I had a balloon fitted through endoscope on Christmas day and I need some support on the lonely weight loss journey

I have managed to lose 20llbs in 2 weeks which is unbeleivable for me! but dont feel any different in size - This is possibley due to the balloon making my stomach feel bloated.

Get in touch if you have a balloon now or in the past - I would love to hear from any motivational stories.

Speak soon

Angela:)

wow 20lb, scarey but cool.

Make sure you take 'before' shots

Good luck with that :)

Hi Angela,
Good to see you here. Yup, losing weight can get long and lonely, but it can also be exhilerating and encouraging. This site is fantastic... lots of folks who are rooting for you every step of the way.
I don't know much about the procedure you've had done -- how are you feeling? Any side-effects? I assume it sits in your stomach and takes up room so you can feel full after eating less? Is it removed when you lose the weight?
Do you have suport from friends or family? While it's good to find this site, it might help you to have real, flesh-and-blood people who are there to support you, too.
Welcome!!!

How is the weight loss progressing. Can you tell me how invasive it was and how much you paid, just as a guide.

Cheers Jo

Hi my name is Soli and I am a newbie. I had researched this topic extensively and my wife actually has undergone the balloon procedure. It is the least invasive weight loss procedure. There is no actual surgery as a deflated balloon is endoscopically placed in your stomach via the oesophagus and filled with a saline solution to about 500ml. Please check out a great company called Bodies Beautiful who have website with all the details. The cost was £1800. My wife loses on average 2kg per week. When she starts her gym schedule she will expect to lose around 3-4 kg per week.

Hi my name it kat I read your post yesterday, and im considering having the ballooon procedure, does anyone know how much it costs in the UK, I have however got enough to go to prauge bodies beautiful as you mentioned where it only costs £2000, but im a bit put off of travelling to another country to get it done, is it safe and how can you tell if the company is all legaly registered, and licenced?

I had a balloon fitted through endoscope on Christmas day and I need some support on the lonely weight loss journey

I have managed to lose 20llbs in 2 weeks which is unbeleivable for me! but dont feel any different in size - This is possibley due to the balloon making my stomach feel bloated.

Get in touch if you have a balloon now or in the past - I would love to hear from any motivational stories.

Speak soon

Angela:)

Hi there, well done for you weight lose, im interested in the procedure but not sure where to get it done, would you mind telling where you got it done and how much it costs! Thanks Kat

hi im aving a balloon 2 morrow really nervous cant believe im going to loose weight but ur point is good. about feeling bloated something to be aware of thanks

Funny that I came across this post. I was researching about this too after hearing it from someone. There's a website that has info about it and videos too.

The site is can be found here (http://www.triumphobesity.com)
You can find one of the videos at: http://www.triumphobesity.com/HELIOSPHERE_V.US.mpeg

It seems really interesting. I would love to hear what others thought about the procedure.

hi ya

i had my balloon last week. was i bad 4 a few days i myself am feeling lonley and experiencing the bloating u talk about i feel like i have gained weight looking 4 some1 to share storeis with please reply

Hiya,

Me and my daughter Kerry both had a balloon inserted on the 12th feb this year. We like you are feeling incredibly bloated despite having lost both lost 7lb. We are finding it quite difficult to distinquish between hunger pangs and cramps. I cant say the procedure was the most pleasant experience in my life as I did expect the IV sedation to be a little more effective as we both felt everything. We had a couple of really rough days but are finding the pains are on the decrease and have decided we may live after all!:party: We do feel quite tired and can only manage short spurts of activity without needing a couple of hours kip. Look forward to sharing war stories. xxxx tina

How much have you lost now?

Soli,
30kg in 4 mos! WOW! Are you at your goal weight?

Hi,

Welldone you must well chuffed with your progress. Whats your weightloss to date??
I am 25 years old and after having my daughter 3 years ago i gained 4 stone and i have tried lipotrim, weight watchers, slimming world, lipo dissolve injecions. Almost everything apart from surgery! I need to do this for myself as i am not the same person and us girls need our confidence!
I cannot find much info on the net and would be grateful if you could give me your views of the procedure, do you get put to sleep i get panicy about not being able to breathe!! Would you advise UK surgery? How was recovery?

