What happens after the gastric balloon is removed?

If you remove the gastric balloon If you are scared and worried about regaining the lost weight (with the dreaded rebound effect) or developing ailments, this post will clear up your doubts. We tell you what to expect after gastric balloon removalThe following are some of the most important aspects to consider: how to maintain the weight loss and what risks and complications may arise.

What happens after the gastric balloon is removed?

After the gastric balloon is removed, your stomach will return to its normal capacity and you will be able to return to your activities and routines in 1 or 2 days. As your stomach will regain its capacity, your appetite may increase, so you will have to watch your diet after gastric balloon.

1. Your stomach will recover its original capacity

Since you will no longer have a part of your stomach occupied by the gastric balloon, you will feel more appetite and will need more food to satiate yourself. It will be key for you to have balanced eating habits at this time, or else, you may regain the lost weight.

2. Your appetite will be balanced again.

Instead of being satiated with little food, or having to eat very small amounts (and more frequently); after the gastric balloon is removed, your appetite will regulate and you will be able to go back to eating larger portions.

3. You may experience some stomach discomfort.

Discomfort after removal of the gastric balloon is very unusual; it is a procedure that affects your stomach very little. However, you may experience some discomfort as your stomach adjusts to its new condition.

To prevent any risk, and to attend to any discomfort in time, it is important that you keep in control of your bariatric and your team. It will be your bariatric surgeon who will recommend medications if necessary, as well as specific diets to facilitate the recovery of your stomach.

4. You will have to maintain your eating habits 

Your eating habits will be crucial to maintain your weight loss, once the gastric balloon is removed, you will need to stick to a good diet from the beginning to keep you safe from the rebound effect.

How long will it take to recover after gastric balloon removal?

After the gastric balloon is removed, full recovery may take 1 to 2 days. It is a quick process because the removal of the gastric balloon does not require incisions or surgery.

How to maintain weight loss and avoid the rebound effect?

The best way to maintain weight loss and avoid the rebound effect after removal of the gastric balloon is to maintain a healthy diet, avoid a sedentary lifestyle and work on the habits (and emotional conditions) that make you eat more and lead to weight gain.

1. Therapy

Many people who are overweight or obese have unhealthy lifestyles due to emotional problems, anxiety or stress. 

Therefore, therapy can help resolve the triggers of bad habits and promote a more balanced lifestyle.

2. Balanced diet

The gastric balloon results will always depend on maintaining a balanced diet. 

Unlike the gastric bypass or the SADI-S surgeryThe gastric balloon does not influence the functioning of your stomach, it only reduces your appetite and makes you feel fuller with less food.

So if you want results, and to maintain your weight loss, you will have to watch what you eat, even after the gastric balloon is removed.

3. Exercise and active lifestyle

Another key to maintaining weight loss is to have an active lifestyle, avoid a sedentary lifestyle, and exercise regularly. 

At this point, small changes can yield big results, instead of using the elevator, you could take the stairs more often; or instead of going everywhere by public transport, cab or your own car, you could cycle or walk (as long as the distances are reasonable, of course).

If in addition to changes like these, you also maintain an exercise routine, you will have nothing to fear from the rebound effect.

But before exercising or making any lifestyle changes, be sure to consult your bariatric surgeon beforehand to ensure that you don't do anything that could be dangerous to your health.

What risks or complications could occur after having the gastric balloon removed?

If you know how to remove the gastric balloonYou will understand that the risks are low, if not nil, however, there are still some risks and complications that could arise (in very rare circumstances):

• Nausea or vomitingAlthough you are unlikely to experience them, you may feel them as your stomach gets used to not having the gastric balloon.
• Stomach discomfortdiscomfort is a natural part of the process, as your stomach will have adapted to the presence of the gastric balloon, and when it is removed, it will have to readapt.
• Feeling of emptinessStomach emptiness is more common after the gastric balloon is removed because the device will no longer be present. However, like all other discomforts, it will pass on its own after a few days.

Keep in mind that the chances of you experiencing problems after gastric balloon removal are very low, as it is the least invasive bariatric procedure of all (especially if it is a gastric balloon).

If you have any discomfort that persists for days after removal of the gastric balloon, you will need to see your bariatric surgeon and evaluate your case.

Gastric balloon removal is a very safe process, so you have nothing to fear. 

In fact, in the case of the ingestible gastric balloon, your body is often able to expel it naturally, after the treatment time has elapsed.

Do you want to lose weight and regain your health?

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