Gastric Botox is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure designed to support weight loss. By injecting botulinum toxin into the stomach muscles, gastric emptying slows down, prolonging satiety. This method helps reduce food intake and aids in controlling obesity-related conditions.
The procedure is performed endoscopically under sedation, ensuring patient comfort. Injections target specific areas of the stomach wall, affecting muscle contractions. The intervention takes about 15–20 minutes, and patients can return home the same day without hospitalization.
Compared to surgical methods, gastric Botox is temporary and reversible. Its effects typically last four to six months. Patients seeking a non-surgical alternative for obesity management may benefit, especially when combined with dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
Post-procedure recommendations include adopting a balanced, calorie-controlled diet and engaging in regular physical activity. Medical follow-up ensures effectiveness, evaluates results, and provides guidance for maintaining long-term weight management after gastric Botox.
| Definition | Stomach botox is a treatment method aimed at supporting weight loss by injecting botulinum toxin into the stomach muscles. |
| Purpose | To help with weight loss by slowing down gastric movements and reducing the feeling of hunger. |
| Method of Application | It is performed endoscopically; botox is injected into the patient’s stomach with the help of a camera. |
| Type of Anesthesia | It is performed under mild sedation. |
| Procedure Duration | It takes approximately 10–15 minutes. |
| Onset of Effect | It starts to take effect within 2–3 days after the procedure. |
| Duration of Effect | The effect generally lasts for 4–6 months, after which the procedure can be repeated. |
| Side Effects | Side effects such as nausea, mild abdominal pain, and temporary bloating may occur. |
| Advantages | Being a non-surgical method, completion in a short time, fast recovery process. |
| Disadvantages | It does not provide permanent weight loss; its effect is limited and may need to be repeated. |
| Suitable Patient Profile | It is suitable for any patient with excess weight who does not want surgical intervention. |
| Unsuitable Cases | Pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergy to botox, muscle diseases, severe stomach or intestinal diseases. |
| Success Rate | Although it varies from person to person, it has a high success rate when supported by diet and exercise. |
| Alternative Treatments | Gastric balloon, sleeve gastrectomy, nutrition and exercise programs. |
Who is Dr. Ahmet Bekin?
Dr. Ahmet Bekin, one of the doctors performing hernia surgeries in Istanbul, is specialized in general surgery. Throughout his medical career, he has gained extensive experience in hernia, reflux, and obesity surgery, as well as advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgical applications. He serves his patients with modern approaches such as minimally invasive surgery, laser surgical treatments, single incision surgery (Single Incision Surgery), endocrine and oncological surgery. He is fluent in Turkish, English, and Arabic.
- 2000 – 2006 Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine
- 2006 – 2011 Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine (Çapa), Department of General Surgery – Specialization
İçerik
What Is Stomach Botox?
Stomach botox is a minimally invasive treatment method aimed at helping with weight loss. In this procedure, botulinum toxin is injected into the stomach muscles to reduce their contraction strength and slow gastric emptying. In this way, patients can feel full for a longer period and their appetite may be suppressed. The effect of stomach botox usually lasts for 4–6 months, and during this period, patients may experience a decrease in food intake.
How Does Stomach Botox Work?
Stomach botox is a treatment method that aims to temporarily slow down gastric movements by applying botulinum toxin to the stomach muscles. This treatment is particularly effective in the pyloric region, which controls the transition between the stomach and the small intestine. Botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine, causing the stomach muscles to relax and food to move more slowly. Thus, gastric emptying is delayed and the feeling of fullness is prolonged. The working principle of stomach botox is based on temporarily reducing the contractions of the stomach muscles and slowing down the digestive process of food.
- Stomach muscles
- Pyloric region
- Inhibition of acetylcholine
- Temporary muscle paralysis
- Delayed gastric emptying
In cases such as pyloric spasm, stomach botox can be an effective treatment option. In this case, it can accelerate gastric emptying and alleviate symptoms such as nausea, bloating, and vomiting. However, scientific studies on the effectiveness of stomach botox in weight management or gastroparesis have yielded conflicting results. While some patients show significant improvement, others may experience minimal effect. Results may vary depending on the patient’s health status, age, and the dose applied. The effects of botox usually last for several months and do not provide a permanent solution; therefore, the treatment period may need to be extended.