I am soooooo confused but desperate now, want to set a date for my wedding by not doing that until i have lost the weight!

Just so confused at the moment, any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks Hun, Keep up the good progress!!!!

Kelly

Had the balloon 3 weeks ago and am down 12 lbs. Rough at first but OK now.

In December I couldn't breathe, due to my weight, and it came down to either losing the weight, or dying (that's my reason for the balloon).

On the 5th Feb 08 I had a balloon inserted.

I felt really horrible for 2.5 weeks (nausea and vomiting). I don't feel it as much now - every now and then I feel a little flutter.

Today I weighed in at 102 kg. I've lost 9.5 kg in a month since having the balloon inserted (I used to weigh 122 kg before I started Weight Watchers etc and became ill). I still have a long way to go. The breathing has not fully recovered as yet, but every day is a little easier.

I find portion sizes now to be VERY tiny. I have to sip water all day just to keep it down. I can't really figure out when I am full - so I just eat a little at a time, about 4 times a day. I am still on fluids, soft yogurt/custard and soft fruit and veg a month later, dreading the move to solids.

I have about 20 kg (to 30 kg if I am lucky) to go to my ideal weight. And I am so impatient. :(

Good luck to everyone thinking about it, and hang in there if you have it done. It's not been easy. But hopefully it will be well worth it. :grouphug:

how are you doing? I am scheduled for gastric balloon on friday. are you glad you did the procedure? how bad was it? i need to back to work on tuesday and am worried it may not be enough time?

B

Hi,
I am thinking of having a gastric balloon fitted. How did you get on? There is very little info on how people feel the first few days and I am wondering how much time I need off work. Did you have it done in the UK? Did it hurt? Have you been very sick? Sorry for all the questions!!!!
If you have time, would be great to get the low down.

Day 11 and 5 pounds down. I had a lot of nausea for the first few days. It has taken some adjustment to try and find out what and how much to eat. I went back to work four days after which was very soon, almost too soon. I am doing better now and look forward to getting some weight off and relearning how to eat just until i am full. good luck to my fellow balloonists.

I had a balloon fitted through endoscope on Christmas day and I need some support on the lonely weight loss journey

I have managed to lose 20llbs in 2 weeks which is unbeleivable for me! but dont feel any different in size - This is possibley due to the balloon making my stomach feel bloated.

Get in touch if you have a balloon now or in the past - I would love to hear from any motivational stories.

Speak soon

Angela:)
hello i am new to this site, i see you live in kent well so do i! where did you have your ballon fitted?? how have you been finding it?? how ,much weight have you lost?

hi how did you find this?? where did you have it done and how much did you pay?? i want it done but so worried?

Hello

I am new to this site and would welcome any help in regards to the gastic balloon. i have been thinking about having it done but not sure if i should have the band?? whats the best thing?? i cant be ill afterwards for too long as i have 3 children and a husband who works too much, can anyone help?:ack2:

You all seem to be doing so well, I had the balloon in Feb and I have lost a couple of pounds, what am I doing wrong?

hi ya
i know exactly where u r coming from i had my balloon on 8th feb 08 here we are 24th march i weigh the same as wen i started im really annoyed wiv myself and i dont know why! i think it is because everyone else is doing so well i had it done here in uk was ill 4 2 weeks if u fancy a natter maybe we could bash this out 2 gether

samm

Hello All,

Is any one here in the US? I am thinking of going to Germany to have the Gastric Balloon as it is not avaliable in the US. Scared to death. Are there a lot of side affects. And is it worth it in the long run? Has any one reached there goal weight and had the balloon removed yet. If so. Was it all worth it?

Thanks

I had the gastric balloon fitted on the 19th March and have lost 12lbs already. It seems like I have had it in forever and that I should have lost atleast 3 stone by now but that could have been why I struggled to lose weight in the first place.

The first 3 days were very very uncomfortable, if I could I would have taken the thing back out myself but just like they said after this time I started to feel better.

