Top tips after Gastric Balloon Insertion

Some foods have a tendency to stick to the balloon and can cause very unpleasant ‘burps’. You may find pasta and soft bread a particular problem. Slowly sip a glass of water about 30 to 45 minutes after meals. This will rinse the balloon and help prevent the unpleasant burps caused by food sticking to the balloon.

Here are some tips after a gastric balloon surgery: 

• Be aware that the balloon may cause you to feel bloated and like you haven’t lost any weight when you have.

• Aim for three healthy meals each day paying attention not to consume more than 1200kcal per day.

• Stop eating when you’re full, or if feeling any discomfort. Eat slowly and always chew your food well.

• Avoid high calorie snack foods as they won’t help with your weight loss. Choose healthy snacks such as a piece of fruit, a hard-boiled egg or carrot sticks and humous.

• Don’t have supper too late in the evening.

• Eat off a side or small plate to help reduce your portions.

• It’s normal to get pleasure out of food. As you are only eating small portions make sure you have food that you enjoy and that is nutritionally good for you.

• Keep a food diary to record your food and liquid intake and any comments you have about your progress. This can be reviewed on a regular basis to help you get the greatest benefit from your treatment.

• Aim to drink at least eight cups of fluids each day to keep you well hydrated and to help prevent constipation.

• Avoid drinking and eating at the same time as this may cause you to fill up too quickly, feel bloated or vomit.

• Your best choices for fluids are water, non-carbonated flavoured waters (try squeezing some lemon into water), decaffeinated coffee or tea, herbal teas, clear soups and diluted unsweetened fruit juices.

• Avoid drinks with too much gas as they can cause you to feel bloated.

• Strong tea and coffee are not advised. Caffeine is an appetite stimulant so it can be detrimental to weight loss.

• Eliminate high calorie drinks such as milk shakes, alcohol and juices.

• Exercise daily as your body allows. Walking for 15 to 30 minutes or more every day will help with weight loss and make you feel healthier all round.

• If you suffer from nausea, try to move around even if you don’t feel like it, as this helps move food from your stomach into your gut.

• After your gastric balloon is removed you must continue to follow your diet and lifestyle changes you’ve made to avoid regaining weight.

Emotional Considerations

Like any bariatric procedure, gastric balloon insertion can have psychological effects. You’re embarking on a rollercoaster journey whilst losing weight and you may experience depression, frustration, anxiety, loss, excitement and insomnia.

Your family, partner and friends will also be adjusting to your new body and changes to your behaviour. Some will be more supportive than others. Lean on those who offer encouragement.

Here at Ramsay Health Care we are here to support you throughout your weight loss journey offering personal consultations and support groups.

Time off work

We would recommend at least a couple of days off work following your gastric balloon fitting. Often patients take a week’s holiday. Everyone is different in their general health and wellbeing as well as their daily job and its responsibilities. Only you can judge when you’re ready to return to work. It may be that you are able to go back and perform light duties after the first few days or you may wish to take an extended amount of time off just to ensure your full recovery.