Obalon Pre-Procedure Meds

The Obalon swallowable gastric balloon is unique in that treatment is gradual, and the balloons are filled with nitrogen gas which makes them float on top of the gastric contents.  These are the primary reasons that Obalon patients tend to have much less nausea and vomiting than patients receiving traditional saline-filled balloons.  Although symptoms are usually minimal, we highly recommend a pre-procedure medication regimen that will reduce symptoms even further. It is recommended to start this regimen THE DAY BEFORE each scheduled balloon swallow:

• Zofran (generic ondansetron) – 4mg tablets
  • Take one tablet every 6 hours.
  • Start the morning before each balloon swallow and continue until your appointment.
  • Continue for 24 hours after then use as needed.
• Levbid (generic hyoscamine) – .375mg tablets:
  • Take one tablet every 12 hours by mouth with a sip of water.
  • Start the morning before each balloon swallow and continue until your appointment.
  • Continue for 24 hours after then use as needed.

These medications can be ePrescribed for you, so if you have not yet given us your pharmacy information please call us with the pharmacy name and full address (with zip code). It is required to have liquids only on the day of the balloon swallow, with minimal intake for two hours immediately prior to the appointment to ensure that the stomach is fairly empty. After the swallow you must do clear liquids only for the next 24 hours, pureed food for 24 hours after that, then you can transition to solids on the 3rd day.