It is emotionally as well as physically draining. I crave normal food. My husband had a tuna sandwich the other day and I cried because I wanted one. It is hard just eating liquids day after day and seeing everyone else eat normally.

Anyone want to know anymore then just ask.

Clare

P.S If anyone can let me know what it is like to have it removed and how they felt afterwards please.

Hi Clare,
I am due to have my balloon fitted this Thursday and am very apprehensive. My job involves a lot of eating out - is there any way that I will be able to eat just tiny portions of normal food or is it just liquids. Have you had any alcohol?
Any tips on how to make it through the first few days?
Would love to hear back from you.
Thanks
Julie

Dear Julie,
The first few days can be really horrible, you will probably regret having it done, the nausea seems to be constant and the only relief from it is to actually be sick. This is something that I learn't to do. Not the best thing I know but if you want a couple of hours rest without being uncomfortable then you have to. It doesn't help that you can only have water and that does nothing to help with the acid in your throat, you should get tablets though to help with this.
When I got through the first couple of days and got home I started having apple juice, milk and water for my drinks. Also get some bouillon, a powder made by marigold, will be in the gravy isle at your supermarket. I use this as a drink and also for lunch and dinners.
It is also ideal to put with potatoes and carrots and liquidise them into a soup when you feel up to it. I have had mine in for just over a week and my nutritionist has said that I can now eat normal food but chew it really well. So you will be able to eat out but just really small portions, probably recommend a baked potatoe and not eat the skin. Today will be my first day having mashed potatoe with some cheese. Can't wait, how sad is that.
What they don't tell you in the brochure is the emotional side of things, just because you can't eat something doesn't mean you don't want to, it is quite upsetting to see others eating normal food in the first couple of weeks because you are literally going cold turkey on everything.

Hope this helps, if you want to know anymore let me know.

Clare

Haven't had alcohol, they recommend not to as it is alot of calories and no nutition. Saving myself for when it comes out.

I would love to, I am so disappointed, what with foul smelling burps and the weight not moving ,I am gutted to have gone through all of that for nothing! my email is groovygirlkenmare@yahoo.co.uk

Are you not eating solid food? maybe thats where I am going wrong!

Hi Carmes,
Thanks for replying to my post - really helpful. I will definitely get some bouillion. When did you have it done and what have you lost so far?
I am worried about the sickness as I have absolute 'iron guts' and am never sick so not sure how this is going to work.
Anyway, no turning back now.
Will let you know how I get on.
thanks again for the advice.

Julie,
I am also one that is never sick, the whole house can get a sickness bug and I do not come down with it. Being sick is soething that I hate to do, but in the first few days is necessary.

I had mine done on the 19th March so still very fresh in the memory. I have lost 15lb so far, the clothes are feeling loose but not so much around the stomach as it is still very bloated.

Good luck with everything, Let me know how it went once you are feeling up to it. Are you having it done in UK or abroad?

Take care

Clare

Hi Samm

How are you doing now? I am still struggling obviously I am going horribly wrong still, I have tried to write everything down but the weight is just not going down. I have only lost 6lbs despite doing loads more excercise and on the whole eating healthy food. Maybe I'm eating too much? If anyone can offer me some guidance I would really appreciate it, because the removal date will be here before I know it and I will still be the same :(

Hello Clare,

Would you be able to tell me one of the better places to go for the Balloon. I have been looking in Canada as it is closer to me here.

Thank you,
Mary




Julie,





I am also one that is never sick, the whole house can get a sickness bug and I do not come down with it. Being sick is soething that I hate to do, but in the first few days is necessary.

I had mine done on the 19th March so still very fresh in the memory. I have lost 15lb so far, the clothes are feeling loose but not so much around the stomach as it is still very bloated.

Good luck with everything, Let me know how it went once you are feeling up to it. Are you having it done in UK or abroad?

