Orange County gastric balloon procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and require minimal recovery time compared to other bariatric weight loss procedures. Most patients will experience some cramping and discomfort in the first few days after surgery. This should quickly subside, however, yielding to a feeling of satiety. You may be able to return to work after a few days, taking care to avoid heavy lifting for a week. Expect to feel less hungry while the balloon is in place. You will eventually return to your surgeon to have the balloon removed – typically through an endoscope in the same way it was placed. Gastric balloon removal is performed under sedation or anesthesia, requiring just 20 minutes to complete.