Is it a wise choice to combine gastric balloon surgery with the keto diet? What might happen to your eating habits after a gastric balloon surgery? Given the rise in popularity of such diets in the current day, let’s take a look at the facts in detail.

What is a keto diet? 

The term keto is an abbreviation for the ketogenic diet and is an extremely low-carb, high-fat diet plan. It includes reducing carbohydrate intake and substituting fat. Your body enters the metabolic state of ketosis as a result of this reduction in carbohydrates.

Your body then becomes very effective at burning fat for energy. Additionally, it changes fat into ketones in the liver, which can give the brain energy. Significant drops in insulin and blood sugar levels can result from ketogenic diets. This has certain health advantages along with the rise in ketones.

Keto Diet: Can it Work with a Gastric Balloon?

Many people who have recently undergone bariatric surgery want to lose weight. As a result, they might use a gastric balloon diet to achieve these ends. But is this a wise course of action? The answer is no.

The main problem is that most people who recently had a gastric balloon procedure done ,need between 60 and 100 grams of protein daily. Moreover, after gastric balloon procedure, the amount of fat consumed in the diet is typically unrestricted (note that we are referring to fat as opposed to carbohydrates in this sense). In other words, it could be challenging for the body to get the protein it needs to start weight loss. 

Another possible drawback of this post gastric balloon diet is that the body requires carbohydrates to metabolise protein. As the number of carbs is extremely limited, digestive problems can occur in many individuals. Examples include cramping, bloating and indigestion.

Useful tips for diet after gastric balloon

Consuming enough whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is a common tip for a gastric balloon diet. All of these foods are great sources of fiber. Any diet that includes fiber will be required for weight loss because it helps to increase feelings of satiety. To put it another way, you won’t likely feel hungry.

It is also advisable to stay away from any beverage that has carbonation or caffeine in it, such as:

• Coffee and other caffeinated drinks
• Soft drinks and sodas with sugar 
• Energy drinks

According to this notion, acid reflux can be caused by caffeine and carbonation. Acid levels that are too high might hinder the healing process, and these circumstances can also be physically discomforting. Let’s not forget that foods and drinks that stimulate your hunger, like coffee, make you more likely to eat unhealthy things.

Why choose Dr. Girish Juneja for expert consultation?

To conclude, combining a ketogenic diet with a gastric balloon procedure is typically not advised. While a ketogenic diet might undoubtedly have some intriguing benefits, there may also be negative effects to take into account. If you need more specific guidance, it is also advisable to consult a medical expert. With more than 30 years of experience in laparoscopic/general surgery, Dr. Girish Juneja is a surgeon of distinction for bariatric surgery & gastric balloon procedures . He currently serves as the director of Al Zahra Hospital, Dubai and is a Certified Surgeon of Excellence for metabolic and bariatric surgery.