What is a Gastric Balloon and How Does It Work?
A gastric balloon is a non-surgical method used in the treatment of obesity. It is a soft, expandable silicone balloon. It is inserted into the stomach through an endoscopic procedure, after which it is inflated with sterile saline solution or air. This balloon occupies space in the stomach, thereby creating a feeling of fullness more quickly. By reducing the empty space in the stomach, the person eats less and starts to be satisfied with smaller portions. Thus, daily calorie intake automatically decreases and the weight loss process begins.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for a Gastric Balloon?
The gastric balloon procedure is generally recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher, who are not suitable for surgical operations or who prefer a non-surgical intervention. This method is particularly suitable for people who need to lose a significant amount of weight within a certain period but have difficulty adapting to lifestyle changes and diet programs. Individuals with obesity-related health problems such as diabetes and hypertension can also choose this method under the supervision of a doctor.
How is a Gastric Balloon Inserted?
The gastric balloon insertion procedure is performed in an endoscopy unit, usually under light sedation. The deflated balloon is lowered into the stomach through an endoscope placed in the patient’s throat. Once the balloon reaches the stomach, a tube within the endoscope is used to fill the balloon with sterile liquid or air, inflating it. After the inflation is complete, the tube is withdrawn, and the balloon remains freely in the stomach. The entire procedure takes an average of 15-20 minutes and does not require hospitalization.
Is a Gastric Balloon Procedure a Surgery?
No, the gastric balloon procedure is not a surgery. There is no surgical incision, and no permanent changes are made to the body. Therefore, it is a minimally invasive procedure that does not carry the risks of surgery. Since the gastric balloon is inserted and removed endoscopically, it does not require general anesthesia, and the recovery process is much faster. This feature provides a significant advantage for patients who are hesitant about surgical operations or whose health condition is not suitable for surgery.
What are the Advantages of a Gastric Balloon?
The biggest advantage of the gastric balloon procedure is that it is not a surgical intervention. This eliminates factors such as surgical risks, long recovery times, and general anesthesia. Additionally, the gastric balloon is a reversible method; meaning the balloon can be removed after the procedure, and the stomach returns to its original state. The gastric balloon serves as a “support” to help the individual gain portion control and healthy eating habits.
Is the Gastric Balloon Insertion Painful?
During the gastric balloon insertion procedure, the patient is usually under sedation, so they do not feel any pain or discomfort. After the procedure, mild side effects such as cramps, nausea, or heartburn may occur for a few days due to the placement of the gastric balloon. These symptoms usually subside on their own within a few days and can be managed with medication prescribed by the doctor.
How Much Weight Can Be Lost with a Gastric Balloon?
The amount of weight that can be lost after a gastric balloon procedure varies from person to person. Generally, patients can lose 10% to 15% of their initial weight during the time the balloon remains in the stomach. However, this rate depends on the individual’s lifestyle changes, regular exercise, and compliance with a dietitian’s nutritional plan. The best results are obtained in cases where the gastric balloon is used as a tool to acquire permanent habits.
What are the Side Effects of a Gastric Balloon?
The most common side effects of the gastric balloon procedure are nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps that occur within the first few days after the procedure. These symptoms are caused by the stomach trying to get used to the balloon and usually resolve on their own within a few days. Rarely, more serious complications such as a balloon leak or a burst balloon may occur. Such situations may require the removal of the balloon from the stomach.
Is the Gastric Balloon Removal Painful?
The gastric balloon removal procedure, like the insertion procedure, is performed under sedation and endoscopically. Therefore, no pain is felt during the procedure. The balloon is deflated inside the stomach with the help of an endoscope, and the liquid or air inside is emptied. Then, the deflated balloon is withdrawn from the mouth, again with the help of an endoscope. The removal procedure also takes about 15-20 minutes, and the patient can be discharged on the same day.
Can a Gastric Balloon Burst?
Yes, although very rarely, a gastric balloon can burst or leak. The balloons used today are quite durable, but this risk still exists. If the balloon bursts, the color of the sterile liquid inside may turn the urine blue or green. This is an indicator that the balloon has burst, and a doctor should be consulted immediately. Therefore, it is important for patients to be careful about such changes after the balloon is inserted.
How Long Does a Gastric Balloon Stay in the Stomach?
A gastric balloon is generally designed to remain in the stomach for a specific period. This period can be 6 months or 12 months, depending on the type of balloon. After this period expires, it is mandatory to remove the balloon. The balloon remaining in the stomach for a longer period can lead to serious complications. Therefore, it must be removed under a doctor’s supervision at the end of the specified period.
