Stomach Botox Injections (Gastric Botox)

Stomach or gastric Botox is a relatively new method for weight loss treatment. Gastric Botox is a non-surgical endoscopic procedure that requires the Botox to be injected directly into the internal stomach wall. These injections help speed up the process of losing weight for those who want to achieve rapid and effective weight loss.

Botulinum toxin, the primary substance within the Botox injection, is a substance that was primarily used to smoothen skin and reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. It is also used to treat health conditions such as chronic migraines but has only recently emerged as a non-surgical weight loss treatment.

Stomach Botox injections for weight loss aim to limit the contraction of the stomach muscles causing the muscles to relax and suppress appetite. In addition, this method delays the gastric emptying process and that makes the patient feel full longer which will reduce food intake.

What is stomach botox?

Botox, which is a neurotoxin produced from Clostridium Botulinum bacteria, has different types and Botox A, which is the most common use in humans, is used for the stomach.

In Botox A application, there are organ-specific toxic dose levels and this issue is of vital importance. There is no scientific standard dose determined for the stomach and application points for which the effect has been finalized. Stomach botox is applied to support weight loss by temporarily paralyzing the stomach muscles.

Who is a Suitable Candidate?

Gastric Botox injections are not the right choice for everyone, the patient will have to be advised by a specialist to determine if they are suitable for the procedure. Gastric Botox is suitable for people who are overweight, but not for people who are obese, as this method is ineffective for people whose body mass index (BMI) is above 40. The most suitable candidate would be the one whose BMI is below 35.

Gastric Botox is suitable for people who suffer from excess weight or struggle to control their appetite. Is also suitable for those who have tried losing weight by following strict diets and regular exercise. In addition, gastric Botox can be used for people who suffer from stomach ulcers and gastritis and health conditions associated with excess weight such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

People who suffer from serious obesity problems are not qualified for gastric Botox injections and an alternative procedure would be advised.

How to prepare for the Gastric Botox Procedure?

Stomach Botox is not a surgical operation, although there are factors that need to be considered in preparation for this procedure. The doctor will perform some physical examinations and several tests, following an assessment of the patient’s medical history, health conditions, previous surgeries, and any prescribed medication.

If the patient is suitable for gastric Botox, the doctor will provide some instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, including fasting 8-12 hours before the procedure and cessation of certain medications 24 hours before the procedure (such as aspirin to avoid bleeding).

How is Gastric Botox performed?

Gastric Botox is not a complex procedure as it does not require any surgical instruments or incisions. Botulinum toxins are injected into the stomach wall from the inside during the procedure.

During the procedure
No general anaesthesia is required, only a local anesthetic where the patient will remain conscious. The steps of the gastric Botox procedure are:

    • Localised numbing is applied to the throat, via an oral spray, to reduce discomfort and prevent a gagging sensation during the procedure.
    • The doctor inserts the endoscope through the throat into the stomach.
    • Once the endoscope is in place within the stomach, the doctor injects the Botox, through a needle, attached at one end of the endoscope.
    • The Botox is injected into specific locations and proportions into the inner wall of the stomach which causes relaxation of the stomach muscles.
    • Once all injections are complete, the endoscope is removed.
    • This procedure usually lasts about 20 to 30 minutes.
    • After having this procedure, the patient will have to stay in the clinic for the next 1 to 2 hours for monitoring. There is no need to stay in the clinic overnight.
    • The patient will be able to continue their daily activities the following day.

After the procedure
After having a gastric Botox, the patient can restart their normal daily activities the day after the procedure. The patient might feel discomfort from the endoscope placement in the throat and may also experience some fatigue for a few days after the procedure.

The doctor will also suggest not to drink or eat for a few hours until the local anesthetic (oral spray) has completely worn off and the throat feels normal again.

The recommended diet after the procedure should include foods rich in nutrients, proteins and low carbohydrates. Cutting down on sugar, such as sweets or chocolates is also highly recommended.

