Gastric Balloon in İstanbul, Turkey

An innovative breakthrough in the field of obesity treatment, the ingestible gastric balloon is a method that can be applied without the need for surgical intervention. This balloon, easily swallowable by patients, spontaneously expands in the stomach, creating a feeling of fullness. As a result, the effectiveness of diet and exercise programs is enhanced, and the weight loss process accelerates. After a usage period of four months, the balloon is safely and naturally expelled from the body. With a low-risk profile, this treatment stands out as a new page in the fight against obesity, offering a comfortable and effective alternative for patients.

What you need to know about the gastric balloon
Definition	The gastric balloon is a soft balloon placed and inflated inside the stomach. This balloon reduces the stomach’s capacity, creating a feeling of fullness and supporting weight loss.
Indications	BMI ≥ 30 and people who cannot lose weight with diet and exercise; BMI ≥ 27 and people with health problems related to obesity.
Procedure	It is placed in the stomach orally using an endoscopic method and inflated with a saline solution or air.
Type of Anesthesia	Light sedation or general anesthesia.
Duration of the Procedure	Approximately 20-30 minutes.
Success Rate	Loss of 10-15% of body weight in 6 months.
Risks and Complications	Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gastric ulcer, deflation or displacement of the balloon.
Recovery Time	Return to normal activities within a few days after the procedure.
Advantages	It is a non-surgical method, applied endoscopically, and is reversible.
Alternative Treatments	Gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding.
Follow-up and Monitoring	The balloon remains in the stomach for 6 months, during which regular doctor check-ups and dietitian support are provided. At the end of 6 months, the balloon is removed.

What is a Gastric Balloon?

An ingestible gastric balloon presents an innovative approach to combating obesity. According to Seung Han Kim, this method is applied by swallowing a capsule with water, eliminating the need for a surgical procedure. Once placed inside the stomach, the balloon expands, creating a sensation of fullness with less food. This process enables patients to consume less and adopt healthier eating habits. Additionally, the gastric balloon slows down the passage of nutrients through the stomach, helping to control appetite.

Features of the Balloon:

Does not require surgical intervention.
Easily swallowed in capsule form.
Expands in the stomach to create a feeling of fullness.

This application offers a less invasive alternative compared to traditional gastric balloons. Unlike conventional methods that require endoscopic procedures, the ‘pill balloon’ is a less risky and more comfortable treatment method. Highly practical to use, this balloon attracts attention as an effective and reliable solution in the treatment of obesity. As a result, patients can achieve significant benefits both physically and aesthetically.

Advantages of Gastric Balloon

The gastric balloon stands out as an innovative method in the treatment of obesity. This method is part of a process that does not require anesthesia or surgical intervention. Placed easily into the stomach, the balloon allows the patient to continue their normal life while highlighting the following advantages:

Does not require anesthesia and surgical intervention: This means less risk and discomfort for patients.
The balloon is naturally expelled from the body when its function is complete: This process enhances patient comfort.
No hospitalization is required: This allows patients to undergo treatment without disrupting their daily lives.
The risk of complications is very low: Making it a safe treatment method for patients.

The gastric balloon, with these advantages, plays a significant role in the treatment of obesity, providing a comfortable and effective solution for patients.

Who Is Suitable for Gastric Balloon?

The ingestible gastric balloon is a suitable treatment method for individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 who are overweight. It is recommended for those with a body mass index of 27 and above, providing support for long-term weight loss. This method offers an effective alternative, especially in preventing health issues such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. The ingestible gastric balloon is an application that does not require hospitalization. This is a significant advantage compared to traditional gastric balloons and surgical options. Considering the recovery time after surgical intervention and potential complications, the ingestible gastric balloon involves lower risks.

Ideal for individuals aged 18-65.
Recommended for those with a body mass index of 27 and above.
Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Does not require hospitalization, making it more comfortable.
Involves lower risks compared to surgical options.

Who Is Not Suitable for Gastric Balloon?

The gastric balloon application may not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions. Firstly, women during pregnancy or lactation should avoid this procedure. The extra stress on the body during these periods can increase the risks of gastric balloon application. Additionally, individuals with a history of cancer or gastrointestinal bleeding are not recommended for this treatment. These conditions may hinder the safe use of a gastric balloon. Individuals experiencing difficulty swallowing should also avoid this treatment, as swallowing issues can lead to complications during the placement of the balloon.

How Is Gastric Balloon Applied?

The application of the ingestible gastric balloon stands out as a new solution in the treatment of obesity. This procedure, lasting 20 minutes and supervised by a specialist physician in a hospital setting, involves the following steps. First, a capsule swallowed with water by the patients reaches the stomach. Then, this capsule transforms into a balloon shape by being inflated with 550 ml of water in the stomach. When the balloon expansion process is completed, the treatment process ends. X-ray control is performed to confirm that the procedure is completed correctly. This method proceeds smoothly for most patients.

Additional support can be provided for patients struggling with the balloon swallowing process.

This treatment method provides an effective alternative in the fight against obesity by offering minimally invasive options for patients.