Take care

Clare

Sorry Clare for the Quote thing. New to all this.
Mary

Hi all,
I am new. I really want to get a gastric balloon. Am researching. I'm interested to know how much people paid to get theirs and from where or if it was nhs, how long the process took, and what were the positives and limitations of this.

i am really interested in this procedure and it had been great hearing of people who have gone through it. i am probably going to go to prague to get it done as the cost is very high over here. has anyone used the NEW YOU clinic in prague?

thanks

Julie,
I have just come back from a boating holiday in Scotland. This was the first holiday I have been on since having the balloon, and all the typical holiday food came out, I am afraid I had some cakes, crisps, sweets, bread. You name it I had it, not in large quantities but I still had it, and I suffered for it aswell. I felt soooooo bad I could have cried. It made me learn the hard way that I cannot get away with eating those kind of things, I have only had it in 3 weeks so I am not giving myself too much of a hard time.

The sickness shouldn't last long, small amounts often, by the time you get this message though you will probably be over the worst. They say that you don't feel the balloon after the first week but I do. It moves around and gets under my ribs, it is like being pregnant again.

Hope all going well. I couldn't send you a private message, someething about a 5 message minimum whatever that means.

Clare

Hi, I went to prague to the bobies beautiful clinic. Bodies beautiful direct, I think thier web site was. It cost £1950, you had to pay for your hotel, about £45 and flights which arn't too bad.

Clare

I posted a while ago and figured I'd let everyone know how things have been going.

I was sick for almost 2 months. Puked almost every day (and I too was one never to be sick - but my body was trying to reject the balloon). I found that I was dehydrated and under-nourished and my body would hold what little I could keep down (including water), and let nothing in or out. It was horrible! Then I went to my doctor who put me on some vitamins, and since then I haven't been sick at all (almost a month now of no puking). I wish I could have gone to him sooner but he's so busy - fully booked until the end of the year too so I had to wait for my appointment.

As far as the weight loss is going - the balloon is not a miracle cure. It's hard work (you can't have it put in and expect the weight to just fall off - that will NOT happen). I work very closely with a dietician who has put me on a low GI diet.

After I stopped puking a month ago, I put on 7kg when I ate normally again. I've now lost that all with the correct diet and have started exercising slowly. I am being VERY strict with what I eat. And the weight is coming down very nicely now. I'm around 95.5kg. The balloon only helps to fill a gap instead of over-eating.

hi i am going to the new you clinic in prague at the end of this month..i am delighted to have found this forum and read other people experiances...it certainly was the cheaper option as the uk is so much more expensive i am terrified but have to do something as life as a large person is crap!!!

Hi, I am scheduled for my balloon next Friday. I am living in the middle east, but is from South Africa, so I am having mine placed in Johannesburg.

I am nervous about the whole ordeal, but is looking for ward to some weight loss.

I didnt realize that you stay sick for so long...

I have looked around on the website, and found some videos on youtube. There are several. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ-7HLiQJeY

Hi everyone:newbie:

I've been reading up on all your experiences, hoping to get some insight on what's ahead of me. I had a balloon inserted just a couple of days ago.

I've been throwing up for England and, at one stage, I wish I could have just reached in and ripped the thing out of me! Thankfully I'm feeling a bit better today........the anti-nausea drugs are obviously kicking in. I feel sleepy all the time, though

Still can't handle more than just a sip of water at a time, and wondered if anyone could please give me an idea of when I can start thinking about eating "normally" again? My doctor has said liquids only for the first week. But surely I can have more than water?

It's all a bit confusing isn't it?:banghead:

I started to drink apple juice and milk in the first few days. They seemed to settled my stomach and was something different to drink. Also boullion, which is a green tub of vegetable stock, will be in the isle where the gravy powder is. A teaspoon of this in some hot water is very nice, it is a very thin broth but it feels like you are having something normal.
I could start introducing porridge and very soft mashed foods from 1 week as my stomach had settled quite well. Like you in the first few days I wanted to rip the thing out.
I would recommend getting some peppermint and fennel tea. I have just discovered it, after 3 months of having the balloon in. It stops bloating and the wind which you will get. The burps get disgusting and farts (oh my god!).
I have 2 peppermint and fennel teas a day, it isn't that bad, but even after the first cup I felt so much better.
Hope this helps.
Clare

Hiya

I am having a balloon fitted on July 10th and have enjoyed reading all your thoughts.

