Rhinoplasty
Otoplasty
Blepharoplasty
Face Lifting
Buccal Lipectomy
Abdominal Reshaping
Buttock Reshaping
Thigh Lifting
Arm Reshaping
Liposculpture & Liposuction
Varicose Vein Removal
Mommy Makeover
Breast Reduction
Breast Enlargement
In short: with a gastric balloon you eat small meals, eat slowly and drink in small sips throughout the day. For the first 2-3 days the diet is liquid, then you move to soft foods and solids. Daily activities resume after a few days, while running, gym and intense sport need the doctor's go-ahead. You can travel, including by plane, once the initial discomfort has passed.
The balloon stays in the stomach up to 12 months: this is the time to build habits that last after removal. These are general indications; your eating plan and timing are the ones given by your care team.
The first weeks, step by step
| Phase | Food | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| First 2-3 days | Liquids only, in small sips: water, broths, herbal teas | Rest and short walks |
| Following weeks | Soft foods, then solids, following your plan | Gradual return to routine and work |
| After the doctor's go-ahead | Balanced diet in small portions | Running, gym and more intense sport |
In the first hours and days nausea, cramps or a feeling of heaviness are normal: they come from the stomach adapting and usually ease. The team checks how things are going and adapts the eating plan to the symptoms.
What to eat and what to avoid
Prefer
- small, regular meals, without skipping them
- lean protein: fish, white meat, eggs, pulses, low-fat dairy
- vegetables and fruit, well chewed
- soft foods and simple cooking, especially in the first weeks
Limit or avoid
- fizzy drinks, which increase bloating
- alcohol
- fried and very fatty foods
- sweets, snacks and sugary drinks
- large portions
How to eat
- eat slowly and chew every bite well
- stop at the first signs of fullness
- drink between meals, not during them
Sport and exercise
Walking is good from the first days. For running, gym and more intense sport wait for the doctor's go-ahead: in some cases a break of several weeks is advised. Regular movement then helps you lose weight and keep the result after removal.
Travelling with a gastric balloon
- you can usually travel, including by plane, once the initial discomfort has passed: check with the team before leaving
- carry a document stating that you have a gastric balloon and its planned removal date
- keep your prescribed medication and a bottle of water at hand
- eat small meals while travelling and pay attention to food hygiene
When to contact the clinic straight away
- nausea or vomiting that does not improve or stops you drinking
- strong or persistent abdominal pain
- signs of dehydration: little dark urine, dizziness, great tiredness
- any new symptom that worries you
In these cases do not wait for the scheduled check-up: contact your care team.
Frequently asked questions about living with a gastric balloon
It is best to limit or avoid fizzy drinks, alcohol, fried and very fatty foods, sweets and sugary drinks, and large portions. In the first days the diet is liquid only, then soft and solid foods are introduced gradually.
It is better to avoid it: alcohol is high in calories and can irritate the stomach. Any exceptions should be agreed with your doctor.
Walking is fine from the first days. For running, gym and intense sport you need the doctor's go-ahead; in some cases a break of several weeks is advised.
Usually yes, once the initial discomfort has passed. Check with the team before leaving and carry a document stating that you have a balloon.
Yes, if the doctor considers it necessary, for example with symptoms that do not improve. Removal is endoscopic, with no surgery.