with liquids |
Stick to water, soups, or teas. It is important! |
| Add soft foods slowly |
Introduce soft foods after a few days. Your surgeon will give info. |
| Stay hydrated |
Drink plenty of water, avoid fizzy drinks |
| Eat smaller portions |
Listen to your body and avoid overeating. Control yourself! |
| Follow-up appointments |
Regular check-ups are essential to monitor progress |
| Build healthy habits |
Focus on balanced meals and exercise |
| Manage nausea |
Use prescribed medication if needed. |
| Avoid alcohol and smoking |
Prevent stomach irritation. |
| Prepare for removal |
Balloon removed after six months |
What does the gastric balloon operation involve?
The procedure involves two simple steps: placing the balloon and removing it. Both steps are quick, easy, and come with minimal risk. So, how exactly is this straightforward procedure done? Let’s take a closer look!
What happens during the gastric balloon procedure?
The bariatric balloon procedure is simple and doesn’t take long. Mild sedation or a numbing spray for your throat is first stages an essential. No worry! You won’t feel any discomfort during the treatment. Your surgeon will gently insert a thin tube through your mouth into your stomach. This is done by help of an endoscope.
Once the balloon reached stomach, your doctor will inflate with sterile saline or air to the right size. Enlarged balloon creates the feeling of fullness. The whole process is very quick and usually completed in about 20-30 minutes. After a short monitoring period to ensure everything went smoothly, you will be ready to head home the same day.
How is the gastric balloon removed?
Removing the weight loss balloon is also a straightforward and quick process. Mild sedation or a numbing spray is essential again. It keeps you relaxed and comfortable. The doctor deflates the balloon using thin tube. Once it is completely empty, he carefully pull out swallowable gastric balloon through your mouth. Endoscope is key tool for this. You won’t feel discomfort during the procedure. Time is the same! About 20 minutes. After a short monitoring period, you’re free to go home and continue your journey!
Recovery from the gastric balloon procedure
Recover period of gastric balloon is simple. It doesn’t take long seen in other surgeries. You will just need a few days to adjust. Then you will return to back to your usual routine. But with some new habits to build on!
How soon will I recover from the gastric balloon procedure?
Recovery is pretty quick! Some nausea or discomfort for the first couple of days are normal. Many people feel these symptoms. Is it unbearable? Not at all. You are getting used to the balloon. Like adjusting to a new pair of shoes. By the end of the week, you’ll likely feel normal again and ready to start introducing soft foods. Within a few days, you will be back to light activities, and soon after, your routine will feel much smoother!
Losing weight with a gastric balloon
Gastric balloon is really a popular choice because it is simple, non-surgical, and effective! The balloon weight loss helps you feel full faster. So you naturally eat less and develop healthier habits. For many people, the procedure is a great option for long-term weight loss without the risks.
On average, you will lose around 10-15% of your total body weight within six months. Don’t forgot! The results of procedure also depend on your commitment to diet and exercise!
In recent years, gastric balloon has become one of the go-to non-surgical options for weight loss, especially in regions like Europe and the Middle East. Obesity rates are rising there.
But! It is not a magic fix,. It is good and effective way to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle. With the right mindset and follow-up care, it’s helped countless people achieve their weight loss goals!
How much does a gastric balloon cost?
| Country |
Average Cost (£) |
| Gastric balloon UK price |
4,300 – 6,880 |
| United States |
5,160 – 7,740 |
| Germany |
3,870 – 6,450 |
| Turkey |
1,720 – 3,010 |
| France |
3,440 – 5,590 |
| Spain |
3,010 – 4,730 |
The gastric balloon turkey cost depends on several factors. Clinic’s reputation, the surgeon’s expertise, the type of balloon used, and whether aftercare services like dietician support. Gastric balloon turkey prices are more affordable due to lower operating costs, making it a popular choice for medical tourism.
If you’d like to know the exact weight loss balloon price and consultation, feel free to contact us for detailed information!
FAQ
Will I gain weight once the balloon is removed?
Whether you gain weight after the balloon is removed depends on your habits! If you stick to the healthy eating, less eating and exercise routines, you can maintain your gastric balloon results. Ultimately, success cannot come only with gastric balloon treatment!
When weight-loss procedures don’t work, are there any alternatives to gastric balloons?
As we mentioned earlier, there are alternatives if weight-loss procedures or stomach ballooning is not the right fit for you. Common options are gastric bypass or sleeve surgery for more permanent solutions, or weight-loss medications. Diet and exercise are also options.
Gastric balloon side effects and complications
Like any procedure, intragastric balloon can have some gastric balloon side effects, especially in the first few days. Common symptoms are nausea, discomfort, or bloating. Serious complications are rare but can include balloon deflation or irritation in the stomach. Most issues are manageable.
