Gastric Balloon

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Overview of Gastric Balloon
Anesthesia
General
Duration
30 Minutes
Hospital Stay
Multiple Hours
Work Leave
1 Week
Complete Recovery
1 Week
Nutrition
For 4 Weeks
10-15%

Intro To Gastric Balloon

Let’s introduce you to the simplest way to lose weight: a gastric balloon! If you’re seeking a nonsurgical and nonpharmaceutical method to help you reach an ideal weight, a gastric balloon might be the one you’re looking for!
A gastric or stomach balloon is a small, silicon-made device that your doctor can place easily in your stomach to occupy more space, which makes you feel fuller and decreases your appetite for food.
Doctors can use one of 6 different types of gastric balloons, including Orbera IGB, Heliosphere, Spatz3®, ReShape, Obalon®, and Elipse balloons. Some of these balloons are swallowable pills and don’t require anesthesia.

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Benefits of Gastric Balloon

The demand for gastric balloons is noticeably increasing among people, especially those who seek simple and less risker obesity solutions. In short, you may receive the following benefits if you decide to try one of the gastric balloon technologies:

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  • 1
    Lose between 20-30% of your body weight within a couple of months!
  • 2
    Enjoy a temporary, noninvasive obesity solution with fewer risks and smoother recovery.
  • 3
    Avoid obesity-related health issues that can have harmful effects on your health.
  • 4
    Make it easier for you to follow a new healthy lifestyle and dietary habits.
  • 5
    Prepare yourself and your body for future obesity surgeries, if needed.
  • 6
    Feel safe and in your comfort zone as your doctor can remove the balloon anytime if things go wrong.
  • 7
    Enjoy a cheaper obesity solution compared to other costly invasive surgeries.
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    Candidates for Gastric Balloon

    Gastric balloons are a good option for people aged between 18- 60 years old. Also, it may be good for you if you’re:

    • Having a BMI of 30-39 and aren’t suitable for other obesity surgeries.
    • Tried other alternative obesity treatments, but with no success.
    • Physically healthy and don’t suffer from any digestive issues, such as stomach ulcers.
    • Not expecting to get pregnant in the next year or so.
    • Not substance abuser or alcohol addict.
    9bbbc350fe9b4a0fcf1c5df1341d78e1 Gastric Balloon
    38fb591e3f13f99fb2fcfe5e269b6321 Gastric Balloon

    Preparation for Gastric Balloon

    Not all doctors can deal with gastric balloon technologies; therefore, you need first to find a good doctor who has the right credentials and experience or contact a respected clinic that offers such treatment. Your doctor may prepare you for this procedure by doing the following:
    • Perform physical examination and ask for additional lab tests to check everything is ok.
    • Provide you with dietary guidelines, which include eating only soft foods in the 2 days before the procedure and stopping eating entirely before 12 hours of the procedure.
    • Ask you to make the right arrangements, including taking some time off work and asking someone to give you a ride to your home after the procedure.

    Steps of Gastric Balloon

    The system of a gastric balloon usually consists of an insertion tube, a filling system, and an extensible balloon. The procedure only lasts for 15-20 minutes and is commonly done in an outpatient facility with minimal anesthesia or sedation. The procedure’s steps are as follows:

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    1. Balloon Insertion

    Your doctor is going to insert the gastric balloon through your mouth. They usually use an endoscope with a light and camera to monitor the process.

    1f59af38b51b066129a584c5f0c936df Gastric Balloon
    2. Balloon Filling

    Next, your doctor will use a small catheter to fill or inflate the balloon with sterile saline.

    e057947b6f20f31ba43b775b683c91ab Gastric Balloon
    3. Balloon Removal

    Finally, after nearly 6 months, your doctor will remove the balloon endoscopically and end the treatment.

    Nonetheless, the gastric “pill” balloon has much simpler steps. In fact, if you choose this option, all you need to do is to swallow the pill and your doctor will inflate it with fluid or gas. This option doesn’t require anesthesia or endoscopy, and your body will spontaneously expel the balloon after 6 months.  

