What is Stomach Botox? How is it Performed?

Stomach botox is a non-surgical weight loss treatment where botulinum toxin is injected into specific areas of the stomach via endoscopy to slow down gastric emptying and reduce appetite. Thanks to this procedure, patients feel full for longer, making it easier to stick to their diet programs and lose weight healthily. It is a highly preferred, comfortable method that allows a quick return to daily life for those who do not want surgical intervention during their weight loss journey.

Stomach Botox at a Glance:

It is a non-surgical, endoscopic procedure requiring no incisions or stitches.
The procedure takes an average of 15-20 minutes.
It does not require hospitalization; you are discharged the same day.
Its effects begin within 4-5 days and last for about 6 months.
For a successful outcome, strict adherence to a post-procedure diet and nutrition plan is essential.

What is Stomach Botox and How Does It Work?

For many individuals struggling with their weight, the first question that comes to mind is: "What exactly is stomach botox?" It involves injecting botulinum toxin—a substance safely used in various medical fields for years—into specific points on the inner lining of the stomach using a gastroscope (endoscope). This application primarily helps you lose weight through two different mechanisms.

The first mechanism involves temporarily paralyzing a portion of the muscles responsible for stomach contractions. This slows down gastric emptying; food that would normally pass into the intestines in a few hours stays in the stomach longer, prolonging your feeling of fullness. The second mechanism involves injecting the upper part of the stomach, where the hunger hormone (ghrelin) is secreted, to reduce its release. This suppresses your appetite, making portion control much easier. Unlike the surgical methods we detailed in our article What is Sleeve Gastrectomy?, this method does not create any permanent anatomical changes.

Who is a Good Candidate for Stomach Botox?

Understanding who is eligible for stomach botox is critical for both the success of the procedure and patient safety. This procedure is an ideal option for individuals who do not meet the weight criteria for bariatric surgery but are unable to reach their target weight through diet and exercise alone. Specific medical criteria are considered when evaluating suitable candidates.

The criteria for suitable stomach botox candidates include:

Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 35, experiencing mild to moderate obesity.
Those who struggle to lose weight despite diet and exercise programs.
Women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
Individuals who have not had a gastric balloon inserted or undergone bariatric surgery in the last 6 months.
Those without active stomach ulcers, severe gastritis, or polyps. (For more information about stomach ailments, you can review our article Your Stomach Complaints Might Be Gastritis!)
People with no known allergies to botulinum toxin.

How is Stomach Botox Performed? Before and After the Procedure

The question of how stomach botox is performed is frequently asked by our international patients curious about the process. The procedure is not performed in an operating room but in our specially equipped endoscopy units. The process is planned in three main stages, prioritizing the patient's comfort and safety.

What to Consider Before the Procedure

For a successful application, the stomach must be completely empty. The following steps should be observed during the preparation phase:

Consumption of solid and liquid foods must be completely stopped at least 6-8 hours before the procedure.
If you regularly use blood thinners or blood pressure medications, they should be adjusted according to your doctor's recommendations.
You should wear comfortable clothes on the day of the procedure and come to the hospital with a companion.

The Procedure Process

To ensure you do not feel any pain or nausea during the procedure, a mild anesthesia called sedation is administered. While you are asleep, a flexible tube with a camera at the end (endoscope) is passed through your mouth to reach your stomach. First, the internal structure of the stomach is examined in detail; if there are no obstacles to the procedure, botox is injected into 15-20 specific points of the stomach using a special needle. This entire process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

What to Consider After the Procedure

Once the procedure is complete, the patient is taken to the recovery room and kept under observation for about 1-2 hours. In the post-procedure period, the following should be considered:

You should not drive or engage in tasks requiring high concentration until the effects of the sedation have completely worn off.
You can be discharged on the same day and return to your normal daily life the next day.
Two hours after the procedure, you can start consuming liquid foods recommended by your doctor and dietitian.

Post-Procedure Diet Plan

Nutrition after stomach botox is the most crucial factor determining the success of the procedure. It must not be forgotten that weight loss with stomach botox is only possible with a proper diet program. Botox simply gives you the feeling of fullness needed to stick to your diet by prolonging your stomach's emptying time. If you continue to consume high-calorie, sugary, and fatty foods, you will not see the weight-loss effects of the procedure.

