Gastric Botoks

What is Gastric Botox?

Gastric Botox also known under different names such as stomach botox and gastric botox injection for weight loss, is a rather new non-surgical procedure for weight loss that has been successfully performed in Turkey for more than 10 years and has gained popularity especially in the recent years as an effective and alternative way to lose weight.

Through the application of this technique that works by inhibiting certain nerve signals in the muscles of the stomach wall that regulate feelings of hunger and satiety, individuals are able to lose weight with an average of 10-15 kilograms in 3 to 6 months.

How Does Gastric Botox Work?

Gastric Botox works by administering botox injections into specified regions of the stomach wall with the aim to block muscle contraction, which will help slow down the digestive process (also known as gastric emptying) and stomach motility. This in turn will extend the feeling of fullness experienced after eating food that will result in a decrease in appetite; reducing the overall amount of food intake and facilitating weight loss within time.

Who is a Candidate for Gastric Botox?

Individuals who have been unsuccessful in their efforts to achieve or maintain a healthy body weight through diet and exercise even after many attempts

Individuals who have a BMI higher than 25 kg/m² but lower than 35 kg/m² and therefore do not qualify for bariatric surgery.

Individuals who have a BMI ranging between 35 kg/m² to 40 kg/m² but do not want to undergo bariatric surgery

 Procedure

The procedure that is performed endoscopically on an outpatient basis requires minimal preparation and usually takes an average of 10-15 minutes under mild sedation. After the treatment, the patient will be kept under observation for 2-3 hours and may leave once he/she feels ready.

The effects of botox injections will begin within 3-5 days following the procedure and generally last up to 6 months.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?

Gastric Botox is considered a safe procedure especially when performed by experienced endoscopists.  Generally only mild side effects are experienced by patients. Some of the possible side effects include;

Nausea

Vomiting

Headache

Feeling of bloating and mild abdominal pain

Benefits of Gastric Botox;

No surgical intervention is needed,

Performed endoscopically on an outpatient basis; minimal discomfort

Faster recovery compared to other weight loss procedures.

Minimal risks and side effects,

Sooner return to their normal daily activities