What Is Gastric Botox? Procedure, Effects, and Its Role in Weight Loss
Gastric botox is one of the modern medical applications that stands out as a non-surgical, endoscopic method for obesity and weight control. This technique offers an effective solution, especially for individuals seeking weight loss support without the need for surgery and with a short recovery time. By injecting botulinum toxin (botox) into specific areas of the stomach muscles, the emptying of the stomach is slowed, and hunger hormones are suppressed. As a result, the person feels less hungry, eats less, and supports their weight loss process.
How Is Gastric Botox Applied?
Gastric botox is typically a short endoscopic procedure performed under sedation (mild sedative), usually lasting less than 30 minutes. The patient is not completely anesthetized but remains comfortable and relaxed during the process. The stages are as follows:
1. Endoscopic evaluation:
First, the inside of the stomach is examined through endoscopic imaging. The presence of pathological conditions such as ulcers, gastritis, or stomach cancer is evaluated.
2. Botox injection:
If no issues are found, approximately 300 units of Onabotulinum Toxin-A (Allergan, Nabota) or 1000 units of Abobotulinum Toxin-A (Dysport) are injected into specific regions of the stomach wall. This process is completed using around 2 vials of botox.
3. Post-procedure discharge:
The patient can go home the same day and does not need to stay in the hospital for an extended period.
Mechanism of Action of Gastric Botox
Gastric botox works through two main mechanisms that directly affect appetite and gastric emptying:
1. Regulation of ghrelin and leptin hormones:
Botox injected into the fundus region of the stomach reduces the secretion of ghrelin, the hormone responsible for triggering hunger. This helps prevent sudden hunger attacks.
2. Delayed gastric emptying:
Botox applied to the antrum region slows down gastric emptying, leading to a prolonged feeling of fullness. This allows individuals to consume fewer calories without feeling hungry between meals.
The effects usually begin 3 to 14 days after the procedure and last for about 3 to 5 months. When combined with an appropriate diet program, noticeable weight loss can be achieved during this period.
Post-Gastric Botox Nutrition Process
Proper nutrition following the procedure is extremely important. Only liquid foods are recommended for the first few days, and a gradual return to a normal diet follows. Some important points to consider post-procedure include:
- Avoid hot foods for the first 2 weeks
- Avoid alcohol for at least 3 months
- Increase daily water intake
- Follow the prescribed diet program strictly
Dietitian supervision is crucial during this period. For this reason, patients are usually offered complimentary dietitian support for 2 months following gastric botox.
How Much Weight Can Be Lost with Gastric Botox?
The amount of weight loss varies from person to person. However, clinical observations indicate that individuals who undergo gastric botox and adopt proper dietary and lifestyle changes may lose between 5 and 25 kilograms on average. The most important factor is how disciplined the individual is in managing the post-procedure period and how closely they follow the medical recommendations.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Gastric Botox?
Gastric botox is suitable for individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 35 and who do not want surgery
- Individuals seeking short-term weight loss to alleviate health issues
- Those unable to lose weight despite diet and exercise
- Patients who do not want the risks of stomach surgery or are not eligible for surgery due to medical conditions
Advantages of Gastric Botox
- It is a non-surgical method that involves no incisions
- The procedure is quick, and patients are usually discharged the same day
- It provides a sustained feeling of fullness throughout the effect duration
- When combined with a proper diet, it offers effective and reliable weight loss
- The recovery process is generally very comfortable
Disclaimer: All content on this website is for informational purposes only and is based on scientific sources available at the time of publication. For any health-related symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment, please consult your doctor or a certified healthcare provider directly.