I wondered thought if I am the only man to have this done!?!?!

Anyone have any top tips for me to think about over the next four weeks before I have it done?

Cheers
R

Hi, MY balloon is in for 5 weeks now, and the weight is coming off very very fast. The first few days I thought I was going to die with the puking. But when my stomach accepted the balloon, I started to feel better.

The first week I lived on yogurt, banana, lite soup. I made a mix of herbal tea, water, and apple juice, so that I get in some sugar.

Then during the first week I gradually added pumpkin, and even soft potatoes.

But were all mouthfuls at a time. Wait after you ate for at least an hour, and then begin drinking again sip by sip for another hour, then try eating again. I pushed myself to eat between 2-3 hours. Otherwise I felt so weak because I didn’t get enough food in.

After a month I am still on cooked veggies. Basically just tuna, meat tends to make me very uncomfortable. I had my first cup of coffee last night... I am still not eating full grains, or salads, or things with a skin. I am staying away from gassy drinks and anything that causes gas.

I think most importantly is taking a little at a time in the beginning, and you have to eat! 2-3 hours apart. I gym, and sometimes my energy intake is not enough, and I start to feel dizzy.

It is damn hard work, and not a pleasure, but if you work hard, you will pick the fruit!

I am so glad I had the balloon placed. I have already dropped one clothes size…. I threw out my whole cupboard, as everything is already too big. I took out the previous set of clothes that didn’t fit me anymore!!!!!!!! I was so happy!!!!!!!!!

:willy_nilly:how are you doing? I am scheduled for gastric balloon on friday. are you glad you did the procedure? how bad was it? i need to back to work on tuesday and am worried it may not be enough time?

B

hi ,b baby my name is lucero,ive been reading your info,and am very surprised to hear you,had it done i TJ, MEXICO, im also haveing it done july 3rd in TJ. it would be reall nice to hear ,from you.i hope u are doing well ...id like to know .what to expect???????????::and who was your docter??? and did they fill it with saline or air, im getting mine with air,they say this doesnt make you as sick, hope you are doing great:party:

Day 11 and 5 pounds down. I had a lot of nausea for the first few days. It has taken some adjustment to try and find out what and how much to eat. I went back to work four days after which was very soon, almost too soon. I am doing better now and look forward to getting some weight off and relearning how to eat just until i am full. good luck to my fellow balloonists.

gril. you really give me, hope, lucero:cheers2:

Carmes/Clare.........thanks so much, that really did help x

It's nearly 2 weeks now since I had the procedure. So still early days, I guess. Have started eating some solids........but have learned (the hard way) what overeating means! >>>:drool5:

Pre-balloon I weighed in at 113kilos. Last check-up, I was down to 109. I must be losing weight, but still don't feel as if I am. How long before you start to say "OH WOW!!", guys?

Hi, my balloon was inserted on the 13th of june its now almost a week and i havent even lost a gram. What am I doing wrong ????? The first 3 days was awfull and I pucked alot but that did not even let me loose any weight. the doctor gave me two diets to follow one for the first 2 weeks and one for the next 6 months. What am I doing wrong????? I eat 4 meals a day breakfast,snack,lunch, dinner...... It was done in Johannesburg, South Africa. Karools i see that you are also an South African maybe you could give me some advice.:drool5:

Hiya's
I'm really considering ringing the bank manager on monday to organise the money to get a balloon....
I'm around 280 pounds @ this stage and i feel i'm at the end of my thether!
My question is simple.
Do you recomend the gastric balloon?
thanks
Shash

Hi,
My balloon is in for 1 week and 2 days i've lost almonst 2kg. I am stuggeling with the eating boring boring boring i want to eat something else but i cant. I thinck i overateat on the fish so i felt very sick and bloating. Shashar i cant say do it or dont do it, it is to soon for me to say if it works. I'm 90kg and must be 60kg so its 28 kg to loose, but i tried every diet and nothing worked this is my last change to shed those kilo's:auto:

Everyone seems to be doing pretty good. I am having my balloon fitted on 15th July in Tiajuna. Thanks for the tips on nausea relief. I have been prepping myself for this change and have lost 20 lbs in 3 months.

