What is Gastric Botox?
Gastric botox is an endoscopic procedure applied to support weight loss without surgery. The substance known as Botox, or Clostridium botulinum toxin, is injected into specific areas of the stomach. These injections temporarily reduce the contraction ability of the stomach muscles and prolong the stomach’s emptying time. This helps the person feel full for a longer period and lose weight by consuming less food. The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes and is generally performed under sedation.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Gastric Botox?
Suitable candidates for gastric botox are generally individuals with a BMI (Body Mass Index) between 27 and 40 who do not want to undergo surgery. It is not suitable for individuals with severe obesity (BMI 40 and above) or a very low BMI.
This procedure is an ideal option for people who have been unable to lose weight despite lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise and aim to achieve a healthy weight. Individuals with stomach conditions such as stomach ulcers or gastritis are not suitable for this procedure.
Is Gastric Botox a Surgery?
No, gastric botox is not a surgery. The procedure is performed through the mouth via an endoscope. It does not require any cuts, stitches, or surgical intervention. Thanks to the endoscope device placed in the stomach, botox injections are made to the target areas inside the stomach. This makes the procedure minimally invasive and low-risk. Patients can usually return home on the same day after the procedure.
Is Gastric Botox Painful?
The gastric botox procedure is painless because the patient is given sedation (light sleep) during the procedure. This ensures that the patient does not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. After the procedure, pain is generally not felt, only a slight feeling of bloating or fullness may occur. This condition passes in a short time.
How Long Does a Gastric Botox Procedure Take?
The gastric botox procedure is quite short and is completed in an average of 15 to 20 minutes. This duration may vary slightly depending on the number of areas to be injected and the patient’s condition. After the procedure, patients are kept under observation for a while before being discharged.
How Does Gastric Botox Work?
Gastric botox works by slowing down the movement of the stomach muscles. This slowdown prolongs the stomach’s emptying time. This causes the person to experience a longer feeling of fullness. At the same time, the satiety signals sent to the brain become stronger, and the person eats less. Thanks to this mechanism, calorie intake decreases and the weight loss process begins.
How Much Weight Can Be Lost with Gastric Botox?
The amount of weight that can be lost with gastric botox varies from person to person. The procedure is an aid, not a weight loss tool. On average, patients can lose 10-15% of their initial weight within 4-6 months. However, this result must be supported by lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. If the consumption of high-calorie foods and drinks continues, the desired results may not be achieved.
How Long Do the Effects of Gastric Botox Last?
The effect of gastric botox generally lasts for 4 to 6 months, depending on the type of botox substance used and the individual. At the end of this period, the effect of botox gradually decreases, and the stomach muscles return to their former function. The procedure can be repeated for the continuation of the weight loss process.
What is the Recovery Process Like After Gastric Botox?
The recovery process after gastric botox is quite simple. Immediately after the procedure, the patient is kept under observation for a while and can return to their normal life. Liquid foods are started within the first 1-2 hours after the procedure, and a gradual transition to solid foods is made. Pain and discomfort are very rare, and the time to return to work is usually the same day.
Is Gastric Botox Effective?
Yes, gastric botox is an effective method for the right candidates. The procedure helps the person lose weight by eating less. However, the success of this procedure largely depends on the patient’s diet and exercise habits. When supported by a personalized diet plan prepared by a dietitian and regular exercise, gastric botox is very successful in providing the desired results.
Is a Diet Necessary with Gastric Botox?
Yes, the most important supporter of gastric botox is diet and healthy eating. While gastric botox helps the person eat less, calorie control is essential for the weight loss process. A personalized nutrition program prepared by a dietitian both increases the speed of weight loss and helps to get the maximum benefit from the botox effect.
What Are the Side Effects of Gastric Botox?
Gastric botox has no known serious side effects. In some cases, mild nausea, bloating, or indigestion may be seen after the procedure. These symptoms usually disappear on their own within a few days. In very rare cases, allergic reactions or side effects related to the sedation used during the procedure may occur.
What Factors Affect Gastric Botox Prices?
Gastric botox prices vary depending on the location of the clinic or hospital, the experience of the doctor performing the procedure, and the amount and brand of botox used. Therefore, to get a definitive price, a detailed consultation with a reliable clinic is necessary.
Who Cannot Have Gastric Botox?
Gastric botox cannot be applied to those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with stomach conditions such as stomach ulcers or severe gastritis, those with an allergy to botox, and obese patients with a BMI over 40. These conditions can negatively affect the safety and success of the procedure.
Does Gastric Botox Harm the Body?
No, gastric botox does not cause permanent harm to the body when applied correctly. The botox substance injected into the stomach only temporarily paralyzes the muscles and does not leave a permanent effect on the nervous system. The botox substance is completely eliminated from the body within 4-6 months.