Is it Possible to Regain Weight After the Balloon is Removed?
Regaining weight after the gastric balloon is removed is a common situation. The most important reason for this is the loss of the physical support provided by the balloon and the return to old eating habits. Therefore, it is vital to make the healthy eating and exercise habits gained while the gastric balloon was in place permanent. The gastric balloon is just a starting point; permanent success depends on how committed the individual is to lifestyle change.
Is the Gastric Balloon Procedure Covered by Social Security?
In Turkey, the gastric balloon procedure is generally not covered by the social security institution (SGK). The gastric balloon is considered a cosmetic and lifestyle-related procedure. However, some private insurance companies may partially or fully cover such treatments depending on the policy coverage. Therefore, it is useful to contact your insurance company for information on this matter.
What Should the Nutrition Be Like After a Gastric Balloon?
After the gastric balloon is inserted, the patient is fed with liquid foods for the first few days. Then, they transition to pureed and soft foods. After the balloon is fully settled in the stomach, they gradually return to solid foods. The nutritional plan should be specially prepared by a dietitian. Small portions, frequent meals, and plenty of water intake are very important during this period. Avoiding fatty, sugary, and carbonated drinks plays a critical role in weight loss.
Does a Gastric Balloon Prevent Exercising?
Having a gastric balloon does not prevent exercising at all. On the contrary, regular exercise is extremely important to accelerate the weight loss process and achieve a healthier body. In the first few days, you can start with light exercises such as walking. After the gastric balloon is fully settled in the stomach, the exercise pace can be gradually increased. However, it is important to consult your doctor before starting sports that put pressure on the abdominal area or are high-intensity.
Can the Gastric Balloon Be Felt in the Body?
When the gastric balloon is first inserted, it may create a feeling of fullness and a foreign object in the stomach. This may cause nausea and discomfort for the first few days. However, after this period, the stomach gets used to the balloon, and this feeling gradually decreases. Most patients stop feeling the presence of the gastric balloon within a few days and can comfortably return to their normal daily activities.
Is the Gastric Balloon a Permanent Solution?
The gastric balloon is not a permanent solution. The balloon stays in the stomach for a certain period and is then removed. The main goal is for the patient to gain healthy eating habits with the support provided by the balloon. If these habits are not made permanent, there is a high risk of regaining weight after the balloon is removed. Therefore, the gastric balloon should be seen as a starting point for a healthy life, rather than a permanent solution.
What is the Cost of a Gastric Balloon?
The cost of a gastric balloon varies depending on the type of balloon used (6-month or 12-month), the hospital where the procedure is performed, the experience of the doctor who performs the procedure, and additional services such as dietitian follow-up. In Turkey, prices are within a wide range depending on these variables. To get the most accurate and up-to-date price information, it is best to contact the centers where the procedure will be performed directly.
What is a Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
A swallowable gastric balloon is a new generation gastric balloon method that does not require endoscopy or anesthesia. It is swallowed in the form of a small capsule and, after reaching the stomach, is inflated with the help of a thin catheter. This balloon typically stays in the stomach for a short period of about 4 months. It dissolves in the body on its own and is excreted through feces. The biggest advantage of this method is that it eliminates the discomfort of the endoscopic procedure.
Does a Gastric Balloon Harm the Stomach?
When applied correctly and when the time it is supposed to stay in the stomach is followed, a gastric balloon generally does not harm the stomach. Rarely, problems such as reflux, ulcers, or irritation of the stomach wall may occur while the gastric balloon is in place. These conditions can usually be treated with medication under the supervision of a doctor. However, if the patient has such problems in their stomach before the balloon is inserted, it is important for the doctor to conduct a detailed evaluation.
What Should Not Be Eaten After a Gastric Balloon?
After a gastric balloon is inserted, some foods that can negatively affect the weight loss process should be avoided. Sugary and carbonated drinks, alcohol, excessively fatty and fried foods, high-calorie fast food products, chips, and packaged snacks are some of them. In addition, it is recommended not to consume very hard or difficult-to-digest foods at the beginning.
When Can One Return to Normal Life After a Gastric Balloon?
For the first few days after the gastric balloon procedure, patients may feel weak due to side effects. Generally, within 2-3 days, when nausea and cramps decrease, they can return to their normal daily activities. However, it is recommended to avoid heavy physical activities and strenuous sports. After a week, it is generally possible to return to work and start light exercises.
Who Cannot Have a Gastric Balloon?