Dusk

Hiya's
I'm really considering ringing the bank manager on monday to organise the money to get a balloon....
I'm around 280 pounds @ this stage and i feel i'm at the end of my thether!
My question is simple.
Do you recomend the gastric balloon?
thanks
Shash

I definately recommend it. I was 130, lost 15 kg already in 7 weeks. In the beginning I would have taken it out myself if I could, so sick it made me for a few days, but after that, I am fine. I am still not eating everything. Just adding slowly.

If you can afford it, do it!!!!!

I am wondering....

Does anyone knows: Is the stomach stretching with the balloon in? So, if I drink or eat a little more, is it stretching the stomach? I can for sure eat more than how much I ate the first couple of weeks!

If it is stretching that means we are all going to sit whith this big oversized stomachs?

Hey everyone. I am having the balloon inserted on Monday (6 days from today). I am so glad that I will have the chance to change my relationship with food. I am imagining that it will be difficult to not have food to turn to when I am feeling unhappy, or bored, or angry, or frustrated, or overjoyed, or excited etc. I think the beginning difficulty will be a challenge but it cannot be worse than the years of dieting and exercising and struggling that I have already done.
I look forward to having contact with all of you who are also using the balloon to get a push in the right direction.

Kenz

I am thinking of having the balloon but am not sure what the long term benefits are?
I don't want to do it and end up the same size i am now in a years time.

Hi there
i would like to know how you doing??
I have similar situations im 96 kg and i need to be 60.
I will have my balloon fit it next friday and for me it is last hope after all life on stupid yoyo dites!
Please let me know if you loosing your waight and how you feel
can you exersice or you feel to sick!

Thanx
magda

Hi kenz
im having balloon done on friday 11.07. And like you im doing that to change my relationship with food!
Im comfort eating person!
And god i hope this time i can loose that waight!!!
Let me know how you doing with yours

How is everyone doing with their balloon. I had one inserted on May 2 and over the course of the first 2 to 3 weeks lost 12lbs. But then I have not lost a pound since. Even with not eating very much. Have lost a lot of motivation and have not been doing very well in the last couple of weeks.

I just got home from the hospital. I am a bit dizzy from the anti-nausea drugs but I feel otherwise quite good. I had read that the worst part in the first days is the risk of dehydration, and my doctors let me stay an extra few hours at the hospital to relax and have a second IV to boost me fluids. I haven't tried drinking anything yet.
The doctor told me only water today, then days 2-4 only liquids, days 5-7 purees...and then small portions, chewing each bite 25 times. Small portions, lots of chewing and only when I am hungry. It should be different now that I have to eat mindfully... I will keep you posted. I am feeling optimistic, and I don't mind feeling hungry.
I eat emotionally without realizing it (before today), like I am feeding a monster in my head... I hope that this balloon will help me stop the bad habits and I will start my new journey. I also hope that the buzz that I have from the drugs doesn't wear off and leave me puking all night. I went to hospital at 8AM, by 9AM I was awake and now it is 2PM.

Hi again guys!

Just over a month on, and I'm 10 kilos down. That's the good news, and of course I'm delighted.

BUT the bad news is that I'm still feeling lots of nausea & have to keep running to the loo - won't go into to graphic detail! My doctor now has me on 2 lots of tablets to ease the symptoms, plus a vitamin supplement, and has said to just stick to fluids. I'm never hungry anyway.

My point is that nothing comes easy in life. The balloon should do exactly what you want it to. But, for some people (like me!), it's anything but easy!

Be warned - expect some discomfort - but don't be disheartened!

Lots of luck xx

Hi i hope you don't mind me popping in for a chat, I have looked at many websites to do with weightloss surgeries. I would love to have the gastric balloon fitted but it costs far too much but amazing how far people would go to do anything to lose that weight. I admit i would. Do you still have the gastric balloon inserted or has it now been removed because you have now reached your target. Please let me know i am interested and finding the right price in the UK

Hi kenz!!!
I hope you are sill ok and feeling fine!!
Good luck!!
On friday its gone be me!