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    Recovery After Gastric Balloon

    The recovery phase after getting the gastric balloon usually goes smooth without trouble, and may include the following:

    • You can return home the same day and resume your usual activities without problems.
    • You can return to work after 1-2 days of the procedure if you feel ok without any discomfort.
    • Expect to feel some nausea, but this often fades away after a day or two.
    • Drink only liquids and progress to soft food and solid food in the first few weeks after the procedure.
    • After six months, your doctor removes the balloon in the same way it was placed, via your mouth.

    Risks of Gastric Balloon

    Gastric balloon usually brings positive impacts and rarely can cause side effects. In any case, some people may indeed encounter certain problems, especially during the insertion of the balloon. The risks and complications include:

    • Damage to teeth or orthodontics (braces)
    • Stomach or esophagus perforation
    • Breathing difficulties
    • Abnormal heartbeat
    • Intestine blockage
    • Heartburn (acid reflux)
    • Bloating, diarrhea, or constipation
    • Unfunctional balloon
    • Allergic reactions
    • Bleeding

    How Can International Clinics Help You?

    International Clinics helps international patients access affordable, high-quality medical and aesthetic procedures in Turkey.
    Our team of consultants is here to answer your questions and provide guidance throughout your treatment journey.
    Our partner hospitals and clinics have successfully performed thousands of procedures for patients from Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East.
    Use the contact forms on our website to request a free consultation with our team. We’re ready to help you get the care you need.

    woman cta Gastric Balloon
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    Frequently Asked Questions

    – Nausea
    – Vomiting
    – Diarrhea
    – Stomach ache

    The gastric balloon procedure has proven its efficiency in losing weight and reducing the feeling of hunger, in addition to reducing the amount of consumed food.

    The benefit of the gastric balloon is not only limited to weight loss; indeed, it also can help reduce the risk of other health problems , such as:
    – Heart disease
    – High blood pressure
    – Type 2 diabetes

    – A deflated gastric balloon is inserted through the esophagus into your stomach.
    – Then the balloon is injected with saline until it becomes full.
    – The whole process takes about 20-30 minutes.

    After gastric balloon surgery, patients should focus on the following:
    – Eat slowly.
    – Have a meal schedule.
    – Choose nutritious foods, such as vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish.
    – Avoid fast food and soft drinks.

    Seamless Treatment Journey

    In addition to helping you find the medical treatment you’re seeking in Turkey, International Clinics also provides a range of supportive services to ensure comfort and safety, including:
    Reception & Transportation
    We have allocated modern VIP cars to receive you at the airport and to transport you during your visits between the hotel and the hospital.
    Medical Translator
    The translation team will be always at your service to make your communication easier.
    Professional Team
    A medical advisor will ensure an appropriate and comfortable treatment plan that meets all your needs.
    Premium Hospitality
    Accommodation will not be a problem at all, because our team will help you in booking the most suitable place during your stay in Turkey.
    High Quality Service
    The quality team communicates with customers after surgeries and procedures to ensure that they are satisfied with all the services they have received.
    Group 2675 Gastric Balloon
    Reception & Transportation
    We have allocated modern VIP cars to receive you at the airport and to transport you during your visits between the hotel and the hospital.
    Group 2678 Gastric Balloon
    Medical Translator
    The translation team will be always at your service to make your communication easier.
    Group 2676 Gastric Balloon
    Professional Team
    A medical advisor will ensure an appropriate and comfortable treatment plan that meets all your needs.
    Group 2677 Gastric Balloon
    Premium Hospitality
    Accommodation will not be a problem at all, because our team will help you in booking the most suitable place during your stay in Turkey.
    Group 2674 Gastric Balloon
    High Quality Service
    The quality team communicates with customers after surgeries and procedures to ensure that they are satisfied with all the services they have received.
    contact image Gastric Balloon
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      What Is a Gastric Balloon?

