What is Stomach Botox?

Stomach botox is one of the non-surgical weight loss methods. Stomach botox, which is performed with the endoscopic method, is made by injecting botulinum toxin into certain areas of the stomach. Botulinum toxin stops the contraction of the muscles by acting on the nerve endings and creates a short-term paralysis. Since it is not a surgical method, there is no incision. Weight loss of 15-20% is targeted in stomach botox. (1) After stomach botox, the level of the hunger hormone called ghrelin decreases, gastric acid secretion decreases and gastric emptying slows down. Patients experience decreased appetite and delayed hunger. Stomach botox can be applied to people between the ages of 18-65 who meet the appropriate criteria. (1.4)

How Is Stomach Botox Made?

Gastric botox is performed in the endoscopy unit, without general anesthesia, with mild sedation, that is, half asleep. You will not feel pain during the procedure. The doctor inserts an endoscopic tube (gastroscope) into your stomach. The gastroscope is used to view the areas where botox will be injected. After the doctor places the device in your stomach, he injects botulinum toxin into your stomach muscles from the area where the hunger hormones are located. This process takes about 15-20 minutes. (4) After the procedure, you will be kept under observation for 1.5-2 hours. There is no need for hospitalization. (1) You may need 2 or 3 botox injections to achieve the desired result. Stomach botox, which is effective for an average of 6 months, can be repeated up to 3 times at intervals of 6 months, if necessary. (4) After the procedure, your stomach muscles will work more slowly than at the beginning. (1) This slowness will also slow down your digestive system. This way, the food you eat stays in your stomach longer. This increases your feeling of fullness and reduces your desire to eat more.

Who Is Stomach Botox Suitable For?

• Not suitable for obesity surgery conditions
• Not wanting surgical treatment
• Unable to undergo surgery due to comorbidities
• 18-65 years old with a body mass index of 25-40
• Not allergic to botulinum toxin
• Stomach botox is suitable for patients without muscle nerve disease. (3)

Stomach botox is not applied to pregnant and lactating women. In case of diseases such as stomach ulcer, gastritis, duodenal ulcer, the priority is to treat these diseases. It is recommended to do stomach botox after the treatment.

When Does the Effect of Stomach Botox Start?

2 or 3 days after your stomach botox procedure, the feeling of hunger slows down and decreases. After 2 weeks, your weight loss will begin. (1) Since the stomach botox application is applied only to the smooth muscles in the stomach, it has no effect on nerve cells and bowel movements. Therefore, it does not have the effect of increasing intestinal laziness. After the procedure, a nutrition diet is prepared for you by a dietitian. You can start feeding 2 hours after the procedure. If the procedure is successful, it may be possible to lose about 15-35 kilos depending on age, gender, body mass index and nutrition. (2)

What Should Be Considered Before Stomach Botox?

In order for the stomach botox process to be more effective, some points that you should pay attention to before the operation are as follows: (3)

• Quit smoking one month before surgery.
• Do not eat anything 12 hours before surgery
• Avoid using blood thinners.
• Do not use drugs that can affect gastric secretions.

What Should Be Considered After Stomach Botox?

In order for the stomach botox process to be more effective, some of the points you should pay attention to after the operation are as follows: (3)

• Do not eat or drink anything until the effect of the anesthetic wears off.
• You can exercise to burn fat.
• You should follow the diet prepared by the dietitian for you.
• You may feel dizzy with the effect of anesthesia in the procedure. So rest for a full day after the operation.
• Do not carry heavy objects and avoid doing heavy work for at least three days after the procedure.
• You should reduce the consumption of acidic drinks, carbohydrates, alcohol.
• You should stay away from fast food.
• After the effect of stomach botox wears off, you should continue your diet habit that you have acquired in 6 months.
• Coffee consumption is not recommended in the first three days after the procedure.