What Is Non-Surgical Obesity Treatment?
In obesity treatment, non-surgical methods include endoscopic weight-loss injections (pharmacological toxin) or intragastric (stomach) balloon applications. These programs aim to help individuals reach and maintain a healthy weight range under the supervision of a physician and dietitian. The main goal is to use these supportive procedures to promote healthy, long-term dietary habits so the person can sustain weight control independently and improve their quality of life.
1) Stomach Injection Procedure
What Is It?
This endoscopic method involves injecting a medication/toxin (commonly Botulinum toxin) that temporarily blocks nerve signals to the stomach muscles. After the injection, the stomach’s motility slows down, especially for solid foods, prolonging digestion. As a result, one feels full earlier, remains full longer, and experiences reduced appetite, all of which support the adoption of healthy eating habits. The injection alone does not directly cause weight loss but significantly enhances compliance with a healthy diet plan.
How Is the Stomach Injection Done?
- Performed in an endoscopy unit under light anesthesia (sedation).
- It is completely painless—the patient does not feel discomfort during the procedure.
- After a thorough inspection of the stomach lining via endoscopy, the toxin is injected at around 20 targeted points in the stomach’s muscular regions (notably around the stomach exit/pylorus and near the “hunger center” in the upper stomach).
- The procedure takes about 15 minutes and does not require hospital admission.
- Full effect typically emerges within 7–10 days, lasting approximately 4–6 months.
Advantages of the Stomach Injection
- The main advantage is that it almost never disrupts one’s daily routine.
- On the day of the injection, minor bloating or mild cramping can occur, but severe side effects are not expected.
- A few hours afterward, the patient can typically resume normal life.
- You may start consuming liquids about 1 hour later. For maximum effectiveness, we recommend 3 days of liquid-based nutrition. During these 3 days and throughout the entire program, our clinic’s dietitian will provide follow-up and personalized dietary guidance.
Who Is Eligible for the Stomach Injection?
- The endoscopic stomach injection (pharmacological toxin) suits anyone seeking to lose excess weight and needing a comfortable solution to aid diet compliance.
- Before the procedure, we do a detailed evaluation. If one has reflux, gastritis, or ulcer complaints, a thorough endoscopic assessment is done to decide on the injection. If there is a treatable underlying condition in the stomach, the procedure might be postponed until that condition is resolved.
- Individuals who have previously undergone surgery bypassing the stomach outlet cannot use this approach.
- Suitability is determined after an in-depth consultation with our clinic’s physician and dietitian.
How Much Weight Can I Lose with the Stomach Injection?
- With the endoscopic weight-loss (pharmacological toxin) program, you can generally lose around 10% of your starting weight across a 6-month plan.
- Results vary based on how well each person complies with the program. Patients who diligently attend dietitian checkups and follow the recommendations typically see the best outcomes.
- Throughout the process, Dr. Güven Görkem and our team offer the support you need to succeed.
2) Intragastric Balloon Application
What Is the Intragastric Balloon?
An intragastric (stomach) balloon is a balloon-shaped medical device (made from silicone or polyurethane) that remains in the stomach temporarily. By physically occupying space in the stomach, it induces satiety and fullness. It also mechanically slows the digestion of solid foods, prolonging fullness and lowering appetite. Among non-surgical obesity treatments, the intragastric balloon is the most effective method for weight loss. The goal is for individuals to shed excess weight with the help of the balloon while developing sustainable healthy eating habits for long-term weight control.
Types of Intragastric Balloons
Because intragastric balloons differ in placement method, length of time in the stomach, and material composition, we commonly use the following three types in our clinic:
- 6-Month Endoscopic Intragastric Balloon
- Made of silicone; placed endoscopically and inflated with about 500 ml of dyed blue fluid.
- Remains in the stomach for 6 months; then endoscopically removed.
- Though it can remain for 6 months, effectiveness gradually declines after the 4th month.
- 12-Month Adjustable Intragastric Balloon
- Also made of silicone; placed endoscopically. Initially inflated with about 450–500 ml of dyed fluid.
- Unlike the 6-month balloon, it stays up to 12 months. When the effect diminishes, its volume can be endoscopically increased up to 750–800 ml.
- This “adjustable” feature provides a dynamic 12-month treatment period, increasing weight-loss success vs. 6-month balloons.
- Allurion Swallowable Balloon
- No endoscopy or anesthesia required; swallowed with water, then inflated.
- Made from a softer, more comfortable polyurethane, which usually causes fewer side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or cramps.
- Eliptical shape adapts to the stomach anatomy, maintaining fullness and supporting weight loss over an average 16 weeks.
- Around 16 weeks post-placement, it naturally deflates (the fluid leaks out), and the thin balloon wall easily passes through the digestive system.
- After the balloon passes, the patient continues follow-ups under the Allurion Weight-Loss Program for a total of 6 months, using a smart scale, smart watch, and phone app for an all-encompassing lifestyle transformation.
Pros and Cons of Intragastric Balloons
Disadvantages
- During the first 3–4 days (the “adaptation period”), nausea, vomiting, and cramping can occur—often the biggest drawback.
- We provide specialized therapy protocols (starting ~1 week pre-procedure and continuing post-procedure) and dietary guidance to minimize complaints.
Advantages
- Non-surgical: No incisions, no permanent anatomical changes.
- After completing the program, compliant individuals can reach healthy weight ranges without surgery.
- Because effect is temporary, however, there is a possibility of weight regain afterward if one fails to build lasting healthy eating habits.
- Should one regain weight, the balloon can be reapplied in suitable candidates.
Who Is a Candidate?
- In general, BMI of 27 and above may qualify for an intragastric balloon.
- Individuals with reflux, gastritis, or ulcer complaints undergo an endoscopic assessment before final approval. If a treatable stomach condition is found, the balloon insertion is postponed.
- Not feasible for those who have previously had major stomach surgeries that alter the stomach’s outlet.
- Different balloon types have various pros and cons. Factors like lifestyle, eating habits, and patient goals help determine which balloon is best. Suitability is confirmed after thorough doctor and dietitian evaluations.
Expected Weight Loss with a Balloon
- Generally, patients can lose 15-25% of their starting weight throughout the entire program, though individual results vary by balloon type (effect duration) and patient adherence.
- Our team’s priority is fostering lasting healthy eating habits so that patients can manage weight without further interventions.
- Dr. Güven Görkem and his staff will closely guide and support you in achieving long-term success.
Contact Us
Fill out our contact form on our website to reach out and discuss your options for non-surgical obesity treatment programs and intragastric balloon procedures. Our team would be happy to schedule a consultation to explore which method may best meet your needs and help you pursue a healthier life.