      Let’s introduce you to the simplest way to lose weight: gastric balloon! If you’re seeking a nonsurgical and nonpharmaceutical method to help you reach an ideal weight, a gastric balloon might be the one you’re looking for!

      A gastric or stomach balloon, also known as an intragastric balloon, is a small, silicon-made device that your doctor can place easily in your stomach to occupy more space, which makes you feel fuller and decreases your appetite for food.

      Doctors can use one of 6 different types of gastric balloons, including Orbera IGB, Heliosphere, Spatz3®, ReShape, Obalon®, and Elipse balloons. Some of these balloons are swallowable pills and don’t require anesthesia. Click here to learn more about swallowable gastric pill balloons.

      How Does a Gastric Balloon Work?

      The working mechanism of a gastric balloon is simple and straightforward.

      Once the balloon is inserted inside the body, it fills less than half of the stomach, which slows the passage of food and helps you feel full after smaller meals.

      During this time, a dietitian will work with you to develop a personalized diet and exercise plan. They may also advise you to keep a food diary to track progress.

      Furthermore, you will receive six months of guidance and behavioral therapy to help maintain lifestyle changes after the balloon is removed.

      Why It’s Done?

      The demand for the gastric balloon is noticeably increasing among people especially those who seek simple and less risky obesity solutions. In short, you may receive the following benefits if you decide to try one of the gastric balloon technologies:

       Candidates for Gastric Balloon

      Gastric balloons are a good option for people aged between 18- 60 years old. Also, it may be good for you if you:

      Preparation for Gastric Balloon

      Not all doctors can deal with gastric balloon technologies; therefore, you need first to find a good doctor who has the right credentials and experience or contact a respected clinic that offers such treatment. Your doctor may prepare you for this procedure by doing the following:

      Steps of Gastric Balloon

      The system of a gastric balloon usually consists of an insertion tube, a filling system, and an extensible balloon. The procedure only lasts for 15-20 minutes and is commonly done in an outpatient facility with minimal anesthesia or sedation. The procedure’s steps are as follows:

      Balloon Insertion

      Your doctor is going to insert the gastric balloon through your mouth. They usually use an endoscope with light and a camera to monitor the process.

      Balloon Filling

      Next, your doctor will use a small catheter to fill or inflate the balloon with sterile saline.

      Balloon Removal

      Finally, after nearly 6 months, your doctor will remove the balloon endoscopically and end the treatment.

      Nonetheless, the gastric “pill” balloon has much simpler steps. In fact, if you choose this option, all you need to do is to swallow the pill and your doctor will inflate it with fluid or gas. This option doesn’t require anesthesia or endoscopy, and your body will spontaneously expel the balloon after 6 months. 

      Recovery After Gastric Balloon

      The recovery phase after getting the gastric balloon usually goes smoothly without troubles and may include the following:

      Gastric Balloon Removal

      The removal procedure is usually similar to the placement procedure and is often short and seamless. The process starts with balloon deflation. This is done through the use of a catheter that the surgeon will insert through your mouth and into your stomach.

      The balloon is then punctured and deflated before it’s carefully grasped and removed through the mouth using an endoscopic tube. Expectedly, once the gastric balloon is removed, your stomach will return to its normal size and shape.

      Results of Gastric Balloon

      The intragastric balloon or gastric balloon can lead to weight loss by making you feel fuller faster and changing the hormones that regulate appetite inside your body.

      The amount of weight loss achieved depends on changes in diet and exercise habits after trying the gastric balloon. Typically, weight loss ranges from 7% to 15% of body weight in the six months following the placement of the balloon.

      However, a gastric balloon is a temporary weight loss solution that can help you lose weight quickly, particularly during the first few months after the procedure. For the first two weeks following insertion, a liquid diet is necessary, and then you can gradually transition to regular food.

      Besides weight loss results, the gastric balloon may also help improve or resolve various health conditions associated with being overweight, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint pain, and other similar problems.

      The balloon may be part of a broader approach to weight loss, which may include additional support from therapists to establish healthy habits and prevent regaining weight after the balloon is removed.

