Frequently Asked Questions:

    1. Will the balloon burst?

It is out of the question for the balloon to burst. It only causes leakage in case of punctures. The dye we use to inflate the urine dyes it blue and the patient becomes aware of the leak. The dyestuff has no harm to health. The balloon is removed by endoscopy.

2. Health insurance balloon application covered?

Private or state health insurance does not cover balloon procedures.

3. Do I need surgery?

Inserting, adjusting and removing the balloon is done by endoscopy. It does not require any surgery. We apply swallowable balloons for our patients who do not want to undergo endoscopy.

    4. What is the age limit for a gastric balloon?

Our lower age limit is 18, provided that there is no developmental delay. There is no upper age limit, unless health conditions prevent it.

5. What is the weight limit for a gastric balloon?

*The application is not done according to weight, but according to the body mass index, which is calculated as the ratio of weight to height. There is no upper limit of the mass index in the balloon application.

*We recommend gastric balloon for those whose index is between 30-35.

*We recommend gastric balloon for those over 35 years of age with no comorbidities, and obesity surgery for those with serious weight-related comorbidities. A gastric balloon can be installed in patients who do not want to undergo surgery.

*We recommend obesity surgery to our morbidly obese patients with an index over 40, and gastric balloon if they do not want to undergo surgery.

    6. Can a gastric balloon be inserted into breastfeeding mothers?

First of all, it is ideal to wear it after the end of the breastfeeding period. However, it can be applied to mothers with weight-related comorbidities after their babies are 6 months old and if they can take supplementary nutrition.

    7. Will I gain weight after the balloon is removed?

After losing weight after the balloon, insulin resistance decreases, which causes a decrease in appetite. In order to maintain the patient’s weight after the balloon is removed, attention should still be paid to maintaining weight through conscious nutrition. 8. Can the balloon be inserted a second time?

The gastric balloon can be reapplied at regular intervals.

    9. What is the difference of adjustable balloon?

In adjustable balloons, unlike fixed volume balloons, nausea and vomiting are minimized by inflating a small amount at first, and the adaptation period is comfortable. Later, if weight loss stops as a result of the body adapting, weight loss is continued by inflating. While standard balloons can stay in the stomach for 6 months, adjustable balloons can stay in the stomach for more than a year and provide approximately twice the weight loss.

     10. How much weight will I lose with a gastric balloon?

With the annual adjustable balloon, you can lose approximately 58-60% of the excess weight above your ideal weight in one year. However, the success of the balloon is closely related to the patient’s awareness and compliance with the nutrition program.