Got a brand new shiny Spatz or Orbera gastric balloon? Here’s what to watch out for during the first week!

Nausea/Vomiting

All balloon patients have nausea and vomiting for the first few days after the procedure.  This is normal–sometimes it can be a lot! We need you to power through this phase and focus on how losing this weight is going to change the rest of your life!

In some cases, it can be so bad that you may feel like you want to get it removed, but we want to do everything we can to get you over the hump, as in most cases it resolves. You have plenty of meds, so use them liberally! Take your 2nd Emend (aprepitant) tablet the morning after your procedure and use the Zofran (ondansetron) for nausea according to the directions on the bottle. Keep in mind that ondansetron is a sublingual tablet, meaning that you just let it dissolve on your tongue completely.

If you are making slow progress and feeling dehydrated, we can always arrange for some outpatient IV fluids.

Also, if you have a Spatz and are still having a lot of issues after 72 hours, we can down-adjust your balloon by removing some saline. In most cases this solve the problem right away! Just call us at (513) 572-1718 (or text during business hours) if you feel like you might need an adjustment or if you just need to talk to the team.

Post-Procedure Diet

At first you want to focus on taking small sips of clear liquids, gradually increasing (as long as you’re not having any nausea or vomiting). When you feel like you’re making some progress, follow the diet plan below for the first week.  You should have a virtual dietitan appointment scheduled around day 7 to discuss what to do from that point on!

Gastric Balloon Diet-Week 1

Day 1-3: clear liquids only

• 100% fruit juice (apple, grape, cranberry)
• Clear broth (chicken, beef, and vegetarian)
• Sugar free popsicles
• Sugar free gelatin
• Water and/or ice chips
• Crystal Light or Sugar Free Kool-Aid
• Decaf Teas and Coffee
• JourneyLite Supplements: fruit drinks, gelatin, protein bouillon, and hot beverages available at LoseWeightCincy.com and all office locations

Avoid the following items

• Carbonated beverages
• Sugary drinks (sweet teas)
• Citrus juices (orange, grapefruit, pineapple) and tomato juices
• Juice drinks (Hawaiian punch)

Days 4-7 – full liquid/puree

• Protein Shakes (Premier shakes, Atkins, Low Carb Slim Fast
• Yogurt (Carbmaster, Fit and Lite Greek High Protein)
• Milk (skim, 1%, skim milk, almond milk, soy milk) (all unsweetened)
• V-8 juice, tomato juice
• Scrambled eggs
• Sugar free pudding
• Cream soup (strained):  cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, cream of broccoli
• JourneyLite Supplements: protein shakes and pudding, oatmeal, mash potatoes, scrambled eggs, tomato soup

Avoid the following items

• Foods with chunks or large pieces
• Sugary desserts (ice cream, regular pudding, cream pies)
• Carbonated beverages

After seven days, you can transition to semi-solid foods. You gradually will transition to solid foods. The length of time for this transition depends on how your body is adjusting to the process. Don’t rush and be sure your body is comfortable before you move into the next phase of eating!