What Should Be Done After The Gastric Balloon İs İnserted?
After the gastric balloon is inserted, you will be fed with liquid and soft food for 1 week until your body gets used to it. You may feel bloated and nauseous for the first week. A diet list will be prepared for you by your dietitian. You will then gradually be able to eat normally. In the first 1-2 weeks, hunger is suppressed. You will lose weight fast in the first month. After 1 month, your body will fully adapt to the balloon.
After the gastric balloon is inserted, you need to support it with diet and exercise. If you can achieve this, you can lose weight very effectively. You should not eat food quickly, you should stop eating when a feeling of fullness occurs. If you continue to consume foods such as simple carbohydrates, sugar, chocolate, which we call melt in the mouth, above a certain rate, the balloon will not work very well. Even if you lose weight in the first 1-2 months , at a certain point you will stop losing weight.
Remember, this balloon has to come out after a maximum of 1 year. Make good use of this opportunity.
How Does the Gastric Balloon Diet Work?
Liquid Diet for 1-2 days : After the gastric balloon is inserted, start drinking water with small sips. Then follow a liquid food diet such as herbal teas, lactose-free milk, yogurt, protein supplements, grain-free meat and chicken broth soups for 2 days . Make sure that the liquids you consume are either too hot or too cold. Paying attention to this will greatly prevent nausea and bloating.
Soft Diet : After 2 days, soft diet is started for 3-5 days . The diet is prepared by the dietitian according to the patient's condition. During this period, foods such as vegetable and fruit purees, eggs, cheese, olives, fish and chicken are consumed. Portions should be small. The meat group should be well cooked and pureed. Care should be taken to leave 1 hour between meals.
Gastric Balloon Diet : In order to reach the weight you want with gastric balloon treatment, you must follow the programs prepared by your doctor and dietitian. Remember, you will not lose weight because you have a gastric balloon. You should adopt a balanced and regular diet habit.
Foods That Should Not Be Consumed After Gastric Balloon
Some foods should be avoided after a gastric balloon is inserted. These:
- Sugary Foods: Sugary foods such as chocolate and sweets should be avoided. You can meet your sugar need from alternative fruits.
- Fries: Prefer to boil the food instead of frying it.
- Sugary and Acidic Drinks
- Processed Meats
- Coffee: It should not be consumed too much. You can drink decaffeinated coffee.
- White Bread: You can choose foods made with whole wheat.
- Snacks: You should avoid packaged junk food.
- Salt, oil, sauces such as mayonnaise should not be used in food.
Questions People Wonder About After Gastric Balloon Placement
When can normal food be eaten after gastric balloon placement?
Generally, patients can move from liquids to soft foods within 1 week and to solid foods within 3 weeks; the process is followed under dietitian supervision.
Can coffee be consumed after gastric balloon placement?
It is not recommended during the first weeks. It can be consumed later.
Can exercise be done after gastric balloon placement?
Yes, after the body adapts to the balloon, light walking can be started. Regular exercise supports weight loss.
Can alcohol be consumed after gastric balloon placement?
No, alcohol irritates the stomach, especially in the first months, and is not recommended. It also contains a high amount of calories, which may slow weight loss.
How long does it take to lose weight after gastric balloon placement?
Rapid weight loss begins within the first 1–2 months; by the 6th month, an average of 10–25 kilograms may be lost.
What should be considered before removing the gastric balloon?
Until the balloon is removed, one should maintain a balanced diet, adequate water intake, and attend regular follow-ups.
