How Should Nutrition Be After Gastric Balloon?

Thanks to the volume it occupies in the stomach, the gastric balloon helps in portion reduction, the need to eat less, a longer-lasting feeling of satiety, and consequently, weight loss. Nutrition is not the primary goal, especially during the first 3-7 days after the gastric balloon procedure; during this process, the patient is expected to get used to the gastric balloon. Applying a liquid nutrition diet will help reduce complaints of pain, cramps, nausea, and vomiting that you may experience during the adaptation process after the gastric balloon. A low-fat liquid nutrition program is applied in the first 1-week period in order not to strain the stomach.

What is a liquid diet? You can start feeding sip by sip and slowly 2-3 hours after the gastric balloon procedure. First, you can start drinking water, then you need to implement a liquid diet with clear fruit and vegetable juices, weak tea, herbal teas, lactose-free milk to prevent gas, light ayran, kefir or yogurt, grain-free soups, and protein supplements.

Afterward, a gradual nutrition program is implemented under the supervision of a dietitian, progressing first to purees and then to solids. A personalized nutrition program should be created with portions and content suitable for the individual’s tolerance.

Things to Consider in Nutrition After Gastric Balloon

Before discussing nutrition after gastric balloon, it is aimed for the patient to achieve a lifestyle change by adopting general healthy nutrition principles. The most important goal is for the patient, who is followed by a nutrition expert, to both lose weight and maintain the weight lost through the nutrition education received via the provided programs.

• At least 3 meals should be consumed per day. The frequency of your snacks should be arranged appropriately for you by your dietitian.
• 1.5-2 liters of water should be consumed daily. Fluid consumption should be increased during the summer period.
• Meals should be consumed slowly and by chewing very well.
• As a precaution due to potential gas problems, patients should not consume legumes, especially in the early period (Dry beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, etc.).
• Fruit juices with high sugar content and acidic carbonated beverages should not be consumed.
• Tea and coffee consumption should be limited; if tea or coffee is to be consumed especially in the early period, weak tea or decaffeinated coffee should be preferred.
• Alcohol should not be consumed.
• Sugar or honey should not be added to beverages. Sweeteners can be used for flavoring.
• Fluids should not be consumed with meals as they will create fullness and bloating in the stomach and cause discomfort; at least 30 minutes should be placed between solid foods and liquid beverages.
• The use of intense and hot spices should be avoided as much as possible so as not to upset the stomach.
• Lying down immediately after eating should be avoided.

Home-cooked meals should be primarily preferred, and the amount of oil added to meals should be kept to a minimum. Adding 2 tablespoons of oil while preparing an average of 1 kilo of vegetable dish will be sufficient. As a cooking method, healthy cooking methods such as grilling, baking, steaming, or boiling should be preferred instead of frying or sautéing. At least one meal a day should consist of foods rich in protein. Your dietitian will make adjustments in your nutrition program according to your needs, prepared specifically for you.

Fruits and vegetables must be included in the diet. While fresh fruits provide your vitamin, mineral, and fiber needs, dried fruits will help suppress sweet cravings. One portion of vegetable dish should be included in the diet every day, and salads increase the feeling of satiety and support intestinal health thanks to their high fiber content. Lemon and vinegar can be added to salads, but portion control should be ensured in the amount of oil, and high-calorie sauces such as pomegranate molasses sauce should not be used.

Physical activity should become a part of life; activities such as gym sports, swimming, and dancing can be performed. Walking for approximately 30-45 minutes every day supports both the shaping of the body and the continuity of weight loss.

How Many Kilos Will I Lose After Gastric Balloon?

Whatever method is preferred for weight loss, the rate of weight loss and the amount of weight to be lost vary specifically for the individual. The aim is to lower the fat ratio while providing weight loss and to reach the ideal weight. Rapid weight loss is encountered especially in the first 1-3 month period after the gastric balloon procedure, which has a stay time in the stomach of 6-12 months. An average of 8-10% weight loss is expected in the first month. In the following process, a total loss of 15-25 kilos is targeted, although it varies according to the starting weight and ideal weight.