Post-Gastric Balloon Process

Following the ingestible gastric balloon treatment, most patients return to their daily lives shortly. During this process, some considerations should be taken into account:

Nausea or side effects such as cramps in the abdominal area may occur after the placement of the gastric balloon.
Rare cases of vomiting have also been reported.
Conditions such as gastritis, ulcers, and reflux may arise depending on the treatment.

Such side effects are effectively controlled with medications prescribed by specialist physicians. Medications are carefully selected to ensure patient comfort and minimize side effects. Regular check-ups during the treatment process and adherence to doctor’s recommendations are critically important in minimizing potential risks. While the gastric balloon stands out as an innovative and effective method in the treatment of obesity, it is crucial for patients to undergo this process under the supervision of a specialist physician.

Nutrition After Gastric Balloon

The nutrition process is crucial for patients after the gastric balloon application. It starts with a liquid diet for the first two days, during which water and liquid foods are preferred. Patients should pay attention to adequate fluid intake during this period to reduce the risk of dehydration. In addition, it is recommended that the consumed liquids be warm and consumed slowly to prevent potential discomfort.

Among the liquids are:

Fruit juice
Herbal teas
Clear tea
Yogurt
Lactose-free milk
Protein supplements
Creamed soups without chunks

In the second stage, a soft diet is introduced. During this period, a nutrition plan is created under the guidance of a dietitian, depending on the patient’s condition.

Elements of a soft diet include:

Vegetable and fruit purees
Whole grains
Eggs
Cheese
Olives
Meat
Fish
Chicken

It is important for meals to be in small portions and well-cooked during this process. Eating meals slowly and carefully helps the digestive system adapt to this new regimen. By paying attention to these details, patients can make a healthy transition to their normal diets.

Patient Reviews and Experiences

Dr. Uğur Bulut is one the best general surgeon in Turkey. He has 6 reviews on Google and 12 bariatric patient experience on Trustpilot. Average of patient reviews who got surgery in Turkey from Dr. Ugur Bulut is 5/5.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Affects Gastric Balloon Prices?

The design and material of the balloon itself vary, with different types potentially carrying different prices. Moreover, the expertise and qualifications of the surgeon, along with the facility fees of the hospital or surgical center, significantly affect the overall expense.

Additionally, anesthesia costs hinge on the type chosen and the fees of the anesthesiologist. Pre- and post-operative care, which may include consultations, tests, and nutritional counseling, also contribute to the cost.

These services might be bundled together or charged separately. Furthermore, the geographic location plays a role as areas with higher costs of living typically have more expensive healthcare services.

Lastly, insurance coverage varies with some plans possibly covering the procedure partially or fully, impacting out-of-pocket expenses for the patient. Therefore, understanding these elements is crucial for anyone considering this procedure.

Why is Gastric Balloon Surgery Cheaper in Turkey Than in the UK?

Gastric balloon surgery is more affordable in Turkey primarily due to the country’s lower operational costs. The overall cost of living in Turkey is cheaper, resulting in lower salaries for medical staff and reduced expenses for utilities and facility maintenance.

Furthermore, the Turkish government supports medical tourism, which includes streamlined operations and potential tax breaks for medical facilities. These initiatives help lower the costs of treatments.

Additionally, the competitive healthcare market in Turkey encourages clinics to offer attractive pricing to draw in international patients.

Therefore, the combination of governmental support, lower living costs, and competitive pricing strategies contributes to the lower costs of gastric balloon surgery in Turkey compared to the UK.

What Should Be Considered Before Gastric Balloon Application?

Before the gastric balloon application, it is important for patients to take certain precautions to make the procedure more effective and safe. These precautions include adhering to the fasting periods recommended by the doctor, undergoing necessary blood tests and examinations, sharing medication use with the doctor, and avoiding negative influences such as alcohol and smoking. Additionally, the patient should be provided with detailed information about expectations and risks related to the procedure.

What Are the Risks of Gastric Balloon?

While the gastric balloon is generally a safe procedure, it may involve some risks. These risks include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, infection, balloon rupture or leakage, damage to the inner surface of the stomach, and early removal of the balloon. Therefore, healthcare professionals performing the procedure should assess the patient’s specific risks and take appropriate precautions.

How Long Does Gastric Balloon Take?

The duration of gastric balloon application generally ranges from 20 to 30 minutes. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia or light sedation, and the patient remains conscious. Therefore, patients can typically return to their normal daily activities within a few hours after the procedure.

Who Are Suitable Candidates for Gastric Balloon?

Suitable candidates for the gastric balloon are generally individuals who are overweight or obese. However, before the procedure, doctors assess factors such as the patient’s overall health, weight history, and other relevant factors to determine suitability. Conditions such as pregnancy, stomach, or intestinal problems are among the factors that need to be evaluated for eligibility for the gastric balloon.

When Are the Results of Gastric Balloon Seen?

The results of the gastric balloon can vary depending on a person’s body structure, age, and lifestyle. However, weight loss is typically observed within the first few weeks after the procedure. Alongside the gastric balloon, making diet and lifestyle changes can enhance success. Complete results may become apparent within a few months after the removal of the balloon.