Before and After Your Gastric Balloon: The Ultimate Guide
49% of Americans want to lose weight. But how many actually succeed? Weight loss is hard enough, but for some, it can be downright impossible.
That’s where a gastric balloon, such as an Elipse Balloon, may be able to help. It’s an option for nonsurgical weight loss that leads to great results and a healthy lifestyle change. But what exactly is a gastric balloon, and is it right for you?
It’s time to find out. Read on to shape your expectations about a gastric balloon before and after the procedure.
1. What is an Elipse Balloon?
An Elipse Balloon is a type of gastric balloon. This is placed in your stomach after a short procedure, where it will remain for a period of 6 months. During that time, the gastric balloon will occupy space in your stomach and make you feel full.
In return, you’ll eat less and lose weight. A gastric balloon is an ideal choice for overweight individuals who have not been able to lose weight through traditional means. You’re a good candidate for a gastric balloon if your BMI rests above 27.
As an added benefit, stomach balloons hinder the movement of food in your stomach. Not only will you feel full more quickly, but you’ll feel full for longer periods of time.
2. Preparing for a Gastric Balloon
A gastric balloon is a temporary solution. You’ll need to make several lifestyle changes to maintain your weight loss once the balloon is removed. A variety of medical staff will advise you with diet and exercise support after the procedure.
However, it’s a good idea to start early for the best results. You should make an effort to stay on a diet and regular exercise regimen leading up to your gastric balloon procedure. This will make it easier for you to successfully adopt your new lifestyle.
Take this time to mentally prepare for your procedure. An Elipse Balloon can be inserted without anesthesia or surgery. However, some stomach balloons do rely on a light anesthetic.
Talk to your doctor about the procedure and perform some research online so you know what to expect.
3. Before the Gastric Balloon Procedure
You’ll begin physically preparing for the procedure about a day in advance. Twelve hours before the procedure, you’ll want to avoid eating solid foods. It’s okay to drink liquids until the appointment is six hours away.
This is an important step since the balloon will inflate in your stomach. Otherwise, it would displace any remaining contents. It’s common to experience nausea once the balloon is inserted, which is all the more reason to ensure you fast as directed.
That’s all you need to worry about for an Elipse Balloon procedure. However, you may be under anesthesia if you go with a different brand, such as the Orbera Balloon. If this is the case, you’ll also want to prepare transportation following the procedure.
4. Recovering After the Procedure
You’ll experience some initial discomfort after insertion. This sensation may linger for several days or even a few weeks.
Please note that discomfort is different than pain. Should you experience acute distress, you should contact your surgeon immediately for a checkup.
As your appetite adjusts, you may not feel hungry for several days. Nausea may be present during this period of time. Eating may make you more nauseous and cause vomiting.
Although unpleasant, these symptoms are normal and will continue to fade away. You’ll be on a restricted diet following the procedure. This means you aren’t allowed hard foods, as well as some trouble liquids, for a period of at least three days.
After this time, you can make a slow transition to solid foods. The speed of this process will depend on how your body adapts to the gastric balloon.
5. Life With a Gastric Balloon
As the weeks pass, your discomfort will continue to diminish until you no longer notice the presence of the gastric balloon. It will take time to adjust to the new effective size of your stomach. If you eat too much, and you likely will as you adjust, you may experience nausea or acid reflux.
During this time, you’ll also be working on your new diet and exercise regimen. Depending on your gastric balloon program, you may have additional appointments and checkups with medical professionals. These staff members will evaluate your day to day life and aid you in making healthy lifestyle choices.
You’ll continue to eat less food as time passes, leading to greater weight loss results. After sixteen weeks, you’ll naturally pass the Elipse Balloon. Other types of gastric balloons may require a quick removal procedure which is typically done after six months.
6. Gastric Balloon Results
According to one study, a patient can expect to lose an average of 30 pounds at the end of the six-month process. Patients are expected to gain some of the weight back. To minimize the odds of this happening, it’s important to maintain the same diet and exercise routine after removal.
And it’s not just about weight loss. With exercise and a healthy diet, you’ll enjoy health benefits such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Interested in a Gastric Balloon?
The Elipse Balloon is a great option, but it’s not available for everyone. For example, it has not been approved by the FDA. If you live in America, other options are available, such as the Orbera Balloon.
Thinking about getting a gastric balloon? Contact us at Next Level Weight Loss for a free consultation.
