Gastric Balloon Guideline

Before gastric balloon

*Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery.
*Stop alcohol consumption at least 1 week before surgery.
*Don’t drink anything with your meals.
*Reduce caffeine intake.
*Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. Your stomach must be empty for the surgery.
*You need to follow a strict diet to adjust yourself following new lifestyle habits and beginning to be healthy.
*Do not take blood thinners such as Aspirin and its derivatives (Coraspin, Alca-Seltzer etc).
*You should stop to use drugs such as Glucophage or Metformin 3 days before the surgery.
*If you take diabetic medications, you should consult your doctor to be sure that you are suitable to follow the preoperative diet. Also, please consult the doctor before you break off your other drugs.
*You should avoid drinking fizzy drinks and also you should not consume alcohol.
*You should mainly eat protein-based foods at every meal.
*You should not use refined sugar.
*You should avoid sugar-added drinks and foods.
*You should stay away from fried food and fast food.
*You can take supplements for your essential vitamin and mineral needs as your food intake will be restricted. Any multivitamin tablet will be sufficient.
*On the last day before the surgery, you need to have a clear liquid diet.
*You should not eat or drink after midnight as you will perform under the surgery the next day.
*You should never eat solid food a day before the surgery.
*You can mix your fruit juice with skimmed milk. You should drink your vegetable broth after you drain it.
*You can get through this day more comfortably by adding plenty of cinnamon in soy-milk or milk.

DAY 1

*In the surgery day, you are not allowed to chew gum, drink any liquids, take any medications.
*After the operation is done, you will be in the recovery room.
*You should rest and do not move during this period.
*You may feel pain in your incision or discomfort from how you were laying during operation.
*Pain and nausea will continue to be managed with IV medication.
*Start drinking clear liquids after you pass your “leak test”
*It is recommended to do short walks. Get out of bed and walk around at least 3 times per day.

DAY 2-3

*Take prescription pain medication as needed.
*Continue clear liquids only.
*It is recommended to do walks. Walk around at least 3 times per day.

DAY 5

*You’ will probably be able to shower after the surgery.
*Can start taking showers or baths (avoid hot tub or jacuzzi).
*Do not lift anything heavy. This can put undue pressure on your stitches and torso.
It is completely normal that your bowel movements may be difficult or painful. Constipation is normal the first week post-operative.
*Take your pain medication when you need them. You may receive a prescription for Protonix to decrease the acidity in your stomach. This helps with heartburn and may reduce pressure on your healing pouch. Unless otherwise advised by your surgeon, you can resume taking your medications. All non-time-released medications will likely need to be crushed.
*Any drug that is time-released should be switched, if possible, to non-time released. Do not crush time-released medications. Ask your doctor about your diabetes medication.

4-6 WEEKS

*Back to normal daily activities and exercise, including heavy lifting.
*Start a full long-term maintenance diet.
*Probably no longer pain. Take OTC medications if needed.
*Eat slowly and schedule your meals according to your diet list.
*Eliminate fast food and sodas.
*Do not do sports activities for at least 4 days. It is recommended to do short
walks.

Patient Planning

*Telephone and online video consultation by your surgeon before your arrival.
*Before your treatment, you will have a detailed consultation with your doctor.
*Your medical tests and health checks will be done in the hospital.
*Next day after surgery morning, you will have a consultation with your doctor and you will have your personalized diet list.
*After your treatment, your doctor will check your health conditions and explain you the usage of your medications.
*You will have more consultations with your surgeon and PCP.