Intragastric Balloon

Gastric balloons are balloon-like objects that are placed into the stomach using various methods. The purpose of gastric balloons is to reduce stomach capacity by taking up space in the stomach and in that way to take less food. The goal is to lose weight by taking fewer calories. In addition to the volume effect the balloon creates, that is, the effect of eating less, the effect of touching the stomach wall causes a partial decrease in the level of the hunger hormone- ghrelin. Decreased hunger hormone level leads to less food and energy intake.

The most effective weight loss period with the balloons placed in the stomach is the first three months. In order to increase the effectiveness of the balloon procedure during and after this period, physical exercise, daily physical activity and following the dietary guidelines are required.

There are two application methods of gastric balloon procedure:

1- Balloons placed via endoscopy

2- Swallowable balloons

Balloons placed via endoscopy are left in place for six months or one year. During the application of the balloon, the patient is under anesthesia. The balloon is placed into the patient's stomach and inflated using endoscopy. The patient is woken up after the operation and released from the hospital a few hours later. When it is time to remove the balloon, the patient is hospitalized, and the balloon is removed under anesthesia again.