General Considerations Before Having an Endobariatric Procedure
What You Need to Know
Having an endobariatric procedure can help you eat less and manage your weight.
Note: An endobariatric procedure does not remove fat from the body. It is one of many tools you can use to help you manage your weight. In order for this procedure to help you succeed, you need to eat healthy and exercise.
What does “endobariatric” mean?
This procedure is done endoscopically. While under anesthesia, a small tube with a camera is placed into your mouth and gently guided into your stomach.
The Benefits
When a procedure like this is used along with lifestyle and nutrition changes, it can help you lose weight. Weight loss can help prevent or improve health problems that are linked to extra weight.
Grocery Shopping Before Your Procedure
Setting yourself up for success means you need to prepare for your nutritional needs before you have your procedure done. You should complete your grocery shopping before your procedure for the items you will need after your procedure. You will be on a liquid and pureed diet for the first 4-6 weeks.
Here are some items you will want to consider adding to your list:
Grocery List Suggestions:
- Clear, non-carbonated beverages (i.e. Powerade™ Zero, vitamin water (zero calories), Crystal Light™)
- Protein powder (no sugar added) or pre-madeprotein drink with NO SUGAR added
- Chicken or beef broth that is low in sodium
The Day of Your Procedure
What to Expect
An endobariatric procedure helps you reduce the amount of food that you are able to consume and therefore you aren’t able to eat or drink as much as you used to at one time. Weight loss occurs by taking in fewer calories than your body uses in a day.
Before the Procedure
Before you go in to the procedure room, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. Several doctors and
nurses may ask you a number of questions. In the procedure room, you are given medication to help you sleep
during the procedure.
Coming Home
After the procedure:
- Do not drive or operate motorized vehicles or equipment for the remainder of the day
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages
- Resume activity as you are comfortable and according to the recommendations of your care team
Side Effects
Pain or discomfort. Everyone experiences varying levels of pain and discomfort from these procedures. It is important for you to work with your care team. Talk with your care team about ways to control pain if needed.
Issues related to anesthesia. Common side effects of anesthesia include nausea, vomiting, a dry mouth, a
scratchy throat, shivering, and sleepiness. These may last for a while after the anesthesia wears off. Speak with
your anesthesiologist for questions related to anesthesia.
Living With Your Procedure
The weight-loss procedure is not the end of a long process. It is the start. Your effort to manage your weight and health will go on for the rest of your life. You need to make changes in your eating and physical activity habits. Without these changes, you may gain weight over time.
If you have any issues or concerns as your body changes, talk to your care team. They’re here to help.
Staying on Track
It can be hard to continue healthy habits and keep off weight for a long time. Setbacks are a normal part of making behavior changes. Do not ignore setbacks. Ask for help when you need it. Call your doctor’s office and get in contact with your support team. The important thing is to get back on track as soon as possible.
These tips can help you stay on track:
Go to ALL follow-up appointments. These visits are very important to the success of your procedure. Your care team can look for early signs of problems. They can also help you manage side effects and avoid complications.
Follow your nutrition plan. The amount of food you can eat after your procedure is less, so the quality of
your diet is very important. Eating properly can help you heal from the procedure. And it can help you avoid
problems. For example:
- If you eat or drink large amounts or eat or drink too quickly, you may feel sick to your stomach. You could
also vomit or have pain in your lower chest or upper abdomen. - If you do not eat meals at set times, do not eat enough fiber, or are not physically active, you may
become constipated. - By following some of these guidelines it can help you lose weight. And it can help you avoid
problems such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. It also can help prevent
nutrition problems.
Follow the medicine instructions you are given. You may be told to take or avoid certain medicines. Review all your medicines with your care provider at each appointment. Your provider may suggest changes to the medicines you take.
Avoid dehydration. Ask your dietitian or another member of your care team about ways to get enough fluid.
Avoid snacking. Unless you are told to do something else by your care team.
Stay active. Get regular physical activity. This can help you lose weight and keep it off.
Join a support group. Share ideas and get support from others who have had a weight loss procedure.
Get professional help when needed. If you have issues that may lead to unhealthy habits, a counselor or other health care provider can help you deal with them.
Do NOT drink alcohol. You should avoid alcohol for at least the first 6 weeks or longer depending on your physician’s recommendation. Alcohol is added calories that does not contain the nutrients you need to achieve your goals.
Diet Progression
Succeeding With Your New Diet
How you eat and drink after an endobariatric procedure affects your success. To help you reach your goals, follow your care team’s guidelines.
The recommended amount of liquid/day is generally 48-64 oz. Your care team will tell you how much they want you to drink based off of your needs.
Sip up to 16 oz of skim milk or 1% milk daily or use a Bariatric Meal Replacement 1-2 8 oz/day as part of your liquid intake. This is an excellent source of protein and calcium.
Take small bites and chew food thoroughly
As you follow the diet progression and choose foods with more texture, take small bites of food. Chew the food to a soft consistency before swallowing. Allow 10 to 15 minutes to eat 1 ounce of food. As soon as you start to feel full, stop eating and drinking. Allow at least 30 minutes for each meal.
Dining out
Restaurants often serve portions that are too large for one meal. Ask the staff for smaller portion or to order off the lunch menu. You can always ask to have them package half of the meal for you to take home and ask them to serve you the other half.
Reaching Your Goals
It took a long time to gain weight. It will take time and discipline to help you lose the weight. Work with your care team and follow their guidelines. Keep in mind the following as you prepare for your weight loss journey:
- Follow-up care is just as important as all of the “getting ready” steps you take!
- To achieve your goals, follow all instructions your care team members give you.
- The timing for your return to work, other activities and exercise must be approved by your care team.
- Be patient during your recovery. Every person is different and your recovery will be different than other patients who have had the same procedure. This is true for healing time, food sensitivities, weight-loss goals, and so on.
*Your doctor may recommend following a different plan. Follow the plan your dietitian or doctor recommend. These are just guidelines.