      Risks of Gastric Balloon

      Gastric balloon usually brings positive impacts and rarely can cause side effects. In any case, some people may indeed encounter certain problems, especially during the insertion of the balloon. The risks and complications include:

      Types of Gastric Balloon

      There are three main types of gastric or intragastric balloons:

      Endoscopic Gastric Balloon

      Typically, endoscopy is necessary for placement or removal of gastric balloons, which are often inserted for a period of six to twelve months. Prolonged placement of the device beyond this time frame can pose risks such as damage to the tissue wall or degradation of the balloon. Hence, nutritional counseling and support are usually provided alongside the use of the balloon.

       Non-Endoscopic Gastric Balloon

      Non-endoscopic gastric balloons offer a less invasive and promising alternative to traditional endoscopic balloons, which require endoscopy for placement or removal. Allurion’s Elipse gastric balloon, the world’s first swallowable balloon, gained approval in 2015. The good thing about these balloons is that they don’t require surgery or endoscopy for placement or removal, except in rare cases.

      Adjustable Intragastric Balloon

      Some gastric balloons can be adjusted to increase or decrease their size. Doctors consider this type a great alternative to solve the limitations of non-adjustable balloons, which have been used for weight loss for 30 years. In fact, adjustable balloons have higher success rates compared to non-adjustable balloons.

      Are There Any Alternatives to a Gastric Balloon?

      Although the gastric balloon is simple and cheaper than other obesity treatments, many people remain reluctant or hesitant and prefer other effective options to combat obesity and get quicker, permanent results.

      Thankfully, there are several surgical options available for those seeking alternatives to a gastric balloon, such as gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and BriClip. If you prefer simpler, cost-free, and noninvasive approaches, a healthy diet and exercise might be enough, but you need to have enough time and motivation to reach your weight loss goals if you choose these methods.

      Cost and Availability of Gastric Balloon

      Luckily, gastric balloons are available and approved in many countries around the world, including Turkey, Mexico, Australia, and many Asian countries too. The cost of these balloons is significantly below the cost of surgical obesity treatments such as a gastric sleeve.

      In Turkey, the cost of a gastric balloon ranges from 2200-2800 US dollars, depending on the surgeon fees, the type of the balloon, and the expected period in which the balloon will stay in the stomach (from 6 months to 1 year). In the United States, the cost may go up to 8000 US dollars, while in Europe the cost may go up to 4000 US dollars.

      How International Clinics Can Help You?

      International Clinics offers special packages for international patients who seek cheap and safe gastric balloons in Turkey. If you are concerned about your weight and still looking for weight loss solutions, we’re here to help you and answer all your questions.

      Our doctors and medical personnel have provided gastric balloons to thousands of happy women and men from Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

      Use the Contact Us button below to get a free medical consultation right now! 

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Silicon is safe according to many studies. In fact, there is no evidence to suggest that the use of gastric balloons increases the risk of developing diseases such as cancer and arthritis.

      After the removal of the gastric balloon, the stomach returns to its original shape and size, which means that you can eat larger portions again. Therefore, you must establish and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to sustain the effects of the balloon. Otherwise, you may gain weight again.

      Following the insertion of the gastric balloon, a liquid diet will be recommended for the first three days, which will then be followed by a soft food diet until day ten. After that, you can resume normal textured foods.

      You need to sleep on your back or side to help the natural digestive processes of the body while you are at rest. Once you have adapted to the balloon, you can resume normal sleeping habits after the first few weeks.

      The gastric balloon isn’t painful. However, about one-third of patients report discomfort and mild pain in the first few days following the procedure.

      Gastric balloons do really work in most cases. In fact, it can help people lose around 10% of their excess weight in the first 6 months after placement of the balloon.

      After the insertion of the balloon, you can typically go home the same day unless you experience any adverse reactions. In the first few weeks, you’ll be limited to liquids before gradually transitioning to soft and then solid foods.

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