What is Stomach Botox?
Stomach Botox is a relatively new procedure. In this method, the stomach is accessed endoscopically, and Botox is injected into specific areas of the stomach. As one of the weight loss methods, stomach Botox helps the stomach empty more slowly by limiting the contractions of the stomach muscles. This allows individuals to eat less and thus lose weight.
This method can be applied to anyone who wants to lose weight, but it is not part of obesity surgery. The criteria required for this procedure include the following:
- It is recommended for those who have been unsuccessful in losing weight despite regularly dieting and exercising.
- Stomach Botox is not recommended for those with a body mass index (BMI) over 40 who may need obesity surgery.
- It can be applied to individuals with a body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 35.
If the individual has issues such as ulcers or gastritis, these health problems should be treated before the procedure is performed.
How is Stomach Botox performed?
Stomach Botox is performed using an endoscopic method, so no incisions are made. Through this method, Botox is injected into various muscles of the stomach in appropriate amounts, helping the stomach to empty more slowly. This procedure, which takes approximately 15-20 minutes, also reduces the secretion of the hormone GHRELIN, which causes hunger. As a result, individuals feel less hungry.
After the procedure, it is sufficient for individuals to be monitored for 1-2 hours, after which they are discharged. Patients do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure due to sedation. A 3-day period is sufficient to reduce appetite.
The effects of Stomach Botox last for 4-6 months, after which Botox is eliminated from the body, leaving no permanent damage. Additionally, the procedure only targets the smooth muscles of the stomach, so there is no resulting bowel sluggishness.
Why is Stomach Botox performed?
Stomach Botox is a method applied to individuals who want to lose weight. It is not recommended for those with a BMI over 35 as it is not part of obesity surgery. This method, which begins to show effects after 3 days, aims to help individuals lose 10-20 kilograms, making it suitable for those who are overweight.
Benefits of Stomach Botox
As a non-surgical method, Stomach Botox primarily allows patients to lose weight without taking any surgical risks. Other benefits of Stomach Botox include:
- Slowing down the movements of the stomach.
- Reducing hunger by decreasing the production of the hunger hormone.
- Helping to lose 10-15% of body weight when combined with exercise and diet.
- Short procedure time.
- As an endoscopic method, individuals can return to their normal lives after the procedure.
- Thanks to sedation during the procedure, individuals do not feel any discomfort.
- No pain is experienced after the procedure.
What to consider before Stomach Botox?
Before Stomach Botox, patients should not eat or drink anything for at least 12 hours. If there are specific instructions before the procedure, specialists will provide the necessary information.
What to consider after Stomach Botox?
To avoid digestive issues after Stomach Botox, the following points should be considered:
- Eat slowly and chew well to aid digestion.
- Stop eating as soon as you feel full.
- Continue following a regular diet for 6 months after the procedure.
- Exercise to enhance the effectiveness of Stomach Botox.
What are the risks of Stomach Botox?
Botox has been used in medicine for many years for various purposes and is a very safe method with no side effects. However, the person performing the procedure must be an expert in the field. Incorrect applications can lead to various risks. Additionally, it is not recommended for individuals with Botox allergies or any muscle disorders.
Stomach Botox and Nutrition
Attention to nutrition is also necessary after Stomach Botox. Otherwise, continuing unhealthy eating habits may prevent the expected results from being achieved.
It is recommended that patients consume only liquids for the first 3 days after the procedure. After that, a protein-rich diet is advised as consuming proteins helps enhance the weight loss effects of Botox.
During the first 4 months after the procedure, daily water intake should be maximized, ideally around 3-3.5 liters per day. Additionally, it is recommended to include fiber-rich foods in the diet.
Another point to consider regarding nutrition after Stomach Botox is that consuming 2-3 main meals a day is sufficient. Snacking between meals is not recommended. Moreover, the cooking methods used are as important as the choice of foods. Therefore, healthy cooking methods should be preferred when preparing meals.
Foods to avoid after the procedure include:
- High-calorie, acidic, and sugary foods
- High-calorie packaged foods
- Simple carbohydrates
- Fast food
- Fried foods
- Alcohol
- Rice, pasta, and bulgur
