Gastric Balloon Surgery in San Diego

Following the procedure, you’ll start a liquid diet, which generally continues through the second week of recovery. About 90% of patients have no appetite at all, so the adjustment should be minor. After about three weeks, you’ll be able to start eating solid foods.

Gastric balloons stay in place between 6-12 months; your doctor may replace them at the time of removal, depending on the results seen and your treatment plan. Be prepared to meet frequently with your doctors, nutritionist, or psychologist to monitor your weight-loss and lifestyle.

You will likely notice that you feel full almost immediately while the gastric balloon is in place. Your appetite should normalize somewhat after about 1-2 weeks, but your appetite will still be limited. A small appetite is one of the ways the balloon encourages weight-loss. However, the weight you lose depends on your dietary habits, exercise plan, and lifestyle choices. You must be cautious about how much you eat, as overeating can quickly occur. You’ll notice bloating, reflux, hiccups, or indigestion as a result.

Average weight loss typically ranges between 7-15% over the first six months and 30-47% in total.