When Is Stomach Botox Used?
Stomach botox is a minimally invasive method used in the treatment of various stomach disorders. It is performed by injecting botulinum toxin type A into the stomach muscles and may be beneficial for patients with certain indications. The most common indications for stomach botox are as follows:
- Obesity treatment
- Diabetic gastroparesis
- Functional dyspepsia
In the treatment of obesity, stomach botox is usually used as a supportive method for weight management. Botox delays gastric emptying, provides a prolonged feeling of fullness, and may help reduce appetite. However, this treatment is generally more effective when combined with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. Its effect on long-term weight loss has not yet been fully proven and may vary from person to person.
In cases of diabetic gastroparesis, stomach botox can help alleviate symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and bloating caused by delayed gastric emptying. The toxin is injected into the pyloric muscle, causing relaxation in this area and improving gastric emptying time. However, regular injections may be required for the continuation of the treatment effect.
There are also some experimental uses of stomach botox in patients with functional dyspepsia. Botox can help relieve symptoms such as early satiety, bloating, and stomach discomfort by reducing stomach contractions.
Who Is Not Suitable for Stomach Botox?
Stomach botox is not a suitable treatment option for every patient and may carry serious risks in some cases. Therefore, the overall health status of patients should be thoroughly evaluated before undergoing stomach botox. The following health problems generally contraindicate this treatment:
- Active gastric ulcer
- Previous stomach surgery
- Neuromuscular diseases
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding period
Stomach botox performed without taking these contraindications into account can cause serious complications. In particular, muscle weakness may increase in patients with neuromuscular disorders, while the risk of perforation is higher in patients with ulcers. Since there is not enough research on women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, these groups carry a safety risk. Before making a treatment decision, these risks should be discussed in detail with a specialist and appropriate alternatives should be considered.
How Is Stomach Botox Applied?
Stomach botox is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at slowing down the digestive process by injecting botulinum toxin into the stomach muscles. This procedure is performed with the help of endoscopy by a gastroenterologist and is used especially in the management of conditions such as obesity and gastroparesis. During the procedure, sedation or general anesthesia is applied for patient comfort, and the stomach is reached using an endoscope. The doctor injects botulinum toxin into the muscle layer of the stomach, thereby delaying gastric emptying. It is injected into the following regions of the stomach:
- Antrum
- Corpus
- Fundus
- Pylorus
Botulinum toxin slows down the movement of stomach muscles, helping the patient feel full for a longer period. The injected dose usually ranges between 200–500 units and is distributed to multiple injection points. Each injection targets the muscularis propria, which controls stomach muscles. In this way, the passage of stomach contents into the intestines is slowed, and the feeling of fullness is prolonged. The effectiveness of the treatment is evaluated by monitoring the patient’s weight loss and gastric emptying times over the weeks or months following the injection.
As stomach botox is a non-surgical method, it is considered safe for patients. However, each patient’s response to treatment may differ, and additional injections may be required in some cases. Although side effects of the procedure are rare, nausea, vomiting, or allergic reactions may occur.
What Are the Side Effects of Stomach Botox?
Although stomach botox injections are generally considered safe, side effects and complications can occur. These side effects may be mild or severe. Common mild side effects can affect patients’ quality of life. Common side effects and complications encountered with stomach botox are as follows:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Temporary constipation
In some patients, delayed gastric emptying or worsening of gastroparesis may also be observed. Rare but serious complications include allergic reactions and weakness in distant muscle groups due to the toxin spreading to incorrect areas.
This treatment is being investigated as a non-surgical option in obesity management; however, more long-term studies are needed on its efficacy and safety. Nevertheless, each patient’s response may vary, and careful monitoring is important.
How Successful Is Stomach Botox?
