Patients receive individual instructions about fasting, medicines and preparation before the procedure. Blood thinners, diabetes medicines and supplements should not be stopped or changed without guidance from the treating team.

The expected adjustment period, dietary progression, possible side effects and planned removal date should be discussed before placement. Patients should also understand whom to contact if severe or unexpected symptoms develop.

A nutrition plan may be started before the procedure. The aim is to prepare the patient for the dietary changes that will follow placement and to identify practical difficulties that may affect treatment.

How Is an Endoscopic Gastric Balloon Placed?

For an endoscopically placed balloon, a flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth and into the stomach. Sedation or anaesthesia requirements depend on the selected device, facility and individual patient.

The surgeon examines the stomach before placement. The deflated balloon is then positioned under direct visual guidance and filled according to the device instructions. No incision is made in the abdomen.

Many patients can return home after an appropriate period of observation. However, admission or additional monitoring may be required if the patient has significant medical conditions, develops difficult symptoms or requires further treatment.

Procedure duration and discharge timing vary. They should not be promised before the person has been assessed.

The Early Adjustment Period

Nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating, reflux and vomiting are common during the early period after balloon placement. These symptoms occur because the stomach is adjusting to the presence of the device.

Medicines may be prescribed to manage nausea, acidity and discomfort. Symptoms often improve as the stomach adapts, but the duration and severity differ between patients.

Food is reintroduced gradually. Patients commonly begin with liquids before progressing to other textures according to the treating team’s instructions. Dietary progression should not be rushed because advancing too quickly may worsen nausea, pain or vomiting.

Hydration is particularly important. Persistent vomiting or an inability to drink enough fluids can lead to dehydration and should be reported promptly.

Nutrition and Lifestyle During Balloon Treatment

A gastric balloon does not remove the need for dietary changes. It creates a period during which the patient may find it easier to adjust portions, recognise fullness and develop more sustainable eating patterns.

Nutrition guidance may focus on adequate protein, appropriate portion sizes, hydration, meal timing and food quality. The exact plan should consider medical conditions, nutritional requirements, food preferences and tolerance.

Physical activity should be introduced or increased according to fitness, joint health and medical advice. Someone with knee pain, breathlessness or reduced mobility may require a different activity plan from someone who can exercise comfortably.

Sleep, stress, emotional eating and other behavioural factors may also influence weight. Addressing these concerns can improve the ability to maintain progress after the balloon is removed.

Follow-Up and Balloon Removal

Follow-up is required to monitor symptoms, food tolerance, weight changes and nutritional progress. The diet and physical activity plan may be adjusted as treatment continues.

An endoscopically placed balloon must be removed at the time specified for the particular device. It should not remain in the stomach beyond the recommended period because doing so may increase the risk of deflation, migration or other complications.

Removal generally involves deflating the balloon and retrieving it through the mouth using an endoscope. Sedation or anaesthesia may be used according to the device and clinical requirements.

Selected swallowable balloon systems follow a different process. The exact placement, monitoring and removal or passage instructions should be explained before treatment.