Gastric Balloon Procedure Post Guide
Get the optimal results out of your Gastric Balloon Procedure
Recovering from a gastric balloon procedure involves two phases:
The recovery after the placement of the balloon and the removal six months/One year later. Both procedures are minimally invasive, non-surgical, and typically require only 1-2 days of recovery.
Unlike other weight loss surgeries, this procedure allows you to quickly return to your normal daily activities.
During the six months with the gastric balloon in your stomach, you’ll adapt to smaller portion sizes and reduce impulse eating.
This period is more of a training phase for developing long-term healthy eating habits rather than a recovery process, ensuring that your weight loss is sustained after the balloon is removed.
Gastric Balloon Placement & Removal: Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive
The gastric balloon procedure is performed endoscopically, meaning it’s much easier and quicker to recover from than traditional surgery.
Both the placement and removal are done under IV sedation, which is less intense than general anaesthesia and similar to sedation used for wisdom tooth removal or a colonoscopy.
The procedures take about 20-30 minutes each and are completed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day.
Most patients can resume daily activities or work within 1-2 days.
There are no incisions, and no sutures are required, as the deflated balloon is passed through your mouth using a thin endoscope. This means no post-surgery wound care is needed.
Immediately After Gastric Balloon
After the balloon is placed in your stomach, you will be asked to drink small amounts of clear liquids for up to six hours.
As per your pre-operative instructions, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home, as you may still feel the effects of the sedative.
It’s recommended that a responsible adult stay with you for the remainder of the day to ensure your safety and comfort.
The First Day After Gastric Balloon
On the first day following the procedure, make sure to get plenty of rest, but try to move around at least once every hour to encourage circulation and prevent the risk of blood clots.
Stay on a liquid diet for the first 24 hours, and ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
The Second Day After Gastric Balloon
On day two, you can slowly start transitioning to soft foods such as yoghurt or smoothies. Take it slow, and if you feel nauseous or experience vomiting, return to liquids and gradually reintroduce soft foods. Once you tolerate soft foods well, you can start to advance to a normal diet.
The First Week After Gastric Balloon
It’s normal to experience nausea and possibly vomiting for the first 3-5 days as your stomach adjusts to the balloon. Your doctor will prescribe anti-nausea medication to help alleviate these symptoms.
Sleeping with your head slightly elevated or lying on your left side can also provide comfort.
When you’re ready to eat regular meals, avoid drinking liquids 30-60 minutes before meals.
Prioritise eating protein-rich foods first, and avoid drinking until after your meal to avoid feeling full too quickly.
The Next 6 Months After Gastric Balloon
During the 6/12 months that the balloon is in place, you will have regular check-ins with your surgeon or patient care manager to monitor your progress.
If you’re working with a dietitian, they will assist you with meal planning and provide approved recipes to help you stay on track.
Most patients see the bulk of their weight loss in the first 2-3 months, but the entire six-month period is crucial for learning new, healthier eating habits.
By taking up space in your stomach, the balloon helps to reduce hunger and leads to smaller portion sizes, allowing you to maintain these habits after the balloon is removed.
Recovery After Gastric Balloon Removal
After six months, the balloon will be removed in a similar procedure to its placement. The removal is just as simple and minimally invasive, but recovery is typically easier.
Unlike the placement process, you won’t experience nausea and can return to a normal diet the next day.
The only requirement is that you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as the effects of sedation may still linger.
Long-Term Outlook for Weight Loss with the Gastric Balloon
One of the best aspects of the gastric balloon procedure is that the rapid weight loss during the first six months often provides you with renewed energy, allowing you to adopt a more active lifestyle.
Many patients find that this extra motivation helps them maintain their weight loss after the balloon is removed.
The new eating habits you develop during the six months with the balloon will also remain with you long-term.
Sticking to a diet rich in vegetables and high-fibre foods, while limiting sugary treats, is key to keeping the weight off.
Regular Exercise and Activity
To maintain your results, it’s important to incorporate regular physical activity into your lifestyle. Engaging in daily activities that raise your heart rate, whether it’s a brisk walk, gym sessions, or joining a local sports league, can help keep your body healthy and your weight stable.
How Much Weight Can You Lose with a Gastric Balloon?
During the first six months after the gastric balloon placement, you can expect to lose around 7-15% of your body weight. Total weight loss varies between individuals but typically ranges from 20-50% of your excess weight.
The key to long-term success is the new eating and lifestyle habits you form during this period, which help ensure you keep the weight off even after the balloon is removed.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At Auralia Clinics, our expert team is here to guide you through every step of the gastric balloon process, from placement to removal and beyond. If you’re ready to start your weight loss journey and learn more about how the gastric balloon can help you, schedule a consultation today!
We are a CHKS and ISO Approved Private Hospital in Ireland
All patients receive three post-op consultations, but if you feel you require more support, we can facilitate you without any extra cost.
Gastric Balloon after care FAQ
Following your visit to Auralia, you will be given pre- and post-operative instruction to guide you on how to be well prepared for your Gastric Balloon and what to do afterwards. This will also contain the clinic's contact details.
You will also be given your Auralia surgeon’s emergency mobile number for calls after hours. During work hours, you should contact the hospital.
If you suspect anything is wrong outside of business hours, you are welcome to call the emergency number of your surgeon and speak with them directly, day or night.
Alternatively, you can drop straight into the clinic during working hours.
Absolutely not! You are entitled to as many appointments as you feel you need with your surgeon, following your Gastric Balloon.
Absolutely! From the time you have your Gastric Balloon with your Auralia surgeon, you are entitled to see them for appointments for as long as necessary.
If the surgeon no longer works for Auralia, you would still be entitled to see one of our surgeons for free.
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Gastric Balloon With Auralia
Want to lose weight and considering a Gastric Balloon Procedure? Get in touch with our expert team to get more insights and guidance to make your journey a success
Your Weight Loss Journey With Auralia
Step 1.
Free, No Obligation Consultation Booking
To start your procedure process, firstly book your consultation by calling us on (01) 612 0551 or filling a consultation form here.
Step 2.
Meet Your Doctor
Once you have booked your consultation, you will meet with your patient care co-ordinator then your Doctor to discuss your weight loss goals, your health status, concerns and the procedure details.
Step 3.
Book Your Procedure
After your comprehensive consultation, your patient care co-ordinator will work with you to book a convenient date for procedure.
Step 4.
Pre Op Assessment
Prior to your procedure date, you will have your pre-op assessment where we will go through your medical history with you, and instruct you how to prepare for your procedure day to avoid any risks.
Step 5.
Procedure Day
On your procedure day, you’ll have a dedicated medical team to take care of you. The procedure duration is 15 minutes, and you will leave on the clinic same day.
Step 6.
After Care
You will enjoy unlimited aftercare appointments and Doctor reviews as much as you need to ensure your safety and satisfaction with the results.
You will get access to the Auralia’s after care App to assess you further in your recovery period.
Furthermore, you will also have your Doctor’s emergency number so you get access to him any time 24/7.
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