Updated August 18, 2026
A quick note about our role: Bloom helps coordinate referrals, scheduling, and communication, but your examination and medical care are provided directly by the licensed medical professionals at KMI. The recovery instructions below are based on guidance from their medical team.
Most people can return to their hotel after a short recovery period following a KMI health checkup. If you received sedation, had a biopsy or had a polyp removed, you may need additional rest and precautions.
Here are the most common questions our clients ask us:
What happens immediately after a KMI health checkup?
After your examinations, the hospital staff will direct you to the appropriate recovery or discharge area. If sedation was used, the medical team will monitor you until they consider it safe for you to leave. The amount of time can vary, although most Bloom clients we’ve worked with have spent approximately 30 to 60 minutes in recovery.
Follow KMI’s instructions about driving, alcohol, work, exercise and whether someone should accompany you. Sedation can affect judgement and coordination after you feel awake, so do not drive after a sedated procedure.
When can you eat and return to your hotel?
KMI will tell you when it is safe to eat and drink. After gastroscopy, you may need to wait until the throat-numbing sensation has worn off and swallowing feels normal. If you had a biopsy or polyp removed, follow the specific food and activity instructions provided at discharge.
When you are cleared to eat, a light meal such as porridge or soup may feel more comfortable if your stomach is sensitive.
How do you receive your KMI results and medical records?
Before leaving KMI, ask the reception team to confirm how you will receive your result report. Based on the current process we’ve seen, results are generally available within 7–14 days and may be sent by email. The exact timing can vary depending on your package and whether additional testing or pathology is involved.
If you want copies of scans or other imaging, request them before leaving the clinic. KMI may provide imaging on a CD, and we’ve seen cases where international patients could not request these files online after the examination day.
Having your records with you makes future follow-up much easier, especially if you need to share the results with a doctor outside Korea. Bloom can help you confirm what to request and coordinate a follow-up consultation when needed.
Process last confirmed with KMI: August 2026.
What should you expect after a gastroscopy or colonoscopy?
If your checkup included a gastroscopy or colonoscopy, you may need a little more recovery time. What to expect depends on the procedure, whether sedation was used and whether the doctor took a biopsy or removed a polyp.
If your appointment is coming up, begin with our KMI health-checkup preparation checklist. And for fasting, bowel preparation and stool-sample instructions, use the KMI gastroscopy, colonoscopy and stool-test preparation guides.
After a gastroscopy
Mild throat irritation, bloating or gas can occur after a gastroscopy and generally improves with time. Wait until KMI tells you it is safe to eat and drink, particularly if throat anaesthetic was used.
If a biopsy was taken, KMI may give you additional instructions about food, alcohol, coffee, smoking or other irritants while the area heals.
After a colonoscopy
Mild bloating, gas or cramping can occur after a colonoscopy because air is introduced during the examination. Gentle movement may help, but severe, persistent or worsening pain requires medical attention.
A small amount of blood may sometimes be seen after a biopsy or polyp removal. KMI should explain what is expected in your particular case and when bleeding requires medical attention.
What if KMI performed a biopsy or removed a polyp?
A biopsy allows the laboratory to examine a tissue sample more closely. Removing a colon polyp can also prevent some polyps from developing into cancer.
KMI may give you additional instructions about food, alcohol, exercise, bathing, saunas and travel. Follow the discharge sheet you receive rather than treating these timelines as universal.
According to KMI’s current post-polyp-removal instructions, you may be advised to:
- Eat light foods such as soup or porridge on the day of the procedure
- Return to your regular meals the following day if you have no symptoms
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, coffee and spicy foods for approximately one week
- Avoid long-distance travel, intense exercise, saunas and baths for the period specified by KMI
A small amount of blood may sometimes occur after polyp removal. Seek medical attention if the bleeding persists, becomes heavy or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
When should you seek urgent medical attention?
Serious complications are rare, but it is important to monitor how you feel after the exam. Please seek urgent medical attention if you develop:
- Severe, persistent or worsening abdominal, chest or neck pain
- Heavy bleeding, blood clots or a large amount of bright-red blood
- Black or tarry stool
- Vomiting blood or vomiting that will not stop
- Fever or chills
- Difficulty breathing
- Fainting, confusion, marked weakness or a rapid heartbeat
- A firm or increasingly swollen abdomen
Contact KMI using the number on your discharge instructions or go to the nearest emergency department. In Korea, call 119 for an emergency.
Bring your procedure or discharge report with you if possible. Bloom can assist with follow-up and communication, but urgent symptoms require direct medical attention.
Official post-procedure guides from KMI
For full medical guidance from the KMI medical team, you can review the official documents below.
A quick note from us
Most people find that recovery after a KMI health examination is straightforward. A little rest, light food, and giving your body time to settle is usually all that’s needed.
Bloom helps coordinate your visit and communication with KMI, but the medical examination and clinical care are provided directly by the licensed medical professionals at KMI Medical Check-Up Center.
If you have questions about your results or post-exam symptoms, feel free to reach out to us and we will help you get connected with the KMI team.