How to eat before and after having a gastric balloon placed?

The diet before and after a gastric balloon is an important part of this treatment. In fact, neglecting your diet can completely ruin the results and cause the dreaded rebound effect (when you regain some of the weight you lost).

That’s why in this post we’ll tell you what type of diet you should follow before and after the implantation of a gastric balloon to ensure that the procedure gives you the results you’re looking for and to help you avoid the complications related to eating after the procedure. intragastric balloon.

How to eat before placing a gastric balloon?

Before undergoing gastric balloon implantation, it is advisable to take care of your diet, as it will impact the health of your stomach and the readiness of your body for the gastric balloon.

A few weeks earlier

A few weeks before, it is advisable to completely avoid alcohol and tobacco. It is also a good idea to follow a healthier diet; of course, it is advisable to reduce the consumption of fast or highly processed food.

4 days before

Between 4 and 3 days before the procedure, you will have to follow a completely liquid diet. The idea is to prevent solid food residues from accumulating in the stomach when the intragastric balloon is implanted.

You don't have to limit yourself to water; you can consume many types of liquid foods, from juices to yogurt, milk, juices, and soups. The key is that these foods are 100% liquid.

It is a good idea to avoid stimulating drinks such as coffee, energy drinks, alcoholic or carbonated beverages, as they often upset the stomach, which can worsen the negative symptoms and complications associated with the gastric balloon.

How to eat after a gastric balloon?

After having a gastric balloon placed, you will have to be much more careful with your diet, especially in the first month, which will be critical for your recovery and for your stomach’s adaptation.

The first month

During the first month after placing the gastric balloon, you must follow a strict and progressive diet to ensure that your stomach adapts well.

First two days

For the first 2 days you should have a liquid diet based solely on isotonic and cold liquids. You should not drink large amounts of liquids, but sip them.

After 2 days

After 2 days, you can add other liquids to your diet, such as juices, smoothies, soups, liquid yogurt, etc.

You will also need to consume protein shakes (two per day is recommended), this way you will ensure that you receive the proteins your body needs during this recovery phase.

You will have to maintain this liquid diet for another 5 days.

From the 8th day until the 11th day after placing the gastric balloon

As indicated by the experts of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, After 7 days after the gastric balloon is placed, you can add mashed potatoes to your meals. 

The puree should be completely smooth, and it should have the consistency of yogurt; make sure there is no solid matter in it.

The meals can include everything from chicken to low-salt cheese. 

You will have to eat about 6 times a day, but in small portions.

If you feel full or uncomfortable during any of the 6 meals, you should stop eating, as your stomach will be much more susceptible than usual.

From the 12th to the 14th day after the gastric balloon

After 12 days of having the gastric balloon placed, you can start eating solid foods, as long as they are soft enough and not difficult to digest.

The key is that they are foods that you can easily turn into a puree with a fork.

You should eat three times a day, with a small snack if you feel hungry between meals. It is recommended that each meal contains plenty of protein and vegetables, and not too many carbohydrates.

Keep in mind that you should still avoid carbonated drinks, highly processed foods, snacks, energy drinks, and alcohol, as they can upset your stomach.

15 days after placing the gastric balloon

After 15 days, you can incorporate more solid food and gradually return to a normal diet. You will only need the three regular meals each day. Make sure that with each meal you consume plenty of protein and vegetables, and that you do not consume excessive carbohydrates.

Until you feel that your stomach has recovered significantly, avoid problematic foods, such as sweets and fast food, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and coffee.

And whenever you feel full or satisfied, avoid eating more food; remember that your stomach will be especially sensitive in the first few weeks after the insertion of the intragastric balloon.

After the first month

After a month, you will be able to have a relatively normal diet. However, it will be your nutritionist who will determine the diet you should follow from now on. Although it may not seem like it, following the diet established by your nutritionist will be crucial for you to achieve the results you expect with the gastric balloon and, in addition, to prevent health complications. 

So stick to your nutritionist's instructions and don't forget about check-ups and follow-up appointments; this will allow the specialist in charge of your diet to monitor your progress and make any necessary changes.

Remember, it’s not just about following a diet; it’s about changing your eating habits so that they become much healthier and allow you to maintain your weight and well-being.

Tips for taking care of your diet after having a gastric balloon placed

• Avoid consuming carbohydrates (rice, pasta, bread, etc.).
• Eliminate the consumption of energy drinks, stimulants, and carbonated beverages (alcohol, coffee, soda, etc.) before placing the gastric balloon, and reduce them to a minimum after the balloon is inserted.
• Do not drink water while you eat after placing the gastric balloon; do it 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after each meal.
• Avoid eating if you feel full or have any discomfort; your stomach will be more susceptible with the gastric balloon.
• Reduce your consumption of fast food, very sweet snacks, and other foods that are high in sugar or overly processed.
• Make sure you consume enough protein every day (eggs, chicken, beef, fish, legumes and dairy products).
• Focus on eating plenty of vegetables and fruits; they should make up more than half of your plate at every meal.

Take care of your diet after your gastric balloon, the results will be worth it.

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