Life with an IGB: What to expect

An Intragastric Balloon (IGB) can give you the momentum you need for weight loss, but lasting success depends on the daily choices you make. Eating well, staying active, and following your healthcare team’s guidance will help you maintain results and feel your best.

See how an IGB helped Charlotte get her weight under control and regain her confidence

Eating and drinking with an IGB

Eating with an IGB

Because an Intragastric Balloon is a non-surgical procedure, most people can return to their routine daily activities within a few days^__and many begin to notice weight loss soon after the balloon is placed. Some nausea or vomiting is common during the first few days or weeks as your stomach adjusts to the balloon, but these symptoms usually settle quickly.¹

Because the balloon takes up space in your stomach, you’ll feel full sooner and need smaller portions. This is a key time to focus on building healthy habits that can support your weight loss long after the balloon is removed.

After your procedure, your doctor will give you clear guidance on what to eat and drink. This may include:

Following a step-by-step diet in the first few weeks
Having small, regular meals
Avoiding fizzy drinks
Chewing food slowly and thoroughly²

Over time, eating a balanced diet will help you stay healthy and maintain your results.

Learn more about nutrition after a weight loss procedure.

Drinking alcohol with an IGB

It’s best not to drink alcohol for six weeks after your balloon is placed, or longer if your doctor recommends it. Alcohol can irritate your stomach, add extra calories without nutrition, and make it harder to reach your weight loss goals.^3-5

Being mindful about alcohol while your body adjusts will help you get the best results from your IGB and set you up for long-term success. If you want to know when you can have alcohol again, your healthcare team can support you with personalised guidance.

Preventing malnutrition

With an Intragastric Balloon in place, your eating habits will change, which can sometimes affect how well your body gets the vitamins and minerals it needs. Follow your doctor's instructions to make sure your nutrition stays balanced.⁶

To support your health:

Follow your diet plan. Focus on balanced, nutrient-rich meals that give your body what it needs.
Take recommended supplements. This helps maintain healthy levels of key vitamins and minerals.
Attend regular blood tests. Routine monitoring lets your healthcare team spot any changes early so they can adjust your plan if necessary.⁷

Healthy habits to support weight loss

An Intragastric Balloon can give you a helpful head start on your weight-loss journey, but lasting results come from the habits you build every day. Focusing on balanced meals, realistic goals, and small, consistent changes can have a big impact over time.

Pay attention to how your body responds to meals and activity, and adjust your routine as needed. Gradually, these small changes can become long-term habits that support your health and wellbeing.

Stay active

Regular physical activity supports your weight loss, improves mood, strengthens muscles, and lowers the risk of conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and some cancers.⁵

After your procedure, begin gently and follow your doctor’s guidance. Slowly increase the intensity as your body adjusts to help maintain strength and support your recovery.⁷Over time, aim for around 60 minutes of moderate activity most days - enough to raise your heart rate, make you breathe a little faster, and leave you feeling energised.^5,8,9

Talk with your doctor about building a routine that fits your lifestyle and feels achievable.

Practice mindful eating

Mindful eating helps you tune in to your body’s signals and can prevent overeating or other habits that might slow your progress.

Take your time with each meal. Notice the taste, texture, and smell of your food. Minimise distractions and savour each bite, giving yourself space to fully enjoy your meal and recognise when you’re satisfied.¹⁰

Look after your mental health

Adjusting to life with an IGB can bring emotional challenges, from adapting to changes in eating habits to noticing shifts in body shape. Feeling anxious or uncertain at times is normal.¹¹

You don’t have to face it alone. Speak with your doctor if you need support - they can connect you with resources. You can also lean on friends, family, or support groups who can help you stay motivated.

Learn more about the links between obesity and mental health.

Travelling with an IGB

If you’re planning to travel with an IGB, it’s a good idea to discuss your plans with your doctor first. They can provide guidance specific to your recovery and help you feel prepared for the journey.

It is generally safe to fly with an Intragastric Balloon, but following your doctor’s advice can help ensure a comfortable trip.¹²

Here are a few tips to make travelling easier:

Mind your portions. Ask for smaller servings at restaurants or save extras for later to avoid overeating.¹³
Drink plenty of water. Carry a water bottle and drink regularly throughout the day.
Keep moving. Take opportunities to walk or explore at a brisk pace to stay active while travelling.⁸

Staying motivated

Choosing an Intragastric Balloon is a proactive step towards taking control of your weight. The balloon itself provides a temporary boost to help you feel full sooner and jumpstart your weight-loss journey, but it’s just a start. Lasting success comes from the habits and routines you build while it’s in place.

