What is a swallowable gastric balloon?
No Surgery • No Endoscopy • No Anaesthesia
A swallowable gastric balloon is a small, deflated balloon that is ingested by the patient. Once the balloon is in the stomach, it is filled with saline solution using a thin tube that is inserted through the nose. The balloon is then inflated to a predetermined size, which can range from 400 to 700 mL. The balloon remains in the stomach for 6 to 12 months, during which time it helps the patient lose weight.
The swallowable gastric balloon has the same function as other gastric balloons. The swallowable gastric balloon reduces the stomach volume. It creates a feeling of fullness by taking up space in your stomach. As a result the person has a feeling of fullness after consuming less food. It reduces the amount of calories taken during the day and causes weight loss.
For gastric balloons that are applied endoscopically, anaesthesia is necessary. Removal of the balloon requires endoscopy as well. The procedure of the swallowable gastric balloon however is much easier and more practical.
There is no need to remove the swallowable balloon!
The biggest advantage of the Elipse swallowable gastric balloon, compared to endoscopically applied gastric balloons, is that it does not require extraction. After approximately 16 weeks inside your stomach, a time-activated release valve on the balloon will open, the balloon will empty itself and pass naturally when you use the toilet.
How is the swallowable balloon procedure performed?
The swallowable gastric balloon procedure is performed under sedation. The patient swallows a capsule that contains the deflated balloon along with a thin tube. Once the capsule has entered the stomach, the balloon is inflated with saline solution through the tube. The balloon is then inflated to a predetermined size, which can range from 400 to 700 mL. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes.
Here are the steps involved in the swallowable gastric balloon procedure:
- The patient is given sedation.
- The patient swallows a capsule that contains the deflated balloon along with a thin tube.
- The capsule is guided into the stomach using an X-ray.
- The balloon is inflated with saline solution through the tube.
- The tube is removed.
- The patient is monitored for a few hours after the procedure.
The swallowable gastric balloon procedure is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that there is a small incision made in the body. This makes the procedure less risky than other weight loss procedures, such as gastric bypass surgery.
After the procedure, the patient may experience some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and bloating. These side effects usually go away within a few days. The patient will also need to make some lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
The swallowable gastric balloon is a safe and effective weight loss procedure for people who have tried other weight loss methods without success. The procedure can help people lose a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. The weight loss is usually sustained for at least 1 year after the balloon is removed.
Who is the swallowable gastric balloon suitable for?
The swallowable gastric balloon is suitable for adults who have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher and have tried other weight loss methods without success. The balloon is not a permanent weight loss solution, but it can help people lose a significant amount of weight in a short period of time.
Here are some of the criteria that a person must meet in order to be considered a candidate for the swallowable gastric balloon:
- They must have a BMI of 27 or higher.
- They must have tried other weight loss methods without success.
- They must be willing to make lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
- They must be in good general health.
- They must not have any major medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.
If you are considering the swallowable gastric balloon, talk to your doctor to see if you are a candidate. Your doctor will assess your health and medical history to determine if the procedure is right for you.
Here are some of the factors that your doctor will consider when determining if you are a candidate for the swallowable gastric balloon:
- Your BMI
- Your medical history
- Your willingness to make lifestyle changes
- Your overall health
If you are a candidate for the swallowable gastric balloon, your doctor will discuss the procedure with you in detail and answer any questions you may have. They will also make sure that you understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.
After swallowable gastric balloon
After the swallowable gastric balloon is inserted, the patient will need to make some lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. The patient will also need to follow the instructions of their doctor carefully.
Here are some of the things that the patient should expect after the swallowable gastric balloon is inserted:
- They may experience some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and bloating. These side effects usually go away within a few days.
- They will need to eat smaller meals more frequently.
- They may need to avoid certain foods, such as carbonated beverages and fatty foods.
- They will need to follow their doctor’s instructions carefully.
After the balloon is removed, the patient will need to continue to make lifestyle changes in order to maintain their weight loss. They will also need to be monitored by their doctor to make sure that they are doing well.
Here are some of the things that the patient should do after the swallowable gastric balloon is removed:
- Continue to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Monitor their weight regularly.
- See their doctor for regular check-ups.
The swallowable gastric balloon is a safe and effective weight loss procedure for people who have tried other weight loss methods without success. The procedure can help people lose a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. The weight loss is usually sustained for at least 1 year after the balloon is removed. However, it is important to note that the swallowable gastric balloon is not a cure for obesity. The patient will need to make lifestyle changes in order to maintain their weight loss.
Risks of the swallowable gastric balloon
The swallowable gastric balloon is a safe procedure with few risks. However, there are some potential risks associated with the procedure, including:
- Nausea and vomiting: These are the most common side effects of the swallowable gastric balloon. They usually go away within a few days.
- Bloating: This is another common side effect of the swallowable gastric balloon. It can be uncomfortable, but it usually goes away within a few days.
- Heartburn: This can occur if the balloon presses on the stomach. It can be treated with medication.
- Indigestion: This can occur if the balloon presses on the stomach. It can be treated with medication.
- Balloon migration: This is a rare complication that can occur if the balloon moves out of position. It can be treated with surgery.
- Balloon deflation: This is another rare complication that can occur. If the balloon deflates, it will need to be removed.
- Balloon infection: This is a very rare complication that can occur. If the balloon becomes infected, it will need to be removed.
If you are considering the swallowable gastric balloon, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure. Your doctor will be able to help you decide if the procedure is right for you.
Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of complications from the swallowable gastric balloon:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Monitor your weight regularly.
- See your doctor for regular check-ups.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey
The cost of the swallowable gastric balloon procedure in Turkey varies depending on the clinic or hospital where it is performed. The cost typically includes the cost of the balloon, the cost of the procedure, and the cost of follow-up visits.
The average cost of the swallowable gastric balloon procedure in Turkey is around $2,700. However, the cost can be higher or lower depending on the factors mentioned above.
Here are some of the benefits of getting the swallowable gastric balloon in Turkey:
- Lower cost: The cost of the swallowable gastric balloon procedure in Turkey is lower than in many other countries.
- High-quality care: Turkey has a reputation for providing high-quality medical care.
- Convenient location: Turkey is a popular tourist destination, so it is easy to combine the swallowable gastric balloon procedure with a vacation.
Swallowable Gastric Balloon Alternatives
Gastric sleeve surgery: This is a minimally invasive weight loss surgery that involves removing a large portion of the stomach. This makes the stomach smaller, which helps people eat less and lose weight.
Gastric balloon: This is a non-surgical weight loss procedure that involves placing a balloon in the stomach. The balloon takes up space in the stomach and makes the patient feel fuller sooner. This can help people eat less and lose weight.
Gastric bypass surgery: This is a more invasive weight loss surgery that involves rerouting the digestive system. This makes it harder for the body to absorb calories, which helps people lose weight.
Mini gastric bypass surgery: This is a less invasive version of gastric bypass surgery. It involves rerouting the digestive system in a similar way, but it is not as extensive as gastric bypass surgery.