Hi there!!
Right price in uk that is hard !!!
I did research on internet talk to people around and will get my balloon from national gastric balloon center. They do only that and lap band. And after 6 months you still have support team with you for another 6 months.
I will tell you more next week after my procedure!
Wish me luck!

Hows it going for everyone. Kenz you still hanging in there? Doing okay Tootles? I fly out Monday and I am scheduled for 1300 west coast time on Tuesday. It is not very expensive in Tijuana. I got a package deal for $3500 American dollars. I'll let you know how it goes. Isn't someone in Tijuana this week for a BIB gastric balloon?

Hi just to drop in and say Hi.I am doing my G/ballon on Tuesday in Sydney as part of obesity reasearch.Had all my tests,and of I go on Tuesday.Bit worried about being sick in the biggining but Need to be done.The good news its free since it is a trial.Can someone tell me more about fenel and pepermint tea since I never heard about that combination.
Wish me luck

Hi Everyone. I hope that you are all well. It is one week now since I had the balloon placed and I have lost 2 1/2 Kg. The first night and second day were really awful, I wasn't able to get enough fluid so my doctor gave some glucose infusions once a day for the first three days and by day 4 I was feeling much, much, much better. I have started eating normal food but am very very very careful to eat slowly and nothing too difficult to digest. We went out for lunch yesterday and I was able to eat some shrimp and grilled vegetables with lots of chewing, and only ate about 1/3 of the plate before I was FULL. My body feels hungry, but my stomach does not. My goal is not to starve, only to use the balloon to have control. I have started writing down all of my food and when I get to 1000 calories (not there yet), I am going to join Weight Watchers to make sure that I keep moving forward.
Those first days without food are like detox and I am really glad that I got the extra infusions to keep hydrated, I think that without them I would still be sick, sick, sick!
I did research before getting it done and if I was in the UK (I am in Athens) I would definately go the National Gastric Balloon Center... despite the costs, they have the best information and the best support and that is MUCH more important than the balloon.
Good Luck everyone! :waving:
KENZ

Hi Kenz
I am glad you are doing okay.
Stellas
I get my balloon done on Tuesday also. I fly out of Dallas early that morning and my procedure is for 1 pm. I will be back in Dallas Thursday.

Hi there
I had my balloon fitted almost 2 months ago in Prague
I've had acid reflux from the start but its now REALLY bad !
No one has really mentioned this on here so I just wondered if anyone else had it & what they did to ease it ??

I am on drugs from the clinic but they are not as affective as they were at the start !
Its really horrible as I wake up 3 or 4 times a night kind of puking up the acid (sorry TMI!)

Any advice anyone can give would be great !
I've lost almost 2 stone so far & am pleased with that but am afraid that if I can't sort this out I may have to go & have the balloon out early :o(

Cheers
Sam x

I don't have a problem with acid reflux yet... but my medication is quite a strong acid blocker, so I hope that it keeps working. I do feel a bit of reflux sometimes but it is not acidy. Maybe you need to change your drug. I was also told to have my last food and drink at least 2 hours before bed and to sleep up on two pillows to avoid this. It sounds awful and also can't be good for your esophagus. Maybe avoiding acidy foods and coffee and chocolate etc. would also help?

Good luck with it. I hope that you and your doctor can find a solution.
Kenz

Hi angela could you please tell me how you got on after the opp i had it done 5 weeks ago and i need suport many thank sue

I have managed to lose 20llbs in 2 weeks which is unbeleivable for me! but dont feel any different in size - This is possibley due to the balloon making my stomach feel bloated.

Get in touch if you have a balloon now or in the past - I would love to hear from any motivational stories.

