The patient rests for one to two hours for observation before leaving the clinic.
During the first few days, while the stomach adjusts to the balloon, the patient has a feeling of discomfort. Nausea, bloating, diarrhea and cramps may occur. These side effects are temporary and normal. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate medication to control them better.
It is advisable to rest and not engage in any physical activity for 24 hours.
There is then a nutritional follow-up for six months. The first steps: drink cold liquids in small quantities, starting with a teaspoon, then slowly increase the amount of liquid.
Week 1: Fluids-only diet
The first few days are uncomfortable because the stomach has to get used to the presence of the balloon. The total consumption of liquids (water, fruit juice, clear soups, milk, etc.) should be more than 2 litres per day. The patient may use a meal replacement for a week to help meet daily calorie and protein requirements.
Week 2: pureed, soft and solid foods
The stomach is beginning to adjust to its new size. The transition from pureed food to solid food takes about a week, but progress is only made if the body tolerates the food in the next stage well.
- Pureed food for three days: Once the stomach is adapted to liquids, the patient can begin to introduce pureed food into meals.
- Soft foods for four days: This step prepares the patient to return to solid foods. It is advisable to eat slowly and chew the food assiduously, and to choose foods that are low in fat, calories and carbohydrates.
- Solid foods: This is the end of the dietary transition. The patient has resumed normal activities and has begun to regain appetite for a healthy, lasting weight loss. He or she returns to solid foods one after the other. He should drink plenty of water and avoid drinking and eating at the same time. It is recommended to drink at least one glass of water ½ hour before each meal and two glasses of water ½ hour afterwards, in order to rinse the balloon ;
- For the next six months: The patient must follow a diet to monitor his weight evolution.