When Can I Start Eating After Gastric Botox?
After the gastric botox procedure is finished, the patient is expected to recover and starts eating with liquid foods within the first 1-2 hours. A transition to solid foods can be made on the same day, but it is important to start with easily digestible and light foods. Following the diet plan recommended by the doctor supports the recovery process.
Can Gastric Botox Be Repeated?
Yes, the gastric botox procedure can be repeated when its effect wears off. On average, a new injection can be planned under the doctor’s control after 4-6 months. This can be a source of motivation for the person to continue the weight loss process. However, it is recommended to wait for a while to prevent the stomach wall from becoming sensitive.
Does Gastric Botox Guarantee Weight Loss?
No, gastric botox alone does not guarantee weight loss. This procedure is a tool that helps the individual lose weight more easily. The weight loss process depends on the person’s eating habits, regular physical activity, and overall lifestyle changes. To achieve successful results, it is necessary to gain healthy lifestyle habits during the period when botox is effective.
Does Gastric Botox Suppress Appetite?
Gastric botox, by slowing down the contraction of the stomach muscles, causes food to stay in the stomach for a longer period and thus prolongs the feeling of fullness. This makes the person feel less hungry and reduces their appetite. However, botox does not completely eliminate psychological hunger or the desire to eat due to habits.
What is the Difference Between Gastric Botox and Bariatric Surgery?
Gastric botox is a minimally invasive, non-surgical, and temporary procedure. Bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, etc.) is a permanent surgical intervention and is applied to patients with severe obesity. Gastric botox is suitable for those with small weight excesses, while surgery offers a definitive solution for patients with higher BMI values.
Does Gastric Botox Harm the Stomach?
No, gastric botox does not cause any permanent harm to the stomach. The injected botox substance only temporarily paralyzes the stomach muscles. This procedure does not cause permanent damage to the stomach tissue. Stomach functions return to normal completely when the effect of botox wears off.
What Are the Potential Complications After Gastric Botox?
Serious complications of gastric botox are very rare. Potential complications include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, or abdominal pain. These are usually short-lived and mild. In rare cases, minor bleeding or perforation that may occur during the endoscopy can also be seen, but these risks are very low.
Can I Exercise After Gastric Botox?
Yes, exercising after gastric botox is important to speed up the weight loss process. Light walks can be taken on the same day after the procedure. It is recommended to wait for a while for intense and heavy sports, but a return to the normal exercise routine can usually be made within a few days. Regular exercise helps with weight loss and also speeds up the metabolism.
Which Areas of the Stomach Are Targeted for Gastric Botox?
The gastric botox procedure is applied to the areas of the stomach with the most intense muscle activity. Injections are made especially to the fundus and pylorus region of the stomach, which are the muscles that enable the stomach to empty. These injections prolong the stomach’s emptying time, increasing the feeling of fullness. The correct application of the procedure is of critical importance for its success.
Is Gastric Botox a Safe Procedure?
Yes, gastric botox is a safe procedure because it is not a surgical intervention. The procedure should be performed in a hospital or clinic environment with an endoscopy unit by an experienced gastroenterologist or general surgeon. A procedure performed by an experienced specialist minimizes the risk of complications.
What Happens If I Regain Weight After Gastric Botox?
If healthy eating and exercise habits are not gained after gastric botox, weight can be regained after the effect of botox wears off. Therefore, gastric botox should be seen as a starting point, and the new habits gained should be made permanent. In case of weight regain, the procedure can be repeated or other treatment options can be evaluated.
Does Gastric Botox Completely Eliminate Appetite?
Gastric botox does not completely eliminate appetite, but it prolongs the feeling of fullness by slowing down the digestion of food. This makes the person feel less hungry. However, if the consumption of high-calorie and easily digestible foods (e.g., sweets) continues, the effect of botox may not be sufficient.
Is Gastric Botox a Permanent Solution?
No, gastric botox is not a permanent solution. Its effect wears off within 4-6 months. This does not mean that botox should be used continuously as a weight loss tool. Gastric botox offers an opportunity for the person to gain healthy eating and lifestyle habits. If these habits are made permanent, weight control is achieved.
What Should the Diet Plan Be After Gastric Botox?
The diet plan after gastric botox is very important to get the maximum benefit from the procedure. Liquid and soft foods should be started with for the first few days, followed by a gradual transition to a normal, healthy diet. The diet should be rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Sugary, fatty, and processed foods should be avoided.
Can Gastric Botox Fail?
The gastric botox procedure may not always be successful. The most common reason for failure is the person’s failure to comply with healthy eating and exercise habits after the procedure. If the botox injection is not performed correctly or if the botox substance used is not of sufficient quality, the desired results may not be obtained. For this reason, it is important to have the procedure done by an experienced specialist.
