No matter what type of bariatric surgery you get in West Texas, you will need to alter your diet—both before your procedure and after. However, the exact alteration you make will vary based on the type of surgery you get.
If you get Orbera gastric balloon surgery, your altered diet will start about 48 hours before your procedure and should continue in some form for the rest of your life, assuming you want your weight loss results to stick. So, what should you expect from the gastric balloon diet?
48 Hours Before Your Procedure
Before surgery, your stomach needs to be empty of contents, and your intestines should be cleared out as well. Starting 48 hours before your surgery is scheduled to begin, you need to switch to a liquid diet. You can have things like nonfat milk, broth, thin protein shakes, and certain types of low-fat yogurt. This diet will be maintained for 24 hours.
24 Hours Before Your Procedure
At this point, the gastric balloon diet shifts slightly. You continue to consume only liquids, but now they need to be clear. Sugar-free clear gelatin, purified water, and clear broth are all ok to consume during this time. This diet continues until midnight on the day of your procedure.
The Day of Surgery
From midnight on, there is no eating and drinking unless expressly told to do so by your doctor. Even then, this should only be to take necessary medications with a small sip of water, and nothing more. You will not start eating or drinking about until the next day. All necessary hydration can be administered via IV.
48 Hours After Surgery Day
These 48 hours start the day after your Orbera balloon surgery in Lubbock. During this time, you go back to the clear liquid diet. This is to minimize gastric discomfort and give your stomach a chance to adjust to the presence of the balloon without adding anything heavy.
Days 3-7 Post-Procedure
After two days on a clear liquid diet, it is time to transition back into the full liquid diet that you started with. Take things slow, starting with thinner liquids in the first days and moving up towards thicker options.
Week Two Post-Procedure
During this week, you move from liquids to purees. These offer more flavor, substance, and volume, which can stress the stomach a bit. Once again, take things slow to give your stomach time to adjust to the presence of both the balloon and food, and listen to your body. Stop eating before you feel full.
Week Three Post-Procedure
In this week, you can start eating soft foods. Focus on those low in fats and carbohydrates, as these are less likely to cause gastrointestinal distress. Since you are no longer pureeing foods, this diet might feel more restrictive. Look for foods like boiled eggs, hummus, mashed vegetables, and oatmeal.
Week Four post-Procedure
At this point, your stomach should be ready for solid foods. Introduce new foods and textures one at a time so your stomach isn’t overwhelmed. This also gives you the chance to see how your body responds and changes. Try to start with softer foods first, then work your way up to harder and raw foods.
How much weight can you lose with a gastric balloon? The answer to that question is very individual. How much weight can you lose with a gastric balloon? The answer to that question is very individual. You need to focus on eating less, getting the right nutritional balance, and being healthier as a whole. With the right approach, your weight loss should last even after the balloon is removed.
Bariatric surgery such as gastric sleeve and balloon have been shown to be very beneficial in helping patients lose weight, even reversing some of the health conditions.
It’s important for you to know which type is right for your individual needs so read on to know – The Difference Between Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Balloon Surgery
