Gastric Injection
Gastric Injection
Gastric Injection (Stomach Botox)
What Is Gastric Injection?
Gastric injection, commonly referred to as stomach Botox, is a non-surgical weight loss procedure in which Botulinum toxin (Botox) is injected into specific muscles of the stomach. The Botox slows down stomach contractions, delays gastric emptying, and reduces hunger—helping the patient feel full longer and eat less.
This procedure is a temporary, minimally invasive option for people seeking help with portion control and moderate weight loss without undergoing surgery.
Why Choose Gastric Injection?
Gastric Botox is ideal for individuals who are not candidates for or are not yet ready to undergo bariatric surgery. Benefits include:
- Non-surgical and incision-free procedure
- Performed endoscopically (no visible scarring)
- Appetite suppression and slower digestion
- No hospitalization required
- Can support lifestyle-based weight loss efforts
- Return to daily activities within 1–2 days
- A helpful option for people preparing for a more permanent bariatric procedure (e.g., gastric sleeve)
Pre-Treatment Consultation
Before the procedure, patients meet with a gastroenterologist or bariatric specialist to:
- Discuss weight loss history and goals
- Review any medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, reflux, GI disorders)
- Evaluate BMI (generally between 27–35 for ideal candidates)
- Undergo necessary lab work and/or endoscopic imaging
The doctor ensures that the patient has realistic expectations and understands that this is not a replacement for surgery, but a temporary weight management tool.
Before and After the Treatment
Before:
- No food or drink (fasting) for 6–8 hours before the procedure
- Brief anesthesia (usually sedation, not general anesthesia)
After:
- Procedure duration: ~20 minutes
- No hospital stay required
- Mild bloating or nausea may occur temporarily
- Resume normal activities within 24 hours
- Patients follow a low-calorie, high-protein diet plan for several months
- Full effects typically last 4–6 months, and the procedure can be repeated if necessary
Who Can Benefit from Gastric Injection?
Gastric Botox may be a good option for individuals who:
- Have a BMI between 27–35
- Want a non-surgical jumpstart to weight loss
- Struggle with portion control or appetite regulation
- Are ineligible for or reluctant to undergo surgery
- Need to lose weight for fertility, joint health, or surgery prep
- Are committed to making dietary and lifestyle changes
Not suitable for:
People with severe obesity (BMI >40), gastrointestinal motility disorders, or known allergies to botulinum toxin.
How Is the Treatment Performed?
Gastric injection is typically done under sedation using an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera):
- The scope is inserted through the mouth into the stomach.
- Botox is injected into specific stomach muscles, usually targeting the fundus and antrum.
- The injections relax the muscles, slow digestion, and reduce the feeling of hunger.
The entire procedure takes about 15–30 minutes, and patients can go home the same day.
Treatment Options and Combinations
While the standard gastric Botox injection is widely used, some clinics offer variations such as:
- High-dose vs. low-dose Botox protocols
- Repeat injections every 6 months for maintenance
- Combined programs with:
- Nutritional counseling
- Medical weight loss support (GLP-1s, supplements)
- Non-invasive body contouring (CoolSculpting, EMSculpt)
- Pre-surgical weight loss plans
These options can enhance the overall results and create a tailored approach for long-term weight management.
