Gastric Balloon Diet: What to Eat Week by Week

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Stage 1: Clear and Full Liquids (Days 1 to 3)

The stomach is adjusting and nausea is common. The aim is to stay hydrated.

• Water, in small sips throughout the day

• Herbal tea without sugar

• Clear broth

• Diluted juice without pulp

• Later in this stage: skimmed milk, thin yoghurt drinks, protein shakes

Aim for about 1.5 litres of fluid a day. Take a sip every few minutes. Do not gulp, and do not use fizzy drinks.

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Stage 2: Purées and Smooth Foods (Days 4 to 10)

• Smooth vegetable or lentil soups

• Plain yoghurt

• Puréed vegetables, mashed potato

• Puréed chicken or fish mixed with broth

• Fruit purée without added sugar

Eat four to six very small meals. A portion is a few tablespoons. Stop when you feel full.

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Stage 3: Soft Foods (Weeks 2 to 3)

• Scrambled or boiled eggs

• Soft fish, minced chicken or turkey

• Cottage cheese and soft cheeses

• Well-cooked vegetables

• Oatmeal, soft fruit such as banana

Chew each bite thoroughly and take about 20 to 30 minutes for a meal.

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Stage 4: Normal Texture, Smaller Portions (From Week 3 or 4)

You return to ordinary food, on a small plate. A typical day is three meals and one or two planned snacks.

• Start each meal with protein: fish, chicken, eggs, pulses, dairy

• Add vegetables, then a small amount of whole-grain carbohydrate

• Keep sweets, fried food and pastries for rare occasions

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Rules That Apply the Whole Time

• Eat slowly and chew well

• Stop at the first feeling of fullness

• Do not drink during meals. Drink up to 30 minutes before and from 30 minutes after eating.

• Drink a glass of water after meals once the 30 minutes have passed, to rinse the balloon

• Do not lie down for two hours after eating

• Have your last meal at least two to three hours before bed

• Take the stomach-protecting medicine prescribed for you

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Foods and Drinks to Limit

• Fizzy drinks, which cause bloating and discomfort

• Alcohol, which is high in calories and irritates the stomach

• Sugary drinks, ice cream, milkshakes and chocolate: they pass the balloon easily and add calories without filling you

• Very fatty or fried meals

• Pasta, soft bread and rice in large amounts, which can stick to the balloon and cause bad breath or reflux

• Coffee in large quantities in the first weeks

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Tips for Nausea in the First Days

• Sip, do not drink

• Try fluids cold or at room temperature

• Ginger or mint tea helps some people

• Take the anti-nausea medication on schedule, not only when you feel sick

• Rest with your upper body raised

If you cannot keep fluids down for more than a day, contact the team. See side effects and warning signs.

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Protein and Vitamins

Because you eat less, protein matters. Your dietitian gives you a daily target; many patients use a protein shake in the first weeks. A daily multivitamin is often recommended while the balloon is in place.

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Exercise

Gentle walking can start in the first week. From around week two or three, build up to regular activity such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming on most days. Muscle-strengthening exercise helps you keep muscle while you lose fat.

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After the Balloon Is Removed

The stomach has its full volume again, and hunger can return. The habits from the balloon months are what keep the weight off: small plates, slow eating, protein first, planned meals and regular activity. Our dietitian support is included in the package to help with this stage.

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Ask Which Balloon May Suit You

Send us your age, height, weight and medical history on WhatsApp or through our contact page. We will tell you which balloons may be suitable and confirm the package in writing.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Onur Peşluk, General Surgeon. Last reviewed: November 2026.

Medical disclaimer: This page gives general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Gastric balloon treatment has risks and is not suitable for everyone.