Gastric Botox

Procedure Details

What Is Gastric Botox?

Gastric Botox is an endoscopic weight loss procedure that involves injecting botulinum toxin into targeted regions of the stomach wall. The botulinum toxin temporarily weakens the muscles of the stomach, thus reducing their contractile strength. As a result, gastric emptying slows down, and food remains in the stomach longer, helping patients feel full sooner and for longer periods.

Contrary to surgical weight loss procedures, gastric botox does not involve incisions, stomach resection, or permanent anatomical changes. Its effects are temporary and typically last several months, during which patients focus on developing healthier eating habits.

How Is Gastric Botox Performed?

Gastric Botox is performed endoscopically under mild sedation. Using an endoscope, the medical professional injects botulinum toxin into specific regions of the stomach, usually the antrum and body, where muscle activity plays a major role in gastric emptying.

The entire procedure usually takes around 20 minutes. Since no surgical cuts are made, patients are usually discharged the same day and do not require hospitalization. 

How Does Gastric Botox Work?

From a physiological perspective, gastric botox is able to reduce the contraction strength of stomach muscles, delaying gastric emptying. This leads to longer satiety and reduced appetite. 

Rather than inducing rapid weight loss, gastric botox supports behavioral and metabolic adaptation, making it most effective when combined with nutritional planning and lifestyle modification.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Gastric Botox?

Gastric botox can be suitable for patients who:

• Have difficulty losing weight through diet and exercise

• Have a BMI below 40

• Are overweight but not morbidly obese (typically 10–20 kg excess weight)

• Are not eligible for or do not wish to undergo bariatric surgery

• Do not have stomach ulcers, active gastritis, or stomach bleeding

• Do not have neuromuscular or serious cardiac conditions

• Are not allergic to botulinum toxin

Risks / Benefits

Risks of Gastric Botox

Gastric Botox is considered a low-risk procedure, but it is important to keep in mind that temporary side effects may occur. These are usually mild and short-lived.

Possible risks include:

• Nausea or mild stomach discomfort

• Temporary cramps or bloating

• Difficulty swallowing (rare)

• Inadequate response to treatment

Serious complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed by experienced specialists.

Benefits of Gastric Botox

Key benefits of gastric botox include:

• No surgery or incisions

• Short procedure time

• Same-day discharge

• Reduced appetite and delayed hunger

• Temporary and reversible treatment

• No scarring

• Lower risk profile compared to surgical methods

Recovery and Outlook

Gastric Botox does not require a long recovery period. Most patients can return to their daily activities shortly after the procedure. Recovery timeline can look like:

• First 1–3 days: Appetite reduction begins

• First week: Eating patterns adjust, portion sizes decrease

• Weeks 2–4: Appetite control stabilizes

• Following months: Gradual weight loss continues with dietary adherence

When Results Become Noticeable

The effects of Gastric Botox typically begin to appear with 3 to 7 days after the procedure, as the botulinum toxin starts reducing stomach muscle contractions. 

Visible weight loss usually becomes noticeable withim 3 to 4 weeks, depending on individual metabolism, dietary adherence, and lifestyle changes. 

Optimal results are generally achieved over 3 to 6 months, which is the period during which gastric botox remains active.

When to Call the Doctor

Patients should contact their doctor if they experience:

• Persistent nausea or vomiting

• Severe abdominal pain or cramps

• Difficulty swallowing

• Signs of an allergic reaction

• Symptoms that do not improve within a few days

Early evaluation helps ensure safety and optimal results.

Additional Common Questions

How long do the effects of gastric botox last?

The effects typically last 4 to 6 months, depending on individual metabolism and lifestyle factors.

How much weight can I lose with gastric botox?

Weight loss varies, but many patients aim for 10–20% total body weight reduction when combined with dietary guidance.

What is the average price of gastric botox in Turkey?

The cost of gastric botox in Turkey generally ranges between $1,200 and $2,000, depending on the clinic and included follow-up services.