Obesity, which is caused by many different reasons, especially unhealthy eating habits, sedentary life style, genetic factors, is widely observed all over the world. Obesity and overweight problems also lead to very serious conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and vascular diseases, etc. Sometimes this conditions can be life-threatening. In this regard, it is extremely important that obesity is treated with patient-specific approach.
Currently, many different methods are used to treat obesity. One of the non-surgical methods is intragastric balloon treatment. Intragastric balloon treatment is the process of inserting a balloon-like material into the stomach. In this method, the balloon takes up space in the stomach and a feeling of early satiety is created, weight loss is achieved in this way.
How to apply a Gastric Balloon?
Intragastric balloon treatment is not a surgical procedure, no incisions are made on the patient’s body. Accompanied by an endoscope, a deflated balloon is inserted into the patient’s stomach and then inflated with air or liquid, depending on the material used.
Intragastric balloon is not a permanent application. After staying in the patient’s stomach for 6 months to 1 year, it is removed by the help of an endoscope.
An intragastric balloon is a procedure that takes about 10-15 minutes. After the stomach balloon is inserted, patients can return to their daily lives in a short time.
Although intragastric balloon therapy has a high success rate, there are also some risks. Some patients’ bodies may reject the balloon; in such a case, the balloon may need to be removed. After installing a gastric balloon, some patients may develop complaints such as cramps and nausea.
To whom can the intragastric balloon be applied?
Intragastric balloon;
- The Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 25-35,
- Unfit for bariatric surgery,
- Who wants to lose weight in a healthy way,
- It is applied in patients who have not managed to lose weight with diet programs.
The situations that are an obstacle to the application of the intragastric balloon are listed as follows;
- Stomach disorders such as ulcers, gastritis,
- Who has previously had surgery on the stomach and esophagus,
- Severe gastric hernia,
- Heart and lung diseases
- Bleeding disorders.
The process of losing weight after a intragastric balloon treatment
An intragastric balloon is a method that allows patients to saturate faster and consume fewer nutrients. Weight loss begins as soon as the stomach balloon is inserted; usually, the time period when weight loss is monitored at the highest levels is the third month. But still the Intragastric Balloon alone does not provide the exact treatment of obesity. It is an extremely important issue for the patient to adopt the right life habits.
In all obesity treatment methods such as intragastric balloon, the patient needs to make healthy eating habit and exercise a part of their lives. Also, in the process of treating obesity, one should be under control of dietitian and nutritionist. It may also be necessary to get the support of a psychologist in accordance with the patient’s needs.
Advantages of the Intragastric Balloon
At the beginning of the biggest advantages that the intragastric balloon offers to the patient is the preservation of the structure of the stomach. In addition, the application of a intragastric balloon is a reversible process.
It is more simple treatment method than the surgical applications. The patient’s complaints during and after the procedure are also minimal.
It is an alternative treatment option for patients who are not eligible for bariatric surgery such as gastric sleeve surgery and gastric by-pass.
