Gastric balloon is a silicone balloon placed in the stomach by physicians through endoscopy. Nowadays, general surgeons are performing gastric balloon application in the fight against obesity.
What is it?
Those with a body mass index of 25 and above will not be able to tolerate obesity surgery operations. It is a silicone balloon suitable for those who do not want to undergo surgical intervention despite having certain features or who need to lose weight before obesity surgery.
How is Weight Loss Achieved with a Balloon?
In the stomach. Thanks to the volume it covers, it enables people who want to lose weight to reach their ideal weight sooner by eating smaller portions. Our aim here is to ensure that the person chooses portions with high nutritional value but low calorie content that can meet his daily needs and turn this into a lifestyle.
To Whom It Is Installed?
Those with a body mass index between 25-30 (slightly overweight) and 30-35 (obesity) and at risk of metabolic disorders, People whose BMI value is between 35-40 (3rd degree obese) and who cannot handle obesity surgery operations or who do not want to undergo surgical intervention even though they have these features, people whose BMI value is 40 (morbid obesity) and above and who need to lose weight before obesity surgery, can undergo gastric balloon surgery. Suitable for. If patients who have reached the level of morbid obesity according to their BMI (body mass index) value and have many comorbidities are not suitable for obesity surgery, weight loss is achieved by applying a balloon to the stomach in order to prevent the damage caused by obesity. Or it is applied to patients who are 10-15 kilos overweight but have not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise.
For patients whose BMI has reached morbid obese status and whose surgery is risky, explaining this situation to themselves causes them to become embittered in life.
What is the Balloon Age Limit?
Gastric balloon is applied to people between the ages of 18 and 65.
How to Insert a Gastric Balloon? ?
The gastric balloon is placed in the stomach by gastroenterologists and general surgeons who are experts in the field. There are two different types of gastric balloons: air or liquid inflatable. The size of the balloon and how much it will be inflated are adjusted according to the weight of the patient and a personalized application is made. Whether the balloon will be inflated with liquid or air depends on the physician's preference.
How Much Weight Can You Lose?
Weight loss with a gastric balloon depends on the person's current excess weight, metabolic rate, gender. It will vary depending on age, metabolic and hormonal diseases, individual's diet compliance and physical activity.
Situations Not Applicable
Alcoholics, drug addicted obese people, people with mental disorders, obese people using anticoagulants and systemic corticosteroids, obese people who have had major laparoscopic surgery, people with infectious bowel disease. Gastric balloon procedure is not suitable for obese people who have gastro-intestinal problems such as esophagitis and ulcers. Balloon application is not applied to patients with gastritis or complaints such as reflux, treatment is requested first and then the procedure is applied. It is not applied to people who are pregnant or suspected of pregnancy, and it is recommended for breastfeeding mothers after the breastfeeding period is over.
How Many Minutes Does It Take to Be Inserted?
The gastric balloon is under sedation in the endoscopy unit. average 10-15 minutes. continues.
How to Remove Gastric Balloon?
The patient is given sedation (anesthesia) and the balloon is deflated using the endoscopic method and removed through the mouth. The period after the balloon is removed is called the weight maintenance period. Patients may think that they will gain weight after balloon removal. Because after the balloon comes out, the feeling of fullness will disappear and more nutrition may be observed. It is possible to gain back the lost weight if you are not careful. In order to continue losing weight by completely following the recommendations of the dietitian, it will be necessary not to skip meals and meals as in the solid nutrition period and to continue its diet.
Before Balloon Insertion
Nutrition
How Should Nutrition Be Before the Balloon?
There is no special diet before the gastric balloon application. Solid foods should be stopped 12 hours before the balloon is inserted, and liquid consumption should be stopped 8 hours before. It is recommended to drink plenty of water the day before balloon application.
Should Smoking and Alcohol Be Quitted Before the Balloon?
Smoking should be reduced and alcohol should not be consumed the day before the gastric balloon application.
After Balloon Insertion
Ulcer and Reflux
Gastric balloon may increase reflux symptoms in people with pre-existing reflux. To prevent this, the patient is recommended to take stomach protection pills. It is very unlikely that an ulcer will occur.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are normal until the adaptation period passes (the first 1-2 days). However, if the balloon deflates in the stomach or is not inflated sufficiently, the balloon may block the stomach exit and cause complaints of nausea and vomiting.
