The balloon in the definition of Intragastric Balloon is a soft, deflated material based on latex-free silicone. It is called an “intragastric” or “gastric” balloon. The deflated material stays in your stomach for a while after it passes through your mouth, usually through your esophagus, into your stomach. Traditionally, the expandable balloon is inserted into your stomach using an endoscope, a flexible tubular instrument with a camera and a light attached to it. However, there are ingestible intragastric pills that do not require an endoscopic procedure to insert the inflatable balloon.

How is the Gastric Balloon Placed?

Placement of an intragastric balloon is a quick, non-invasive procedure that takes approximately 30-40 minutes to be performed by highly experienced gastroenterologists (also called gastrointestinal endoscopists) or surgeons. Since gastric balloon placement methods differ depending on the type of gastric balloon treatment you choose, an anesthesiologist will be present in the room if your gastric balloon is placed under sedation endoscopically. You will be asked not to consume any food for at least 6 hours before the procedure. After making sure that there are no complications under normal conditions, you can go home 1-2 hours after the procedure.
A deflated intragastric balloon will be placed endoscopically in your stomach. After insertion, the balloon will be inflated with 400mL to 700mL of sterile saline solution.

The saline solution contains a blue dye that turns your urine blue or green in case the balloon leaks. Note that if you have a leak, you should see your doctor to remove the balloon before the balloon slips into the bowel.

How does gastric balloon therapy work?

The balloon fills the space in your stomach. It usually fills less than half. This slows the passage of food and liquids. It also helps you feel full by training yourself and your body to enjoy smaller meals.

How Long Should the Gastric Balloon Stay in the Stomach?

Most intragastric balloons usually stay in your stomach for 6 months. After this time, the volume of the intragastric balloon begins to gradually decrease, increasing the risk of complications such as duodenal obstruction, as the ruptured balloon slips into the duodenum, the first part of your small intestine. Therefore, it is highly recommended to remove the balloon in time. This may be due to the fact that some patients want to keep the balloon longer because they cannot lose enough weight. You should never forget that you can repeat the process if you haven't lost enough weight.

How painful is a gastric balloon?

In very rare cases, you may feel pain if your esophagus or stomach is perforated while placing the gastric balloon. You may also feel pain from the inflation of the balloon, but most people describe it as a minor discomfort rather than pain.

How long does the gastric balloon stay?

Gastric balloons are designed to stay in the stomach for six months. It is deflated after six months and removed by endoscopy.

How successful is a gastric balloon treatment?

It is normal to lose approximately 7% to 15% of body weight during the six months following the placement of the Gastric Balloon, ie intragastric balloon. Total excess weight loss ranges from 30% to 47%. However, every individual is different and regardless of the subject, applying to a specialist physician will provide you with a better preliminary knowledge.

How Much Weight Loss On Average With Gastric Balloon?

Studies show that patients lose between 10 kg and 25 kg with current gastric balloon methods. This weight loss happens gradually over 6 months. Therefore, you should not expect rapid, unusual weight loss like other bariatric surgery operations.

Advantages of Gastric Balloon

•   The gastric balloon is not an operation, so no incision is required.
•   It is not permanent.
•   The risk of complications is very low.
•   Can improve obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and joint problems.

Risks of Gastric Balloon

•   Low weight loss
•   stomach ailment
•    Nausea and vomiting
•   Abdominal or back pain
•   Acid reflux
•   Digestive problems
•    Infection
•   Rarely, longer-term use can cause stomach liner inflammation, balloon deflating and intestinal obstruction.

Why Should You Prefer Turkey for Gastric Balloon?

It is not a viable solution as insurance usually does not cover the costs of gastric balloon treatments. For this reason, many patients prefer to have their treatment abroad, where prices are significantly lower. Gastric balloon is a popular option among overweight patients in Turkey.

Doctors in the field of gastric balloon and bariatric surgery are very successful in Turkey. In addition, hospitals are full-fledged and prices are much lower than in other countries.

Why is Gastric Balloon Procedure Cheap in Turkey?

Gastric balloon Turkey is much cheaper compared to other parts of the world such as England or North America but with all the expertise of Turkish surgeons and high standards of medical service, if you ask why procedures are so cheap in Turkey, the reason is a comparison between the average wages and cost of living in Turkey and most regions of the USA or Europe justifies this low cost. So, the reason is purely economic.

Is It Safe to Have a Gastric Balloon in Turkey?

Gastric balloon procedure is not even surgery and the procedure is quite simple, but you should check whether the medical equipment and the hospital you will be in are standard.

The high quality of health services in Turkey is both the result and the cause of the increase in medical tourism in this country. As surgeons become more competent and the quality of medical facilities improves, more and more people from all over the world come to Turkey, from neighboring Middle Eastern countries to Europe and America. As a result, competition among medical centers increases, especially in Istanbul, resulting in better healthcare services.

Level of Health Services in Turkey

The Turkish government pays special attention to the field of health because they believe that taking care of the health of all people who come to Turkey, not just citizens, should be their absolute priority. About 77 billion liras are spent on health services every year.

Of all the medical centers in Turkey, 28,000 medical centers are currently accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International), which is quite a good rate considering that only 10 clinics in Germany have this accreditation.

How Much Does a Gastric Balloon Cost in Turkey?

Gastric balloon surgery is not subject to a fixed fee in all centers in Turkey. The final cost will be the expertise of your doctor and staff, hospital fees, the cost of your balloon, etc. may vary depending on different factors such as

But it usually starts at $2,500 and the maximum price is $3,000, which is much lower than in most countries.

The average gastric balloon price in most parts of Europe, including France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, is around $7,000. In the United States, however, the price is around $7,500.

How Long Should I Stay in Turkey for Gastric Balloon Treatment Procedure?

The placement of the gastric balloon, both by swallowing and by endoscopy, takes no more than 30 minutes. It is recommended that you arrive 2 to 3 days before your transaction date. Also, once it's done, it's recommended that you stay for another 2 to 3 days to recuperate so your bariatric doctor can check on you a few times and then send you back home with peace of mind. Therefore, your entire trip will take about a week. Because of the simplicity of this procedure, you can go back to work as soon as you get home.

Do You Need a Visa to Turkey?

For many countries, you can easily obtain a visa for 90 days per trip. However, for holders of US, UK, Australian, Chinese and Spanish passports, e-visas must be obtained in advance for a fee upon arrival. Holders of French, German, Russian and Singaporean passports can enter visa-free. Citizens of more than 70 countries have the right to enter Turkey without a visa.

Transportation to Turkey

Turkish Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, flying to more than 100 countries and 200 international destinations. Turkish Airlines' extensive flight network provides easy and economical transportation to patients from all over the world.
Turkey's private hospitals offer the world's most advanced medical treatments and technology today. In addition to its technologically advanced medical infrastructure, Turkey is a leading health tourism destination with many advantages.