The success rates of stomach botox vary depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s response. When applied for weight loss, some patients experience moderate weight loss, while the long-term effects are generally below expectations. In the treatment of gastroparesis, higher success rates have been achieved on symptoms related to delayed gastric emptying. Different results are seen in weight loss and symptom improvement:
- Moderate weight loss
- 5–10% weight loss
- 70–90% symptom relief
Studies conducted for obesity management do not demonstrate the superiority of stomach botox over other treatment methods. Especially compared to saline injections, there has been no significant difference in weight loss. Nevertheless, high success rates have been observed in certain patient groups in relieving gastroparesis symptoms.
How to Prepare for Stomach Botox?
The preparation process for stomach botox is very important in terms of ensuring both safety and effectiveness. There are several steps patients should pay attention to during this process. First, patients undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation. This assessment is conducted to determine suitability for treatment. At this stage, the patient’s current health status, previous conditions, and medications are taken into consideration.
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Botox allergy
- BMI and weight history
- Eating habits
Pre-procedural instructions are also an important part of the preparation process. The stomach must be completely empty before endoscopy; therefore, patients are required to fast for 6 to 12 hours. Blood thinners such as aspirin and warfarin should be discontinued a few days before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Although there is no strict rule regarding diet, some doctors may recommend light meals in the days prior to the procedure. This suggestion may help prepare the stomach for endoscopy more comfortably.
During the procedure, stomach botox is performed using a minimally invasive method. Botulinum toxin is injected into the stomach muscles under mild anesthesia or sedation. The goal is to reduce gastric motility, delay gastric emptying, and control appetite.
How Should Post-Stomach Botox Care Be?
After stomach botox, careful care is required for patients to have a healthy recovery and optimize treatment results. During this period, strict adherence to the doctor’s recommendations is essential. After the procedure, light foods that will not irritate the stomach and adequate fluid intake should be prioritized. Physical activities should be restricted and possible side effects should be monitored. To protect general health, the following steps should be followed:
- Soft or liquid diet
- Plenty of water intake
- Avoiding heavy physical activity
- Use of prescribed medications
- Monitoring for unexpected side effects
During the recovery process, it is important to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption and to refrain from behaviors that could irritate the stomach. In addition, the patient should regularly attend doctor check-ups and closely monitor the treatment process.
How Does Resistance to Stomach Botox Develop?
Resistance to stomach botox may develop in some of the treated patients for various reasons, which can limit the effectiveness of the treatment. The development of neutralizing antibodies against botulinum toxin is considered one of the leading causes of resistance to this treatment, which affects the stomach muscles. In addition, insufficient dosage or poor injection technique during the procedure can also reduce the effectiveness of stomach botox. These factors can prevent successful treatment and make it difficult to achieve the expected results in patients.
- Development of neutralizing antibodies
- Incorrect injection technique
- Low dosage
- Fibrosis or scarring in the pyloric muscle
- Advanced age
- Opioid use
In some patients, a lack of response to stomach botox may be observed. Especially in diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis cases, botulinum toxin therapy may not always show the expected effect. Moreover, pyloric dysfunction may not be the main factor causing delayed gastric emptying, which can result in treatment resistance. The phenomenon called tachyphylaxis leads to a gradual decrease in the body’s response to repeated injections over time.
Resistance to botulinum toxin therapy may not develop for the same reasons in every patient. The patient’s medical history, other medications used, or underlying stomach disorders may limit the effect of stomach botox. Variability in response to treatment means that the outcomes of such interventions cannot always be predicted.
Op. Dr. Ahmet Bekin was born in Istanbul in 1983. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at Kocaeli University in 2006 and completed his specialty training in the Department of General Surgery at Istanbul University Çapa Faculty of Medicine in 2011. After his specialization, he worked in the fields of hernia surgery, reflux surgery, obesity surgery, advanced laparoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery. In addition, he received training in endocrine surgery, oncological surgery, and minimally invasive surgery. He is currently accepting patients from Turkey as well as from countries such as Germany and France at his private clinic located in Istanbul.
