Gastric Botox

Gastric botox is an operation performed endoscopically, in the operating theater, under sedation. The operation usually takes about 15-20 minutes. After the operation, the patient is observed for about an hour. No hospitalization is required for this operation. 

This operation mainly consists of injecting Botulinum toxin (AKA Botox) to the stomach’s inner muscles. Doing so, causes the muscles in the stomach to slow down the peristaltic movement, which, as a result, increases the time required for the foods in the stomach to be pushed into the digestive system, therefore loss of appetite is experienced and thus, weight loss is achieved. 

The loss of appetite is is expected to begin within 2-3 days after the operation, and the loss of weight is expected to begin within in 2 weeks. The aim should be to expect about 6-8 kilos, depending on the patient’s lifestyle, the level of physical activity and a healthy diet. The amount might go up to 10 kilos; again, depending on the person and their lifestyle.

Who is Suitable for Gastric Botox?

This is not an obesity surgery, so there are no strict requirements for this operation. However, there are a few criteria that we seek in order to determine whether or not this is the proper treatment for said patient:

• Whether or not the patient is able to lose weight naturally with diet and physical activity,
• Whether or not the patient has obesity, generally speaking, a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above,
• Whether or not the patient suffers ulcers or gastritis, if so, these diseases must be treated before performing stomach botox,

The gastric botox is not recommended for patients with obesity. 

What are the Side Effects of Gastric Botox?

The Botulinum toxin (AKA Botox) has been a drug that is widely used in medical treatments for years and as long as it is done by a specialist physician in correct doses, no harm is expected. There is no critical damage reported to be caused by botox. With that being said, however, it is worthy of noting that the Gastric botox is not suitable for people with muscle diseases and for people who are allergic to the botox.

What is to be Expected From Gastric Botox?

The results of gastric botox may vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the patient’s metabolic rate, their lifestyle, their age, their diet and their physical activity. The patients must realize that this procedure helps them feel sated with less amount of food intake, and feel hungry less frequently in relation to their pre-op state. However, it is advised that the patients adopt a healthy diet and a lifestyle which includes some form of physical activity to gain the optimum benefit from this operation. 

48 hours following the operation, the patients are advised to drink cold water, as cold water accelerates the effects of botox.