Types of balloons in gastric balloon operation

In the gastric balloon method, there are two main types of balloons, air, and liquid-filled balloons. Air-filled balloons can reach higher volumes than liquid-filled balloons. Again, air-filled balloons are more preferred than liquid-filled balloons, since less weight is formed in the stomach compared to liquid-filled balloons. Fewer complaints were reported in patients treated with an air-filled balloon compared to a liquid-filled balloon. In both types of balloons, the size of the stomach may be adjusted by the physician. Although a clear and important distinction between air balloon and the liquid balloon has not been reported in the literature and clinical studies, the air balloon method is more preferred. There are three common gastric balloon application procedures: 

​

I. ELIPSE GASTRIC BALLOON

​

II. GASTRIC BALLOON WITH ENDOSCOPY-6 MONTH TREATMENT

​

III. GASTRIC BALLOON WITH ENDOSCOPY-12 MONTH TREATMENT

​

After gastric balloon operation

In the gastric balloon procedure, physical activity should be avoided for 24 hours after both balloon placement and removal. Although there is no restriction in practice for solid foods, in practice it is recommended to switch after a few days of liquid food. It is also recommended to consume fewer cold or hot drinks and to stay away from the first three days after the procedure. Solid food should be discontinued three days before the balloon is removed, and all food intakes, including water, should be discontinued 12 hours before the balloon is removed.

​

Patient profile for gastric balloon

Although gastric balloon appeals to a wide range of patients, it is not recommended to be applied to certain patient groups. These can be listed as steroid or coagulant use, substance abuse, mental disorders, patients with a history of laparoscopy, patients with gastrointestinal problems, and people with infectious bowel disease.

In addition to the medical convenience of the patient, the gastric balloon method turns the imbalance between food intake and physical activity in favor of the patient in individuals who have disabilities in doing physical activity (such as amputation, skeletal system diseases or disorders, lack of physical activity due to other accompanying diseases). For this reason, a gastric balloon may be applied to every individual who has problems in balancing physical activity and nutrient exchange, does not have stomach and digestive system problems, and is suitable for endoscopy.

​

Advantages of gastric balloon

Although it is an endoscopic method, the fact that gastric balloon operation is not a surgical procedure has made it more preferred. It is more commonly applied in patients with high risk and reservations for surgery, and in people who need immediate weight loss due to other surgical procedures. It is an important method in acutely changing the negative course of obesity, especially in patients with Type-2 diabetes.

As a part of the stomach will be filled and in a sense blocked with the gastric balloon method, patients begin to lose weight rapidly. Thanks to this method, patients lose an average of 20-25 kilos in a short time. However, the continuation of the causes of obesity may cause the effects of the method to pass in a short time.

With the help of the balloon placed in the stomach of the patient, the gastric balloon method provides more comfortable and more effective weight loss for individuals who cannot maintain a regular eating and drinking order in their daily life and who have problems with physical activity. In addition, the gastric balloon method is an effective and advantageous method for individuals who have a limited physical activity or have difficulty in physical activity in the fight against obesity. For individuals who have difficulty in controlling their food intake for weight control, the gastric balloon method provides a significant advantage to the patients until they acquire a healthy eating habit.

​​

 

​