The dietary transition usually progresses in stages. For the first few days, a liquid-based diet (clear soups, sugar-free compotes, protein milks) is applied to let the stomach rest. This is followed by a transition to pureed foods and then to solid foods. Once solid foods are introduced, a high-protein, low-carbohydrate, and high-fiber diet should be adopted. Carbonated drinks, overly spicy foods, syrupy traditional sweets, and fast-food items must be completely removed from your diet. Additionally, not consuming solid and liquid foods at the same time and waiting at least half an hour between meals will increase your feeling of fullness.

Side Effects and Risks of Stomach Botox

Because stomach botox is applied endoscopically and does not involve surgical incisions, it is a highly safe procedure. However, as with any medical intervention, side effects of stomach botox can occur, albeit rarely. The most common side effects are mild nausea, bloating, or indigestion on the day of the procedure. These complaints generally resolve on their own within a few days.

In very rare cases, allergic reactions to botulinum toxin or mild bleeding at the injection sites may occur. Since botox applications can be risky for individuals with muscle diseases (such as Myasthenia Gravis), it is vital to share your complete medical history with your doctor before the procedure. With proper patient selection and application by an experienced specialist, the risk of serious complications is almost non-existent.

Stomach Botox Prices

One of the topics our patients frequently research is stomach botox prices and payment options. The cost of this procedure varies depending on the brand and dose of the botulinum toxin used, the technological infrastructure of the hospital, and the experience of the physician performing the procedure. Additionally, services such as pre-procedure blood tests and post-procedure dietitian follow-ups are among the factors affecting the total cost.

Due to the regulations of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health, it is not possible to state exact prices on websites. The best way to get the most accurate and up-to-date information about procedure costs and to create your personalized treatment plan is to contact our hospital directly.

When to See a Doctor?

The recovery process after stomach botox is quite fast, and patients usually experience no issues. However, you should closely monitor your body's reactions and seek medical support without delay in case of any unusual situation. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should immediately contact your doctor or call the 112 emergency line in Türkiye:

Sudden, increasingly severe, and persistent pain in the stomach or abdominal area.
Continuous, severe nausea and vomiting that does not pass despite medication.
Seeing blood or a coffee-ground-like liquid during vomiting.
Unexplained high fever, chills, or shortness of breath.
Stool color that is black like tar and foul-smelling (which can be a sign of stomach bleeding).

In such emergencies, you can apply to our Emergency Medicine department, which provides services 24/7 with its expert staff, to receive fast and safe medical intervention.

The Stomach Botox Process at BHT CLINIC

At BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi, we adopt a multidisciplinary approach to obesity treatment. Your stomach botox journey begins with a detailed preliminary evaluation by our expert physicians. The procedure is performed in our advanced technology endoscopy units that meet international standards, ensuring maximum patient safety and comfort.

We do not just perform the procedure; we also closely monitor your post-procedure nutrition process accompanied by our expert dietitians. We are by your side throughout the entire process to help you reach your target weight in a healthy way. For treatment planning and detailed information, you can call our call center at 0850 811 34 00 or book an appointment via our website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight can be lost with stomach botox?

The amount of weight lost depends on the person's starting weight, age, metabolic rate, and most importantly, dietary compliance after the procedure. On average, patients can lose 10% to 15% of their starting weight within a 6-month period.

Is stomach botox alone enough to lose weight?

No, stomach botox is not a magic weight-loss method on its own. The procedure reduces your appetite by prolonging the stomach's emptying time, making it easier for you to diet. It is not possible to lose weight with botox alone without calorie restriction and a healthy diet.

How long does the effect of stomach botox last?

The effect of the botulinum toxin injected into the stomach begins 4-5 days after the procedure and lasts between 4 to 6 months on average. At the end of this period, the effect of the medication is completely cleared from the body and leaves no permanent damage.

Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?

Since the procedure is performed under sedation (a mild state of sleep), you will not feel any pain or discomfort during it. After the procedure, only mild stomach sensitivity or bloating may be felt for the first few days; severe pain is not expected.

Can stomach botox be repeated?

Yes, once 6 months have passed since the first procedure and the effects of the botox have completely worn off, the procedure can be repeated if deemed appropriate by your doctor. A second session is generally planned for patients who have not yet reached their target weight but have shown good dietary compliance.

This article is for informational purposes only; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.