Stomach Botox

In this article What is stomach botox?, How is a stomach botox injection performed?, We will address questions such as what are the advantages of obesity surgery. In recent years, especially with the influence of developing technology, the reduced use of physical strength and the resulting sedentary lifestyle are among the main factors causing an increase in obesity. Increased consumption of fast food, unhealthy eating, genetic factors, hormonal reasons… Whatever the reason, if obese individuals cannot lose weight despite all their efforts, they can resort to obesity surgery and decide on the most suitable method with their doctor. Among the methods that patients can choose from, gastric Botox, which has been widely applied in the last twenty years, is a good alternative for those who do not want surgery.

What is Gastric Botox?

Stomach botox It is an endoscopic procedure. A substance called botulinum toxin is injected into the stomach using an endoscopic method. The frequency of stomach muscle contractions decreases, thus delaying gastric emptying time. This helps the patient lose weight by causing a loss of appetite.

When Botox is mentioned, many people think of cosmetic procedures. In its common cosmetic use, the aim is to reduce aging by injecting a substance into the skin. This method has been further developed and later applied to the stomach.

Who is a candidate for Gastric Botox?

Gastric Botox is a non-surgical procedure and can be applied to many people who want to lose weight. It may be preferred for patients who cannot lose weight due to genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, or other health problems. Although this procedure is not surgical, it is important that the patient has previously tried to lose weight through diet and exercise. Individuals who have not achieved the desired results and have 10-20 kilos of excess weight can opt for this procedure.

Stomach botox It is not suitable for patients with severe obesity. In other words, it is quite difficult to achieve successful results in individuals with a body mass index of 40 and above. Furthermore, those with conditions such as stomach ulcers and gastritis should first receive treatment for these conditions. Gastric Botox is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

How is a Stomach Botox Injection Performed?

The first experiments on gastric Botox were conducted in the early 2000s. However, due to problems encountered during application, the studies were shelved for a long time. When other effects of the toxin used in Botox application were noticed... stomach botox The procedure has resumed. The application is fundamentally based on the principle of applying pressure to the stomach from two different directions. The benefits of the toxin are narrowing (or preventing the expansion) of the stomach's exit to the intestines and suppressing appetite-increasing hormones. For these benefits to be achieved and for rapid weight loss to occur, the procedure should ideally be performed by a qualified doctor. How is a stomach botox procedure performed? We have compiled the answer to the question in bullet points:

• Not everyone is suitable for gastric Botox. A number of physical and psychological conditions are required. The most important condition is having a body mass index of 32.5 or below. A broad-spectrum examination is performed to check these conditions.
• Once it is determined that the patient is suitable for gastric Botox, a surgery date is set. Since it is a simple procedure, it can be performed on the same day as the examination.
• The patient is put to sleep with sedation. Because the patient is asleep, they do not feel any pain or discomfort.
• An endoscope is inserted through the patient's mouth to check the condition of the esophagus and stomach. If any masses or lesions are found, the operation is cancelled. Signs of reflux and gastritis are also examined. If the esophagus and stomach are healthy, the patient is ready for surgery.
• A special injection device is lowered into the endoscope.
• First, the injection is given at the bottom of the stomach, specifically at the valve where the intestines exit. The main goal here is to slow down the rate at which the stomach empties, thus maintaining the feeling of fullness for a longer period.
• After the injection in the lower abdomen is completed, injections are given in the middle region of the stomach, at certain specific points.
• Once the middle section is also completed, injections are given to the upper region of the stomach, at the point where hormone activity is highest. The aim here is to suppress appetite.
• Although it varies from patient to patient, on average, toxin injections are administered to twenty-four different sites.
• The patient remains asleep for an hour, including the operation.
• After waking up, he/she does not feel any pain, discomfort, or nausea.
• He can go to work immediately if he has a job, or home if he doesn't.

In general, this is the procedure for administering Botox. Some doctors may develop the process differently. After discussing how stomach Botox is administered, let's move on to the advantages of stomach Botox.

What are the advantages of Gastric Botox?

Gastric Botox is a relatively new procedure, and its frequency of application is also relatively low. However, its simplicity and the comfortable post-operative recovery are rapidly increasing its popularity. Advantages of stomach botox They can be listed as follows:

• Mild pain, bruising, and swelling are possible after the operation, but these should not be severe enough to cause significant discomfort to the patient.
• Although the incisions begin to heal by the end of the first week, it takes up to two months for the results to become clearly visible.
• In conclusion, liposuction, the technique for removing fat, is a complex operation that is constantly evolving and, due to its application method, complements other aesthetic surgeries. While the method used may vary from patient to patient, it fundamentally consists of variations of the classic liposuction technique.
• The process can be completed multiple times without any problems.
• The procedure takes no more than an hour.
• There is no pain, discomfort, or nausea during the procedure.
• The patient can return to their social life immediately after the procedure.
• When combined with exercise and diet, it can help you lose twenty to thirty percent of your current weight.
• It's quite frugal in terms of side effects. That is, any side effects that might occur are minimal and insignificant if administered by a skilled physician.
• It aims to promote healthy, consistent, and long-term weight loss.

Having discussed the advantages of gastric botox, let's now move on to post-gastric botox nutrition.

How to eat after a stomach botox?

Patients who have undergone gastric Botox need to pay close attention to their diet. They should start eating liquids 2-3 hours after the procedure. After consuming liquids for the first three days, they should then consume protein-rich foods. This is because while protein-rich foods normally remain in the stomach for 4 hours, they can stay there for up to three times longer in those who have had Botox. Proteins are difficult to digest and have fat-burning properties, thus accelerating the weight loss process. In addition to consuming plenty of fluids, an emphasis should also be placed on vegetables.

Individuals who have undergone gastric botox should avoid consuming sugary foods, as this will reduce the effectiveness of the botox procedure. Therefore, they should avoid sugar and all sugary foods, acidic and carbonated drinks, excessively fatty foods, and foods high in carbohydrates. Alcohol and smoking should be completely stopped.

What tests are performed before gastric botox?

Before Botox, several tests should be performed to rule out any conditions that might prevent the procedure. Gastritis or ulcers in the stomach, duodenal ulcers or related conditions, and a Botox allergy are contraindications. In addition to blood tests, the patient should also undergo a pregnancy test to check for any possible pregnancy.

What precautions should be taken after a stomach botox procedure?

Individuals who undergo gastric Botox can continue their daily lives without difficulty. However, there are certain rules that must be followed. After the procedure, individuals must adhere to the given or recommended dietary plan. Alcohol and smoking must be completely abandoned as they negatively affect the stomach muscles. Consuming fast food will reduce the effectiveness of Botox and render the procedure ineffective. Therefore, diet is extremely important. The individual's effort and commitment play a significant role in the effectiveness of Botox. Incorporating regular exercise into one's life will accelerate the weight loss process and help achieve lasting results. With all these measures in place, it is possible to lose the desired amount of weight in 4-6 weeks.

What are the side effects of gastric Botox?

After the procedure, the feeling of hunger decreases within 2-3 days. This is an expected and desired outcome. Weight loss begins after 2 weeks and continues for approximately 6 months. Botox is not a permanent method. The effect of the substance injected into the stomach wears off within 6 months. During this time, weight loss occurs without any lasting damage to the body. To date, there have been no reported side effects or harms from stomach Botox. However, this procedure is not suitable for individuals with musculoskeletal disorders or allergies to Botox, and therefore should not be preferred for such patients.