Gastric Botox

Gastric Botox

1. What Is Gastric Botox?
2. How Is Gastric Botox Administered?
3. Who Is Eligible for Gastric Botox?
4. What Are the Advantages of Gastric Botox?

What Is Gastric Botox?

Gastric Botox is the application of medical botulinum toxin injections to the stomach. While Botox is commonly used for cosmetic purposes to reduce wrinkles, gastric Botox is a method used in the treatment of certain stomach disorders by relaxing stomach muscles.

Gastric Botox is typically applied to alleviate symptoms caused by excessive stomach contractions. In this condition, the stomach muscles contract more than normal, leading to an accelerated digestive system. As a result, individuals may experience symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and digestive problems.

Gastric Botox is administered by injecting botulinum toxin directly into the stomach muscles. Botulinum toxin works by inhibiting muscle contractions at nerve endings, leading to muscle relaxation. This, in turn, reduces excessive contractions of the stomach muscles, normalizing stomach movements and alleviating symptoms.

Gastric Botox can also lead to a decrease in the hunger hormone ghrelin. Additionally, it reduces stomach acid secretion, slows down stomach emptying, suppresses appetite, and delays hunger after meals. This helps individuals maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevents rapid post-meal blood sugar spikes and drops.

How Is Gastric Botox Administered?

Gastric Botox is a medical procedure performed by a specialist doctor, typically in conjunction with endoscopy.

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Your doctor will first inform you about the gastric Botox procedure and assess your medical history. Providing detailed information about the symptoms, duration, and severity of your stomach problems during this evaluation is essential.

2. There may be a fasting period required before the procedure. Your doctor will provide instructions, such as refraining from eating the night before if the procedure is scheduled for the morning.

3. Sedation or light anesthesia is commonly used during the procedure to ensure a comfortable and painless experience for you. These medications will be administered to you.

4. Endoscopy is employed during the procedure. This involves the insertion of a flexible tube called an endoscope through the mouth or nose to reach the stomach and intestines. The endoscope is equipped with a camera and lighting system, allowing your doctor to visualize the inside of your stomach.

5. Once the endoscope is in the stomach, botulinum toxin is injected directly into the stomach muscles to induce muscle relaxation.

6. The procedure is generally brief and can be completed within a few minutes. However, the completion of the endoscopy and subsequent observation may take several hours.

7. After the procedure, your doctor will provide instructions on your dietary requirements, activities to avoid, and potential side effects. You will also be informed about the timing of your next follow-up appointment.

The specifics of gastric Botox may vary from person to person. Your doctor will explain exactly what you need to do before and after the procedure. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions closely.

Who Is Eligible for Gastric Botox?

Gastric Botox is suitable for individuals who are not eligible for obesity surgery, do not wish to undergo surgical treatment, cannot undergo surgery due to additional medical conditions, and have a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 40. However, it is not suitable for individuals with muscle diseases or those allergic to Botox. Patients with severe gastritis or ulcers in the stomach may become eligible for gastric Botox after appropriate treatment.

What Are the Advantages of Gastric Botox?

• Gastric Botox is a non-surgical procedure, so no incisions are made.
• The procedure is performed under sedation, and general anesthesia is not required.
• The procedure typically takes only 15-20 minutes.
• Since it is an endoscopic procedure, patients can return to their daily activities immediately after the procedure.
• Hospitalization is not required.
• The procedure is relatively painless due to its endoscopic nature.
• Its effects are temporary, allowing for controlled treatment and reversibility.
• Gastric Botox can regulate symptoms by reducing muscle contractions and normalizing stomach movements.