Non-surgical techniques used in bariatric surgery in recent years have produced very effective results. Gastric balloon technique, which is one of these methods, also comes to the rescue of those with obesity problems, but experts draw attention to the need to be careful in certain issues. The gastric balloon technique, which does not require surgery, allows to lose 20-25 kilos on average, but after the balloon is removed, if the patients do not behave consistently in diet compliance, it is inevitable to regain the lost weight. The gastric balloon is a silicone balloon that is inflated to a volume of 400-700 cc with air or liquid after it is placed in the stomach. It is a temporary weight loss method applied endoscopically within a period of 6 months – 1 year after removal for those who cannot lose weight with diet and exercise, who do not want to have surgery, and who have a high risk of surgery. It cannot be applied in cases of gastric ulcer, large gastric hernia and pregnancy. Nausea, pain, ulcers, stomach bleeding, gastric perforation, intestinal obstruction are very rare complications. Gastric balloon helps you reduce the size of your portions and your eating frequency. So you will eat less but stay full for longer. Your habit of snacking between meals will disappear and you will lose weight. Studies conducted with the gastric balloon have detected a significant decrease in metabolic syndrome, diabetes, gout and cholesterol-triglyceride levels after 6 months-1 year follow-up. Intra gastric balloon, popularly known as gastric balloon, is one of the effective methods applied to the treatment of obesity. It does not require hospitalization, it can provide an average of 10-25 weight loss. However, balloon treatment is not permanent. It should be removed 6 months -1 year after insertion. Some patients can regain the weight they lost after the balloon is removed.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE OF STOMACH BALLOON FROM SURGICAL METHODS?
The most important difference of gastric balloon compared to surgical weight loss methods and which should be known by the patient is that this method is a patient dependent method and it can provide less permanent weight loss compared to surgical intervention such as sleeve gastrectomy (tube stomach surgery), bypasses, etc
Of course, after the placement of the gastric balloon, each physician has an education-oriented nutrition arrangement and plant according to his own clinical experience and scientific facts. The most important period in the Post Gastric Balloon Nutrition scheme includes the first month, and this is important for the first week of a month.
Positive results after balloon application depend on the patient’s diet compliance and regular dietitian follow-up during this period.
Patients may experience cramp-like abdominal pain and persistent vomiting, which can usually last up to a week, but relief can be achieved with the treatments given during this period.
BALLOON BRANDS
Medsil®
It is a Russian made balloon that can stay in the stomach for 6 months. With the endoscopic method, it is placed orally under anesthesia and removed in the same way. It is one of the most used balloon brands in Turkey.
Spatz3®
Spatz adjustable balloon system (Spatz Medical, Great Neck, NY) is the only system in which the volume of the balloon can be adjusted. It can be reinflated to reduce balloon-related complaints, or reinflated to increase weight loss effectiveness. Approved for 12 months of use.
Orbera®
Orbera gastric balloon (Apollo Endosurgery,Austin,TX) was approved by the FDA for clinical use in the USA in 2015. It has been used in Europe since 1991. It can remain in the stomach for 12 months.
Elipse®
Elipse gastric balloon (Allurion Technologies,Wellesley, MA) is unique in that it does not require endoscopy and anesthesia. It dissolves 4-5 months after ingestion and is excreted from the digestive system with feces.