Bleeding
The procedure is performed by endoscopy. Rarely, bleeding may occur due to irritation of the esophagus.
Clogging
Although it is very unlikely, there is a possibility that the balloon may deflate on its own and cause an intestinal obstruction.
Perforation
Perforation of the gastric balloon is very unlikely. Since the balloon is filled with blue water, you can understand that there is leakage from the balloon by the color of your urine. When you inform your doctor as soon as you notice it and apply to the hospital, it is removed in a 10-15 minute procedure.
First 3 Days
Feeling of Hunger >
After the gastric balloon, the feeling of hunger will not be experienced as before, as the balloon will take up volume in the stomach. However, since your portions become smaller, care should be taken to consume healthy, quality foods every 2.5-3 hours.
Mobility
After the gastric balloon, individuals' mobility is one of the things that need to be done. They don't lose. You can return to your normal daily life 1 hour after the gastric balloon insertion is completed.
Pain
After the balloon is inserted, you may experience pain or discomfort for a few days as the stomach will try to grind the external object. It is normal to occur. It is not difficult to make the stomach compatible after the procedure with the supplementation of painkillers and medications.
Nutrition and Diet
Nutrition for the first 3-4 days
Stomach contractions in the first days, A liquid diet should be applied in the first days as cramps, nausea and vomiting may occur. Foods that stimulate the stomach and increase contractions should be avoided. Sugar-free grain-free compote water or high-protein liquids such as lactose-free milk, buttermilk, broth, and chicken broth should be preferred to prevent gas. When making meat/chicken broth, tomato paste, spices, oil, lemon, onion and garlic should not be added to avoid stimulating the stomach. Since caffeine stimulates the stomach too much, coffee consumption should be avoided in the first days. In addition, fruit juices with high acid content should be avoided. After the nausea and cramps subside, it is necessary to switch to light, puree-like foods that will not tire the stomach. For example; yoghurt, vegetable puree etc. Once you feel completely well, solid nutrition can be stopped.
Nutrition Recommendations to Consider
Losing weight with a gastric balloon is closely related to a person's diet. The food portions of people who have a balloon inserted decrease and the small-frequency eating pattern automatically joins your life. When choosing food for meals, you should first focus on foods with high protein content. Solid-liquid separation must be made and liquids should not be consumed for 1 hour before and after a meal. In this way, you will ensure adequate and balanced nutrition and prevent your stomach from expanding. Carbonated drinks should not be consumed. While eating, bites should be made smaller and eaten in a vertical position. High-fat, fried foods should be avoided as they increase reflux complaints and increase daily calorie intake.
Stand Up
You will be taken to your room 10 minutes after the gastric balloon insertion procedure is completed. . After you go to the room, you will be kept under observation for 3-4 hours. Afterwards, you can easily stand up and return to your daily life.
Psychology
Psychological and behavioral reasons for weight gain are extremely important in individuals who have struggled with their weight for many years. Recognizing these and finding a solution will make it easier to lose weight with a gastric balloon. In this process, patients should be aware that they need to pay attention to their diet and aim to make this a lifestyle.
Cramps
It is normal for pain or cramping to occur in the first 3-4 days after the balloon is inserted, as the stomach will try to grind the external object. After 3-4 days, your stomach will adapt well to the balloon. Now your cramps and nausea will be over. It does not affect your daily life or physical activities at all.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutrition
Is it mandatory to go on a diet after a balloon is inserted?
Although satiety is achieved in a shorter time with a gastric balloon, the calorie content of your meals is important. In the meantime, you need to follow a calorie-restricted diet that suits your lifestyle, accompanied by a dietician. Thanks to your nutrition programs during this process, you should learn to eat properly and make it a habit. The important thing is to make healthy food choices.
Alcohol
Alcohol may increase reflux complaints after gastric balloon insertion. Additionally, you should stay away from alcohol as much as possible as it has a high calorie content and slows down your weight loss process.
Fasting
There is no need to fast after gastric balloon insertion. There is no harm.
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