Orbera™
Dietary Guidelines

During the first week after placement, you may feel gastric discomfort. Your doctor may prescribe you with oral medication to help you with your symptoms. Reduce your chances of complications by following your doctor’s instructions carefully. Complications may include nausea, vomiting, gastric perforation, bowel obstruction, and premature balloon deflation.

Let your stomach rest and adjust to the gastric balloon. Follow your doctor’s instructions and stay hydrated throughout the day. For the first two to three days, you are recommended to drink clear liquids only. When your stomach adjusts to the balloon, you can intake more varieties of liquids. Some examples of clear liquids are water, ice chips, sugar-free popsicles, crystal light, and strained clear broth (i.e. chicken, beef, and vegetables stock).

• Drink 64 oz. (about 8 cups) of fluid, including water
• Follow your doctor’s instructions
• Take vitamins and supplements as directed
• Focus on low calorie beverages such as water, nonfat milk, no-calorie flavored water, no-sugar added apple juice
• Avoid sodas and alcoholic beverages
• Avoid caffeinated coffee and caffeinated tea as it may lead to dehydration.
• Schedule a follow-up visit with your doctor

At this point your body is adjusting to the balloon and after about two days you will be able to enjoy full liquids. Examples of full liquids include protein shakes and strained soup. Remember to take small sips and drink liquids slowly. Wait about one to two minutes between sips. Some individuals may have to wait as long as 10 minutes between drinks. It is important to have at least 8 cups of liquid intake per day to stay hydrated. If you are taking medications, please contact your medical staff to see they may have liquid or other alternatives. Clear liquids are also acceptable in this stage.

Follow your doctor’s instructions and stay hydrated throughout the day. For the first three days, you are recommended to drink clear liquids only. When your stomach adjusts to the balloon, you can intake more varieties of liquids. Some examples of clear liquids are water, ice chips, sugar-free popsicles, crystal light, and strained clear broth (i.e. chicken, beef, and vegetables stock).

• Take your time between sips
• Take smaller sips to help your stomach adjust
• Fluid intake should not be less than 8 cups per day
• Meal replacement shakes can help meet your calorie intake (Contact your dietician or staff for more information)

During the transition from full liquid diet to a pureed food diet it is important to listen to your body to see if you will be able to tolerate puree foods comfortably. In about a week, you will be able to transition to the next consistency, which are soft foods. Make sure to only continue if you are able to tolerate foods in the previous step comfortably. It is not a race to get to the next step, take your time until you are comfortable to reach the next consistency stage. Remember to stop eating if you feel discomfort or pressure.

How to make a simple puree:

• Step 1: Cut food in to small pieces and place in to a food processor or blender
• Step 2: Add liquid (such as water, low fat chicken broth or apple juice) to cover the blades
• Step 3: Blend until smooth apple sauce like consistency
• Step 4: Strain out any pieces of food, seeds or lumps
• Step 5: Add spices to flavor the puree. Avoid hot spices such as hot sauce, cayenne, and jalapeno peppers)

In this stage, the transition is from puree to soft foods, is designed to prepare you to return to solid foods. Select soft foods that are low in calories, fats and carbs. Always listen to your body to see how well you are adapting to the current transition. Notice any feeling of discomfort, fullness or pressure. These may be signs to slow down or to stop eating completely.

• Use 20/20 rule: Chew food at least 20 times + a meal should take about 20 minutes to finish
• Eat Slowly
• Slow down or Stop eating if discomfort occurs
• Only progress to the next stage if you are comfortable with the current consistency stage