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What to expect from your procedure

Get ready for an endoscopic weight loss procedure with practical tips and guidance to help you prepare for your procedure and recovery. 

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Note: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. Always follow the specific guidance provided by your healthcare team.

Before the procedure

For any endoscopic weight loss procedure, including Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), Intragastric Balloons (IGBs), and Transoral Outlet Reduction (TORe), understanding what to expect and planning ahead will help you get the most out of the step you're taking for your health.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare, including how long you need to fast before your procedure, but here are a few general things to know: 

  • Arrange support and transport. Most procedures require you to have someone to bring you home. Consider asking a friend or family member to help you for a few days.1,2 If you have caring responsibilities, such as for children or elderly parents, it's a good idea to get additional help during your recovery period. 
  • Prepare your home. You'll get detailed information on how to eat for the first few weeks after your procedure, so make sure you have what you need on hand. In addition to food, get together everything you need to feel comfortable, such as a restful space, a large water bottle, and quiet activities for while you recover. 
  • Prepare any questions. If there are any questions you still need to ask, write them down so you don't forget. 
  • Follow pre-procedure guidance on food and drinks. Your doctor will ask you to fast (not eat or drink) for a certain amount of time before your procedure. It's important that you stick to this guidance. If your stomach isn't empty while you're unconscious, you could be sick and vomit could get into your lungs, affecting breathing and putting you at risk of an infection.3

What to expect on the day

Hospitals and clinics differ slightly in their procedures, but the list below will give you a general idea of what to expect. Talk to your healthcare team directly for any specifics. 

Check-in and pre-procedure checks

You’ll be welcomed by the care team, who will complete any final assessments, and review your medical history.3

Getting ready

You may be given some medication to take before your procedure2 and you will need to change into a hospital gown. Your clinic will advise you of any additional preparation that's needed before the procedure.

Anaesthesia

ESG, IGB, and TORe generally involve anaesthesia to help you stay still and comfortable.1,4,5 

Procedure duration

ESG, IGB, and TORe are quick, minimally invasive procedures. Your doctor will advise you how long your procedure will take, but you can usually expect to go home on the same day with a few hours at the facility for prep and recovery. 

Monitoring

Your healthcare team will ensure you're safe and comfortable during and immediately after the procedure.2,3,5

Coming home

Many people are able to return to routine daily activities very quickly after an endoscopic weight loss procedure, while others may need longer to recover.3 You will receive guidance from your healthcare team on what to expect and when you can return to work.

For the first few days after the procedure, you might feel some bloating, queasiness, or mild stomach discomfort.7 You'll be given tips and medication if needed to manage these symptoms.2

If you've had an IGB placed, it's common to experience nausea, vomiting, or other stomach discomfort as you adjust to the balloon. This should be temporary.2

Learn more about potential side effects of an IGB

Tips and reminders

  • Arrange transport and support for the day of your procedure and a few days afterwards. 
  • Prepare your home for recovery. 
  • Keep medications and post-procedure instructions handy. 
  • Know who to contact for urgent concerns.
     

Remember, every patient's experience is unique. By preparing well and following your care team's guidance, you're building on the commitment you've already made to your health and future.

Recovery: the first four weeks

Initial recovery is about giving your body time to heal. During this stage, you'll follow dietary guidance provided by your care team, which often starts with a liquid diet. Your healthcare team will give you clear instructions on what to eat and when.

For more detailed advice and meal planning tips, learn more about how to eat after your procedure. If you notice any unexpected symptoms or have concerns during this period, contact your care team right away.

As you gradually return to regular foods, you'll start adjusting the way you think about eating. It's normal for this stage to feel like a transition. Each step you take now helps move you closer to your health goals.

Returning to daily life

Most people can get back to routine daily activities within a few days, although recovery varies depending on your procedure and how you feel. 

  • Work and activity: Take it slowly and avoid strenuous activity until your doctor gives the go-ahead. 
  • Pace yourself: Pay attention to your body and gradually increase activity at a pace that feels comfortable. 

Think of this period as gently easing back into routines while giving yourself space to rest, recover, and adjust.

Preparing for long-term success

Endoscopic procedures provide tools to support weight loss, but lasting results depend on the habits you build over time. This is your opportunity to practice new patterns that will benefit you long after recovery.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)

Because you’ll feel full more quickly, focus on slowing down, noticing your body’s cues, and learning to feel satisfied with smaller portions. Over time, this helps retrain your appetite and supports a more mindful relationship with food. If you find it difficult to know when you’re full, talk to your healthcare team for support.8

Intragastric Balloons (IGBs)

The balloon acts as a temporary guide to help you adjust portion sizes and eating pace. Use this period to explore new routines, plan meals, and practice listening to hunger and fullness signals – skills that will continue to support you once the balloon is removed in 6-12 months.9

Transoral Outlet Reduction (TORe)

This procedure reinforces fullness cues you may have lost after your original surgery. It’s an opportunity to reset boundaries with food, rebuild trust in your body’s signals, and strengthen habits that support lasting weight management.10

Choosing a weight loss procedure is a powerful step towards healthier habits. As you recover and return to daily life, you have the chance to protect your health, invest in your future, and take positive steps towards weight loss.

 


Note: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. Always follow the specific guidance provided by your healthcare team.

 

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References

  1. University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty [Internet]. Coventry: UHCW NHS Trust; 2024. Available from: https://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/download/clientfiles/files/Patient%20Information%20Leaflets/Surgical%20Services/Bariatrics/Endoscopic%20sleeve%20gastroplasty%20.pdf [Accessed 2026 May]. 
  2. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. The Orbera® and Orbera365™ Intragastric Balloon. Taunton: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust; 2021 Jul. Available from: https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/bariatric-surgery/wp-content/uploads/sites/73/2021/07/The-Orbera-and-Orbera-365-Balloon.pdf [Accessed 2026 May]. 
  3. NHS North Tees and Hartlepool. Long Term Management Following Bariatric Surgery. 2025. Available from: https://www.nth.nhs.uk/resources/long-term-management-following-bariatric-surgery/ [Accessed 2026 May]. 
  4. Jamal MH, et al. A study examining the Orbera365 intragastric balloon: Safety, tolerance and efficacy. Obes Surg. 2021;31(9):3938-45. 
  5. Dolan RD, et al. Endoscopic versus surgical gastrojejunal revision for weight regain in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients: 5-year safety and efficacy comparison. Gastrointest Endosc. 2021;94(5):945-50. 
  6. Abu Dayyeh BK, et al. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty for treatment of class 1 and 2 obesity (MERIT): a prospective, multicentre, randomised trial. The Lancet. 2022;400(10350):441–51. 
  7. Singh S, et al. Safety and efficacy of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty worldwide for treatment of obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2020;16(2):340-51. 
  8. Negi A, et al. Nutritional Management and Role of Multidisciplinary Follow-Up after Endoscopic Bariatric Treatment for Obesity. Nutrients. 2022;14(16):3450. 
  9. Berhuni MS, et al. Efficacy of Intragastric Balloon Treatment: Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction 6 Months After Removal. Medicina (Kaunas). 2025;61(4):616. 
  10. Hakiza L, et al. Transoral Outlet Reduction (TORe) for the treatment of weight regain and dumping syndrome after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023;59(1):125. 

 

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