First days after gastric balloon implantation

Are you thinking about having this procedure? Then you may be wondering what the first few days after gastric balloon implantation will be like, and you will want to know what symptoms and ailments you may experience and how long it will take you to recover.

Don't worry, you don't have to look any further, because in this post we clarify everything in detail so that you know exactly what to expect after getting a intragastric balloon.

You may be interested in: Pros and cons of gastric balloon that you need to know about

How are the first days after having a gastric balloon?

Although the gastric balloon risks are minimal and it is an extremely quick process to perform, it is normal to experience some symptoms and aches and pains the first few days after having a gastric balloon placed, such as:

  • Stomach contractionsIt is normal to feel stomach contractions 24 to 72 hours after the procedure. These occur because the stomach has not become accustomed to the presence of the gastric balloon, which it identifies as a foreign body.
  • Low food toleranceThe gastric balloon: precisely because of the presence of the gastric balloon, your stomach may be more susceptible than usual, which means that it will not tolerate any type of food as well. This is why it is important to take care of the diet before and after gastric balloon surgeryThis decreases the chances of suffering adverse effects when you put it on.
  • Nausea and vomitingIn some cases, you may experience nausea and vomiting after gastric balloon implantation, as the stomach may try to expel the foreign body.
  • Cramps or coliccramping or colicky pains are common after having an intragastric balloon implanted. This is normal, since the stomach is not yet accustomed to the foreign device.

In general, this is what you may feel after having a gastric balloon. 

As you may have noticed, the gastric balloon does not produce particularly strong symptoms (such as the gastric bypass or the gastric sleeve) because it is a relatively simple and very minimally invasive procedure. 

For how many days will you feel the discomfort associated with the gastric balloon?

It is normal for you to feel the discomfort associated with the gastric balloon within 1 to 2 days after inserting the device. In rare cases, these symptoms may last up to 3 days or more. However, it is common that in less than 3 days you will have almost complete relief from all the discomfort related to the gastric balloon implantation.

What to do to reduce the discomfort of a gastric balloon?

To reduce the discomfort of a gastric balloon, we recommend the following:

  • Follow a balanced diet specifically developed by your bariatricThis will allow you to avoid foods that can worsen negative symptoms after a gastric balloon.
  • Avoid physical exertionThis will be essential to reduce the stress to which you subject your body, which in itself will have enough with the gastric balloon implantation.
  • Adhere to the recommendations of your bariatric surgeon.This way you will know what to do and what not to do to reduce the chances of experiencing any ailments or adverse effects.
  • If the ailments are too much to tolerate, you can ask your bariatric surgeon for medication.In case you require it, your bariatric surgeon can prescribe a series of medications to mitigate the ailments and help you in the adaptation process.

In general, the first few days after a gastric balloon will involve a certain adaptation process because your body is not used to the implanted device.

However, if you adhere to your bariatric surgeon's instructions, follow a healthy diet and avoid unnecessary risks, all discomfort should disappear on its own in a short time.

For more information about this procedure, please take a look at the price of a gastric balloon to see if it is within your budget and make sure you are clear about the gastric balloon results you can expect if you have one.

And if you have any doubts or are thinking of having a bariatric operation to regain your ideal weight, get in touch with us through our contact form o via WhatsApp.

Dr Cristóbal Garza Bariatric Surgeon

Dr. Cristobal Garza

Soy un cirujano bariatra certificado por el Colegio Mexicano de Cirugía para la Obesidad. En los últimos 10 años he ayudado a más de 3500 pacientes a superar su obesidad y tener una vida más feliz y saludable.

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