Here are some ways to make the most of the opportunity:

Focus on yourself

You’ve made this choice for your health and wellbeing. Keep that goal in mind as you navigate new eating patterns and daily routines.

Build lasting habits

Use the time with your balloon to practice portion control, mindful eating, and balanced meals. These are skills that will stay with you long after the balloon is removed.

Keep a food journal

Logging what you eat will help you be more aware of your eating habits and portion sizes, and give you a better understanding of how different foods affect you. It can also be very motivating to look back and see the healthy changes you’ve made.

Visualise your ideal life

Think about how you want to feel after the balloon is removed: more energy, confidence, or freedom to do the things you love through your weight loss journey. Let that vision guide your daily choices.

Celebrate every step

Progress comes in many forms. Recognising these small wins keeps motivation high.⁵

Reach out for support

When challenges arise, your healthcare team, friends, or support networks can offer encouragement and practical advice to help you stay on course.

An IGB gives you a head start, but the real progress comes from what you do with it. Every step you take now shapes the life you want after the balloon. This is your chance to take control and create lasting change.

Keep your goals in sight, celebrate your wins, and remember: you’re laying the foundation for a healthier, more confident future.

Take the first step toward a healthier, more confident you. Talk to a doctor about starting your Intragastric Balloon journey today.

Find a doctor

Top of page

Important: Boston Scientific’s Orbera365™ Intragastric Balloon is for adults who are suffering from obesity and have not been able to lose weight and keep it off. Your doctor’s clinical team, including dieticians, nutritionists and/or exercise trainers, should help you on your weight loss journey. Do not use Orbera365™ for more than 12 months. Boston Scientific’s BIB System is indicated for temporary use in weight-loss therapy for adults suffering from obesity with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30kg/m² or greater. To be used in conjunction with a long-term supervised diet and behaviour modification program designed to increase the possibility of long-term weight loss maintenance. The maximum placement period for the BIB System is 6 months; it must be removed at that time or earlier. For full safety information please visit IFU-BSCI.com.

References

Castagneto-Gissey I, et al. Comparative analysis of post-procedural symptom patterns after intragastric balloon and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. Mini-invasive Surg. 2024;8:23.
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Intra gastric balloon procedure [Internet]. Sheffield: Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; 2011. Available from: https://www.sth.nhs.uk/clientfiles/File/IntraGastricBalloon.pdf [Accessed 2026 Aug].
Conason A, et al. Substance Use Following Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery. JAMA Surg. 2013;148(2):145–50.
Smith KE, et al. Problematic alcohol use and associated characteristics following bariatric surgery. Obes Surg. 2018;28(5):1248-54.
McGrice M, Don Paul K. Interventions to improve long-term weight loss in patients following bariatric surgery: challenges and solutions. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2015;8:263-74.
Güler S. Vitamin and micronutrient deficiency and peripheral polyneuropathy following intragastric balloon technique used for obese people: Preliminary study. Türkiye diyabet ve obezite dergisi. 2022;6(3):208–14.
NHS. Recovering from weight loss surgery [Internet]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/weight-loss-surgery/recovering/ [Accessed 2026 Aug].
NHS. Physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64 [Internet]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-for-adults-aged-19-to-64/ [Accessed 2026 Aug].
NHS. Physical activity guidelines for older adults [Internet]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-older-adults/ [Accessed 2026 Aug].
NHS North Tees and Hartlepool. Long Term Management Following Bariatric Surgery [Internet]. 2025. Available from: https://www.nth.nhs.uk/resources/long-term-management-following-bariatric-surgery/ [Accessed 2026 Aug].
Jones RA, et al. The impact of adult behavioural weight management interventions on mental health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev. 2021;22(4):e13150.
Allure Weightloss. Can I travel with a gastric balloon? [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://allureweightloss.com/gastric-balloon/can-i-travel-with-a-gastric-balloon/ [Accessed 2026 Aug].
Afshar S, et al. Food portion sizes before and after bariatric surgery. Proc Nutr Soc. 2015;74(OCE5):E355.

CAUTION: The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, contraindications, warnings and instructions for use can be found at IFU-BSCI.com. Products shown for INFORMATION purposes only and may not be approved or for sale in certain countries. This material is not intended for use in France.

Content of this material is for Information Purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health or to address any questions.

There are risks associated with all medical procedures. Please talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits associated.

All images owned by Boston Scientific.