Swallowable Gastric Balloon
Swallowable gastric balloon, losing weight is a challenging process for many people and it may not always be possible to achieve the desired results by dieting. The swallowable gastric balloon is an effective treatment method that does not require surgical intervention, is placed in the stomach and helps weight loss in this challenging process.
This method offers an effective alternative especially for people who have difficulty losing weight and do not want to undergo surgery. The gastric balloon is taken orally in capsule form and when it reaches the stomach, it is inflated with water and fills part of the stomach. In this way, it creates a feeling of satiety and creates the need to eat less.
In this article, we will explore how the ingestible gastric balloon works, who it is suitable for and its advantages.
What is a Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
An ingestible gastric balloon is a type of medical balloon that is inserted into the stomach for weight loss. Unlike traditional gastric balloons, this capsule-shaped balloon does not require endoscopy or surgical intervention. Swallowed through the mouth, the balloon is inflated with water after reaching the stomach and covers most of the stomach, giving the person a feeling of satiety.
The swallowable gastric balloon offers a highly effective solution, especially for individuals who have problems with weight control.
How is it applied?
The patient swallows the gastric balloon in capsule form.
When it reaches the stomach, the balloon is inflated with water and creates a feeling of satiety.
In this way, the person eats less food and weight loss begins.
Weight Loss by Filling the Stomach:
The inflated balloon covers most of the stomach, providing a feeling of satiety with less food.
After the capsule is placed in the stomach, it stays for about 4 months and then spontaneously excreted from the body.
Who is Suitable for a Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
An ingestible gastric balloon is an excellent option for individuals who do not want a surgical procedure and have previously failed to achieve adequate weight loss through diet and exercise. However, this method may not be suitable for everyone. After a doctor’s evaluation, it can be decided whether the swallowable gastric balloon is suitable for you.
Suitable People:
Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 and above
People who cannot lose weight despite diet and exercise programs
Individuals who do not want to resort to surgical methods or who are not suitable for surgical intervention
Unsuitable People:
Those who have had stomach surgery before
People with stomach problems (such as ulcer, reflux)
People who have difficulty swallowing or who are not suitable for foreign body placement in the stomach
Since the structure and health status of each individual is different, it should be determined whether the swallowable gastric balloon can be applied after an evaluation by a health specialist.
Advantages of a Swallowable Gastric Balloon
One of the biggest advantages of the swallowable gastric balloon is that it does not require surgical intervention. Since the balloon is in the form of a capsule that is swallowed orally, there is no need for any incisions or anesthesia. Endoscopy is also not required during the procedure, making it extremely simple and comfortable. In this respect, the swallowable gastric balloon stands out among minimally invasive weight loss methods.
No Surgical Procedure Required:
The balloon placed in the stomach is capsule-shaped and does not require surgery.
Applications such as endoscopy and anesthesia are not needed.
Easy and Fast Application:
The balloon in capsule form is easily swallowed with a glass of water.
After the procedure, the patient can return to normal life within a few days.
Effective in Weight Loss:
The gastric balloon creates a feeling of satiety by filling the stomach and ensures less food consumption.
During the time the balloon stays in the stomach, 10-15% weight loss can be achieved.
A Temporary Method:
The balloon stays in the stomach for 4 months and is spontaneously expelled from the body at the end of this period.
This temporary solution offers an ideal period to develop long-term diet and exercise habits.
Disadvantages of a Swallowable Gastric Balloon
As with any medical intervention, the swallowable gastric balloon has some disadvantages. As this treatment method is temporary, it requires supportive lifestyle changes for long-term weight management. In addition, some people may experience side effects.
Temporary Solution:
The balloon stays inside the stomach for only 4 months, so lifestyle changes are required for permanent weight loss.
Side Effects:
Nausea, cramps and discomfort may occur in the first few days after the balloon is placed in the stomach.
Reflux or stomach acid problems may occur.
Weight regain:
There is a risk of weight regain after the balloon is removed. Therefore, diet and exercise habits should be developed for permanent weight control.
How is a Swallowable Gastric Balloon Applied?
The swallowable gastric balloon is extremely easy and effortless to administer. The procedure begins when the patient swallows the capsule-shaped gastric balloon with a glass of water and is usually completed within a few minutes. This method, which does not require surgical procedure or endoscopy, provides great convenience to patients.
Application Stages:
The patient swallows the capsule-shaped gastric balloon with water.
After the balloon reaches the stomach, the doctor checks whether the balloon is in the right place with X-ray.
The balloon is inflated with water and creates a feeling of satiety by taking place in the stomach.
Aftermath:
You may experience nausea and mild cramps in the first few days, but these side effects are usually temporary.
After the procedure, you can return to your normal daily activities.
How Much Weight Can You Lose with a Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
As an effective weight loss tool, the ingestible gastric balloon offers significant weight loss to its users. However, weight loss may vary depending on the person’s metabolic rate, initial weight and lifestyle changes. Generally, 10-15% weight loss can be achieved within 4 months using an ingestible gastric balloon.
Average Weight Loss:
On average, patients using the balloon can lose 10-15% of their body weight.
Factors:
Weight loss may vary depending on the individual’s starting weight and metabolic rate.
Healthy eating and exercise habits accelerate this process and make it permanent.
Post-Swallowable Gastric Balloon Diet and Lifestyle
After ingestible gastric balloon treatment, it is important to make lifestyle changes to ensure that weight loss is permanent and health is maintained. Although placing the balloon in the stomach provides weight loss in the short term, a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for long-term success.
Healthy Diet:
Eating frequently in small portions increases the effectiveness of the gastric balloon.
High-calorie foods should be avoided and fresh vegetables and fruits, protein and whole grain foods should be preferred.
Exercise:
Light exercise at least 3-4 days a week supports weight loss.
Activities such as walking, yoga or swimming accelerate weight loss and support general health.
Water Consumption:
Drinking at least 2 liters of water a day keeps the body functioning properly and helps with the use of the gastric balloon.
Carbonated and sugary drinks should be avoided.
Comparison of Swallowable Gastric Balloon with Other Weight Loss Methods
The swallowable gastric balloon differs from other weight loss methods in that it is a non-surgical method. Compared to other treatment options, the swallowable gastric balloon offers a minimally invasive and temporary solution.
Gastric Balloon vs. Gastric Bypass:
Gastric bypass surgery offers a permanent solution, while the swallowable gastric balloon provides a temporary solution.
Swallowable gastric balloon is a method that does not require surgical intervention.
Gastric Balloon vs. Diet and Exercise:
Diet and exercise are usually effective in the long term, but for those who have difficulty losing weight, a gastric balloon can be an effective alternative.
Gastric Balloon vs. Medication:
Weight loss medications can sometimes cause side effects, while an ingestible gastric balloon creates a natural feeling of fullness.
Conclusion: The Role of Swallowable Gastric Balloon in Weight Loss
The swallowable gastric balloon is a minimally invasive method that offers an effective solution for those who want to lose weight without the need for surgical intervention. With this method, the balloon placed in the stomach remains for a period of 4 months, during which time patients usually lose 10-15% of their weight.
However, for long-term success, it is very important to adopt healthy eating habits and exercise regularly during this period. Swallowable gastric balloon stands out as a safe and effective weight loss method, especially for people who do not want surgical procedure.
