Post-Operative Diet

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

 

 

Ideas for Meals

 

Breakfast

1 Weetabix or 3tbsp porridge with 150ml milk from allowance

 

Mid-morning

1-2tbsp low fat yogurt

1-2tbsp soft/blended fruit

 

Lunch

1-2tbsp lean meat/fish/egg blended with gravy or a sauce

1-2tbsp mashed potato or well cooked rice

1-2tbsp soft/blended vegetable

 

Mid afternoon

1-2tbsp low fat yogurt

1-2tbsp soft/blended fruit

 

Evening meal

1-2 tbsp lean meat/fish/egg blended with gravy or a sauce

1-2tbsp mashed potato or well cooked rice

1-2tbsp soft/blended vegetable

 

Bedtime

1-2tbsp fromage frais

1-2tbsp soft/blended fruit

 

Between meals

Low calorie drinks, e.g. tea, coffee, Bovril, diluted fruit juice

 

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.

 

Ideas for Meals

 

Breakfast

150ml/¼pint of unsweetened fruit juice

High fibre cereal, e.g. 1 Weetabix

or 3 tablespoons of porridge with 150ml/¼pint semi-skimmed milk

or 1 slice toast with low fat spread

 

Mid morning

Sugar free drink

 

Lunch

60g/2oz lean meat, chicken, fish, lentils, baked beans or one egg, 1 slice bread

or 1-2 tablespoons of cooked rice or pasta

or 1-2 tablespoons of mashed potato

or 1-2 boiled eggs sized potato (no added fat)

2 tablespoons vegetables or salad

1 portion fruit or low fat yoghurt

 

Mid afternoon

Sugar free drink

 

Dinner

60g/2oz lean meat, chicken, fish, lentils, baked beans or one egg

1 slice bread

or 1-2 tablespoons cooked rice or pasta

or 1-2 tablespoons instant potato

or 1-2 boiled eggs sized potato (no added fat)

2 tablespoons vegetables or salad

1 portion fruit or low fat yoghurt

 

Bedtime

Sugar free drink

 

 

Food Diary

Our dietitians will ask all patients to keep a food diary to record their food and liquid intake, exercise and any comments.  This is reviewed on a regular basis to help you get the greatest benefit from your treatment.  Any bariatric procedure is a tool, or a starting point for your weight loss journey - you do the work in terms of managing your diet, but the bariatric procedure will help enormously.  Click here to open a food diary.

 

Further Information

Allergan, the manufacturer of Gastric Balloon, have produced dietery information leaflets for Pre gastric balloon and Post gastric balloon, which you may find of further assistance.