Dietary Information for Gastric Balloon Surgery
Food Diary
A Gastric Balloon procedure is a very effective weight loss solution, however requires the patient to adhere to some important dietary choices in order for it to be as successful as possible. Please see below the post-operative dietary stages a balloon patient has to go through.
» 0 - 3 days - Liquid ONLY
» 3 - 10 days - Soft Food ONLY
» 10 days and thereafter - “Normal” Eating
First 3 days - Liquids ONLY
It is important that you take a daily multivitamin and multi-mineral supplement and we recommend Centrum Chewable (1/day) and Calcichew (1/day). Take these for the 6 months that the balloon is inserted.
For the first three days you should have liquids only.
Aim for 8 cups per day and have the drinks in small, regular sips.
Drinks to choose are:
» Semi-skimmed milk - 600ml (1 pint) per day
» Low calorie / reduced sugar squash
» Tea / herbal teas
» Coffee
» Diluted fruit juice (1/2 juice, 1/2 water)
» Bovril, Oxo, Marmite diluted in water
3 - 10 days - Soft Food ONLY
» You will be able to introduce blended / soft foods into your diet in very small portions (using a tea plate instead of a dinner plate can be helpful).
» You should follow the healthy eating advice given at your assessment.
» Your food should be taken as 4-5 small meals a day
» Highly seasoned foods and hard fruit and vegetables may be best avoided.
» Continue to have semi-skimmed milk - 300ml (½ pint) per day.
10 days and over - “Normal” diet
» By this time you can resume a more normal diet!
» Pasta has a tendency to ’stick’ and may be best avoided.
» Make sure to drink after each meal to rinse the balloon - water is best.
» You should continue to take your vitamin and mineral supplement.
» Follow the healthy eating guidelines you were given before you operation when planning meals.
» Do not lie down immediately after a meal
» If you vomit after a meal follow the soft/blended ideas for the next three meals.
