The first week is the most challenging part of the Allurion Program — and also the shortest. Most patients say "I don't even notice it anymore" after 7-10 days. In this guide, we walk through what to expect day by day, how to manage it, and when you should call your physician.
Why Is the First Week Hard?
A new object has entered your stomach. As your body adapts to it:
- Reaction to fullness: Because the stomach is filled with ~550 ml of fluid, you feel high pressure and a sensation of tightness
- Hormonal response: When the stomach's stretch receptors are stimulated, a nausea reflex is triggered
- Change in gastric emptying: The balloon slows gastric emptying — this is normal
All of these responses are expected and temporary symptoms. In Ienca and colleagues' study of 1,770 patients (<0.2% serious adverse events, PMID: 32279182), the first-week adjustment period is considered safe.
Day 1 — Placement Day
After the procedure:
- 30-60 minutes of clinical observation
- You can drive (no sedation was administered)
- A mild feeling of fullness or pressure is normal
Nutrition:
- Liquids only: water, broth, ayran, fresh fruit juice (no pulp)
- Avoid carbonated drinks
- Drink slowly, in small sips
At night:
- Lying on your side is more comfortable for some patients
- Mild stomach sounds or gurgling is normal
- If you need a painkiller, take acetaminophen (paracetamol) (do not take aspirin or ibuprofen)
Days 2-3 — The Peak Period
Most patients describe these days as the hardest.
Possible symptoms:
- Moderate to severe nausea (especially in the mornings)
- Occasional vomiting
- Even the thought of food causes discomfort
- Fatigue, dizziness
- Mild abdominal pain or cramping
Management:
- If your physician has prescribed an antiemetic (anti-nausea medication), take it regularly
- Keep up your fluid intake — even 1-2 sips per hour is enough
- Rest; ideally you will not have scheduled a heavy workload for these days
Nutrition (still liquids):
- Protein powder + water or milk
- Bone broth
- Freshly squeezed fruit juice (no pulp)
- Plain ayran or kefir
Days 4-5 — The Easing Begins
Nausea usually decreases noticeably during these days.
Signs of the transition:
- Morning nausea eases
- Drinking water is now easier
- The smell of food no longer bothers you
Nutrition — transition to purees:
- Vegetable soup (strained, smooth)
- Pudding or yogurt
- Baked or steamed and pureed vegetables
- Banana or cooked fruit puree
Portion: 5-6 tablespoons is enough; do not push for more.
Days 6-7 — Normalization
The vast majority reach the feeling of "the balloon is there, but my life goes on" by day 7.
Nutrition — transition to soft solids:
- Softly cooked chicken or fish
- Curd cheese, white cheese
- Oatmeal
- Boiled egg (fully cooked)
Daily life:
- Light walking: beneficial and recommended
- Running or intense exercise: still too early
- Work life: office work is generally possible from day 3 onward
Allurion Smart Scale and App: Start Right Away
Weighing in during the first week may feel hard — but getting started matters. The study by Dejeu et al. (571 patients) shows that patients who build the habit early achieve better long-term results.
The ideal day to settle into a daily morning weigh-in routine is day 2 or 3.
Be Sure to Call Your Physician
Call your physician without delay or go to the emergency room in the following situations:
| Symptom | Urgency |
|---|---|
| Severe, persistent abdominal pain | Emergency |
| Bloody vomiting | Emergency |
| Inability to drink water for more than 24 hours | Same day |
| Fever + abdominal pain | Same day |
| Confusion, extreme weakness | Emergency |
| Blue/green urine (a sign of early balloon deflation) + pain | Same day |
5 Tips to Make the First Week Easier
- Use an antiemetic: If your physician has prescribed one, don't skip it — managing nausea makes the adjustment easier
- Cold drinks: Many patients say cold water goes down more easily
- Small sips: Drinking 1-2 sips every 3-4 minutes ensures steady fluid intake
- Smell sensitivity: Strong food odors can worsen nausea — stay away from the kitchen during the first few days
- Sleep position: Lying on your left side relieves the stomach
Continue reading:
- Nutrition Guide After a Gastric Balloon — Week by Week →
- The Allurion 6-Month Program →
- Gastric Balloon Risks →
- How Does It Work? →
- Find a Specialist →
This content is for general information purposes. Contact your physician about your personal symptoms.
Find an Authorized Clinic in a City Near You
You can have the Allurion Program performed at more than 60 authorized clinics across Türkiye. For clinics in major cities:
Clinical Sources
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