Furthermore, gastric Botox is effective immediately after the injections and lasts in the body for 4 to 6 months. During these months, the patient will be able to see the results of the Botox injections.

The benefits of Gastric Botox

Gastric Botox has several benefits for people who are trying to lose weight. It is a new method for weight loss that has been quite successful and promises weight loss.

Stomach Botox injections benefits:

    • Minimally invasive and non-surgical procedure
    • Promising weight-loss results
    • Suitable for people who are overweight
    • Cost-effective procedure
    • Low and temporary side effects
    • Rapid recovery

Differences Between Gastric Botox and Gastric Balloon

Gastric balloon, like botox, is an endoscopic intervention, but its only purpose is to temporarily reduce the stomach volume. The volume of the balloon should be adjusted according to the patient, and the presence of a foreign body in the stomach may cause nausea. The effect disappears suddenly when the balloon is removed. The effect of stomach botox passes gradually.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Stomach botox does not provide weight loss, it aims to empty the stomach late and thus make the food regimen easier. There is no FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) or EMA (European Medicines Agency) approval for the use of Botox for the stomach, so its use is not guaranteed and is an unapproved application.
The results of endoscopic Botox studies have varied depending on personal factors such as diet, exercise, age, metabolic rate, additional diseases and lifestyle.
Stomach Botox can be applied to people who do not have a general health problem, whose body mass index is between 27-35 and who are only 10-20 kilos overweight, as a supportive element of diet and exercise program.
After stomach botox, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may be experienced. Although rare, side effects include heart rhythm disturbances, respiratory suppression, neurological effects and gastric necrosis (collectively, stomach rot and perforation).
The foods recommended by the specialist should be consumed and the nutrition plan should be followed. Care should be taken not to consume acidic drinks, heavy and fatty meals, sugary syrups, ready-made foods. Physician, dietitian and psychologist controls should not be interrupted after the Botox procedure.
Stomach botox application, which is performed endoscopically and by putting the patient to sleep, takes an average of 20 minutes. Usually 1-2 hours of observation is sufficient and hospitalization is not required.
When it is applied to the right area of the stomach and the appropriate muscle layer in the appropriate dose, there is no possibility of permanent damage as the effect of the toxin used in stomach botox disappears in a period of 4-6 months.
Botox is applied to the stomach only for the smooth muscles of the stomach. Therefore, it is expected not to affect nerve cells and bowel movements. A diet that will regulate bowel movements should be applied in the diet that will be planned after the application.
Gastric Botox solution can cause temporary side effects, such as nausea. These symptoms usually last for a short time and then gradually disappear. It is very important to discuss this with your doctor during the consultation and to understand and manage expectations while considering any potential associated risks.
When Botox is applied to the right area and at the appropriate dose, it is expected not to disperse into the body, creating only a local effect.
Botulinum toxin, which is popularly known as botox, is not snake venom. It is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. When this bacterium multiplies in food, it can cause food poisoning called “botulism” with its toxin. However, the toxin in question is weakened by special processes in the laboratory environment, so that it can be used safely in humans.
Stomach botox should not be applied to people who are allergic to Botox, have stomach disease and have muscle disease. In addition, it can not be applied during pregnancy and lactation.
Although smoking does not have a direct effect on stomach botox, smoking is not recommended.
Stomach botox is not an application that can lose weight without diet and exercise under expert control. If you do not eat properly and remain inactive, you will continue to gain weight.
It is recommended not to drink coffee for at least 3 days after the application and to limit it after the application.
Stomach botox application does not prevent pregnancy, but it should not be applied during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
After gastric botox application, complaints such as nausea, vomiting and reflux were encountered.
Stomach botox application does not provide weight loss. In order to facilitate the diet to be made to lose weight, it tries to relax the stomach muscles and ensure that it empties late.
It is expected that the stomach muscle relaxant effect of stomach botox will start after 3 days.

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