If you've been living with the gastric balloon for months and achieving significant weight loss results, it's normal for that question to arise: And now, what will happen when I take the ball away?
If you are approaching the moment of gastric balloon removal, you are probably feeling a mixture of emotions: relief at completing this stage, pride in the weight lost, but also some concern about what your life will be like afterwards.
In this article, we'll explain the entire process, from the removal procedure to the necessary care to maintain everything you've achieved.
Why does the gastric balloon need to be removed?
He gastric balloon It is a temporary treatment. It was developed for remain in the stomach for a certain period, usually between 6 and 12 months, depending on the type used and the medical evaluation.
After this time, the gastric balloon is removed for safety reasons and to avoid possible complications, such as wear and tear of the material or irritation of the gastric mucosa.
The idea of the treatment is not to keep the device permanently, but to use this period as support for changing habits.
What is the procedure for removing the gastric balloon?
Gastric balloon removal is usually a simple procedure and is performed endoscopically, in a hospital setting or a specialized clinic.
During the procedure:
- The patient receives mild sedation
- The doctor empties the ball
- The device is removed through the mouth.
He The process is quick. And, in most cases, the person is discharged the same day, after a short period of observation.
Does gastric balloon removal hurt?
This is a very common question. The removal is performed under sedation., Therefore, there is no pain during the procedure..
After the withdrawal, some people They may experience mild throat discomfort or a sensitive stomach. during the first few hours, something that usually disappears in a short time.
What to expect in the first few days after retirement
The days following gastric balloon removal are a period of adjustment. Your body is processing a significant change, and it's normal to experience some sensations.
Common and normal symptoms
Don't be alarmed if you feel slight discomfort in your throat during the first 24 to 48 hours. The passage of the endoscope can leave that area a little sensitive.As if you were starting with a mild sore throat. This usually disappears quickly.
Temporary nausea may also occur in the first few hours after the gastric balloon is removed. Some people describe a strange feeling of "emptiness" in their stomach; After all, you spent months with something taking up space there.
Appetite may varySome people feel hungry soon after withdrawal, while others take a few days to feel hungry again.
These symptoms usually last between 24 and 72 hours and subside naturally. Everyone reacts differently, so avoid comparing your experience to others.
Immediate care needed
Set aside the day of your removal to rest. Although it's a quick procedure, the sedation requires you to remain calm for the first few hours. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions until the effects of the anesthesia have completely worn off.
Resume eating gradually. Start with liquids and light foods, always following your nutritionist's guidance. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support recovery.
Pay attention to signs that require immediate medical evaluationSevere abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, fever, bleeding, or any other unusual symptoms. If you have any concerns, contact your medical team.
Nutrition after retirement
The first meal after gastric balloon removal should be light and eaten when you feel ready, usually a few hours after the procedure.soups, broths, natural juices and coconut water They are good options to start with.
For the first three days, prioritize easily digestible foods: purees, smoothies, natural yogurt, crushed fruit and soft proteins. Avoid highly seasoned foods, fatty foods, fried foods, and carbonated drinks during this initial period.
From the fourth day onwards, you can gradually return to your pre-withdrawal diet, always respecting your body's signals and nutritional guidelines. Chewing thoroughly and eating slowly remains important.
Does the stomach return to its normal size?
Yes. The stomach is an elastic organ and gradually returns to its normal size. to its usual volume after the gastric balloon is removed.
This does not mean that all the progress made during treatment is lost, but it does reinforce the importance of maintaining the habits built throughout the process.
Is there a risk of weight gain after gastric balloon removal?
This is one of the biggest concerns for those undergoing this treatment. The risk of weight gain exists, especially when the person reverts to old eating habits or reduces professional follow-up.
The gastric balloon functions as a temporary solution. After its removal, the following maintain the results:
- A structured eating routine
- Portion awareness
- A more balanced relationship with food
- Medical and nutritional monitoring
People who maintain this support usually retain most of the results obtained.
Read also:
👉 Gastric balloon and rebound effect: how to avoid it
Professional support after retirement
The end of the gastric balloon period does not mean the end of treatment. In fact, the post-removal stage is when professional support becomes even more important.
Multidisciplinary team required
Your journey to sustainable weight loss needs the support of different specialists. The nutritionist will adjust your meal plan Now that your stomach no longer has the balloon, you'll need to work on portion sizes, meal frequency, and making appropriate nutritional choices to help maintain your results.
He bariatric physician It continues to be your reference for clinical follow-up. He will monitor your overall health, order tests when necessary, and assess whether you are staying on track or need additional interventions.
He psychologist or psychiatrist specializing in obesity It addresses the emotional aspects related to eating. Many people discover, after the gastric balloon is removed, that they used food to manage anxiety, sadness, or stress. Developing healthier ways of processing emotions is an important part of this process.
He physical education teacher creates an activity plan Tailored to your current fitness level and goals, this program will progress through exercises safely and effectively, helping you incorporate physical activity into your routine.
Recommended frequency of consultations
In the first few weeks after gastric balloon removal, monitoring should be more close. weekly or bi-weekly consultations with the nutritionist They help adjust your diet and quickly resolve any doubts.
For the first three months, establish a routine of regular consultations with the entire team: a nutritionist every two weeks, a doctor once a month, and a psychologist as needed. This period is crucial for consolidating new habits.
In the long run, even when you feel safe and stable, hold quarterly or semi-annual consultations. This preventative support allows you to identify small deviations before they become bigger problems and helps you maintain motivation and commitment to your goals.
When to consider other bariatric procedures
For some people, the gastric balloon is just the first step in a broader process of obesity treatment.
The balloon as a bridge to surgery
In cases of more severe obesity, The intragastric balloon can be used as preparation for a bariatric surgery. The initial weight loss with the balloon helps reduce surgical risks, improves associated health conditions, and prepares the patient physically and emotionally for more significant changes.
Bariatric surgery It may be indicated when the BMI is greater than 40, or over 35 when there are associated diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea.
The differences between the balloon and surgery are significant: surgery is permanent, involves permanent anatomical changes, and requires a lifelong commitment to supplementation and medical follow-up.
Talk openly with your doctor about your expectations, the results obtained with the balloon, and whether a more definitive intervention makes sense in your specific case.
Option to place a new ball
Yes, it is possible to place a new gastric balloon after removing the first one.. Some patients choose to repeat the procedure when they have achieved good results but have not yet reached their desired weight, or when they need additional support to consolidate healthy habits.
It is generally recommended to wait at least 1 to 3 months between removing one gastric balloon and placing another. This period allows the stomach to rest and the doctor to assess whether repeating the procedure is truly worthwhile.
Results in a second placement may vary. Some people lose less weight than the first time, while others achieve similar results. It all depends on the level of commitment to lifestyle changes during and after the second balloon injection.
What does removing the gastric balloon really mean?
Remove the gastric balloon It marks the end of one stage, but it does not end the weight management process.. This moment usually represents a transition: leaving behind the physical support of the device and strengthening the habits that sustain the results on a daily basis.
Understanding what happens when the gastric balloon is removed It helps to cope better with this period and to make more conscious decisions. about diet, routine, and medical follow-up.
With information and proper guidance, this stage can be experienced with greater safety and predictability.