The gastric balloon procedure is not suitable in some cases. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with serious stomach conditions such as chronic stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or reflux, those who have undergone digestive system surgery, or individuals with a history of alcohol and substance abuse are not suitable for this procedure. Therefore, it is very important for the doctor to conduct a detailed health evaluation before the gastric balloon procedure.
Is the Gastric Balloon Procedure Carried out with a Diet Plan?
Yes, the gastric balloon procedure must be carried out in conjunction with a diet plan. The gastric balloon is just a tool that helps reduce portions. However, to achieve healthy and permanent weight loss, balanced eating habits must be acquired. Therefore, a personalized nutrition plan is created with a dietitian after the procedure.
What are the Risks of the Gastric Balloon Method?
Like any medical procedure, the gastric balloon procedure has some risks. The most common risks are post-procedure nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. These usually subside on their own within a few days. Rarely, more serious complications such as the balloon bursting in the stomach, intestinal obstruction, reflux, or ulcers on the stomach wall may also occur. These risks can be minimized with proper patient selection and professional follow-up.
Can One Travel by Plane with a Gastric Balloon?
Traveling by plane with a gastric balloon is generally safe. Changes in cabin pressure do not affect the balloon. However, the first few days after a gastric balloon is inserted, plane travel can be uncomfortable due to stomach sensitivity. Therefore, it is important to consider this when planning travel.
Can Alcohol Be Consumed After a Gastric Balloon?
It is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption after a gastric balloon is inserted. Alcohol contains high calories and can negatively affect the weight loss process. In addition, alcohol can cause irritation in the stomach and lead to an increase in side effects with the gastric balloon. Therefore, alcohol consumption should be limited or completely stopped while the gastric balloon is in the stomach.
Is it Difficult to Drink Water with a Gastric Balloon?
Since the gastric balloon occupies a large part of the stomach, it can be difficult to drink water at first. However, this is temporary and improves as the body gets used to the balloon. Drinking at least 2 liters of water per day is very important for the success of the weight loss process and the reduction of side effects. Water should be consumed in small sips and slowly.
Is Hospitalization Required for the Gastric Balloon Procedure?
The gastric balloon insertion and removal procedures are outpatient procedures that do not require hospitalization. After the procedure, the patient is kept under observation for a few hours and can be discharged on the same day if no complications are observed. However, in some rare cases, a short hospital stay may be necessary due to side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
What are the Long-Term Effects of the Gastric Balloon Procedure?
The gastric balloon serves as a tool for long-term permanent weight loss. The key to success is making the healthy eating and exercise habits gained while the gastric balloon is in place permanent. If the person makes a lasting lifestyle change during this process, they can maintain their weight even after the balloon is removed.
Why Shouldn’t I Get Gastric Balloon Treatment From Hungary?
Unfortunately, Hungary is not a successful country in the field. For this reason, opting for gastric balloon treatments may cause unsuccessful results. Most of the time, gastric balloon treatments are risk-free treatments, although the few risks they have are increased by taking treatment in Hungary. Considering that healthcare professionals are less experienced and hospitals are less equipped, you will see that it would be more appropriate to receive treatment in a different country. In addition, the extremely high prices are another reason why patients should not seek treatment in Hungary.
Countries Where I Can Get Successful Gastric Balloon?
Although weight loss treatments are invasive treatments, of course, it would be better for patients to receive treatment from successful and experienced surgeons. For both treatments, it should be ensured that the patient has adequate health. However, the dosages of the treatment to be applied to the patient will be determined by the doctor. For this reason, you can minimize the risks you have by getting treatment from a successful surgeon.
If you are looking for the best countries for weight loss treatments, you should definitely choose countries that are successful in health tourism. Thus, you can get more successful treatments. And your doctors can give you more information. Among these countries, you can choose Turkey, which is a country frequently preferred by patients in Hungary. Thus, the success rate of our treatments will be guaranteed. However, it is possible to get treatment at better prices.
Countries Where Gastric Balloon Is Cheap
The costs of weight loss treatments vary from country to country, as well as from country to country depending on the surgeon’s statement and the location of the clinic. For this reason, you should not forget that you will save a lot if you choose Turkey as the most suitable country where you can get treatment. Compared to Hungary, receiving treatment in Turkey will save you more than 70%.
Gastric Balloon Prices in Turkey
Gastric balloon prices in Turkey are extremely affordable compared to many other countries, but of course the prices will be variable. For this reason, if you want to choose the best prices for treatments, you can choose us as Cure Holiday. We are extremely proud to provide treatment with the best price guarantee.
Gastric Balloon Treatment Price: 750€
Gastric Balloon Package Price: 1200€