Speak soon

Angela:)[/QUOTE]

Hi $ammy
I had acid reflux the 2nd day and coffee ground emesis(old blood) the third day. I am on omprezole. 120 mg the third day, 80 mg the fourth day and am down to 40 mg daily now. My stomach got real irritated the third day because I was not able to lay down. I was traveling back from Mexico. The first five days were hell. I am on day seven right now. Nothing motivational to tell yet. I haven't thrown up in four days. I threw up the second and third day only. My insides feel raw. I feel like something is scraping my insides. I have lost 12 pounds (5.45 kg). I was very dehydrated when I got home. Am enjoying my baby food.

Hi there
I had my balloon fitted almost 2 months ago in Prague
I've had acid reflux from the start but its now REALLY bad !
No one has really mentioned this on here so I just wondered if anyone else had it & what they did to ease it ??

I am on drugs from the clinic but they are not as affective as they were at the start !
Its really horrible as I wake up 3 or 4 times a night kind of puking up the acid (sorry TMI!)

Any advice anyone can give would be great !
I've lost almost 2 stone so far & am pleased with that but am afraid that if I can't sort this out I may have to go & have the balloon out early :o(

Cheers
Sam x

Hi Sam,

I had my balloon put in back in February and have lost three stone since! Down to a size 12 now (brilliant!). I also had terrible problems with the acid reflux and found that changing my tablets helped. The clinic gave me cimetadine which is a very old drug (rarley used by the NHS now). I changed over to lanzoprazole (zoton) which has made all the difference. Omeprazole is just as good. My daughter (who had it done at the same time) suffers from terrible eggy burps but in fairness to the balloon it is only when she eats something she shouldn't have! If we eat anything high fat or very acidic the balloon goes hard as a rock, we dont digest the food for hours and we feel vile - serves us right really! We are generally very pleased with results but it certainly has its side effects:rofl: Hope this helps xxx Tina

Just an update...

It's been around 6 months now that I've had the balloon in - doctor wants me to keep it in for as long as I can. :)

Today I've lost 40kg, since last year November...

Had the balloon put in due to health complications in February this year...

I weighed around 120kg.

I'm now down to 82kg!

I still get horrible "eggy" burps... and gas. And feel a little horrible now and then. But anyways.

I had the balloon done in Johannesburg, South Africa. No support, nothing. I do see a good dietician though and have been on a very strict diet. I feel good. I go to gym 3 times a week. Anyone else here from SA?

Oh and I have PCOS and insulin resistance and have still lost all that weight! It's normally almost impossible to do so. :)

Hi I hope you are all doing well.:svengo:
I had my baloon inserted 1 week ago.Didn't hurt much,little nosia,and I am the happiest when I don't eat at all.Tried in this week to eat little pizza,burger but it didn't go very well.Felt sick for couple hours,threw up so not worth it.In the morning I had my "Somac" tablet -for stomac acid and Vitamins.Lost around 3 kg already.I hope in time I will be able to eat a bit more,becouse I am eating close to nothing,which is not good eather.Anyway I am still happy the weight is going and that is what is all about.
Good luck everyone

It's been four months and I have lost only 15 pounds. I am disappointed but try and remember,, at least I didn't gain 15. How long do your doctor's recommend keeping it in? Who has had it removed and does your stomach get all stretched out and needs more to fill it up?

:newbie:Hi all! I am new here, and have just had a gastric balloon fitted (yesterday), here in the uk.

So far, i am very uncomfortable, cant keep anything down, including water, am being sick 3 or 4 times a day, and wish i had never had it done! Please tell me it will get better??? I am supposed to be going back to work on Wednesday! However, the scales are about 5lb down already!

:newbie:Hi all! I am new here, and have just had a gastric balloon fitted (yesterday), here in the uk.

So far, i am very uncomfortable, cant keep anything down, including water, am being sick 3 or 4 times a day, and wish i had never had it done! Please tell me it will get better??? I am supposed to be going back to work on Wednesday! However, the scales are about 5lb down already!

Hi Harmony! I am new here too!
I have had my balloon fitted three weeks ago.
The first three days were hell! I was sick all the time, no matter what I drank, except a little bit of cold juice of cooked apples. I think it kept me from fainting, thank God!
The fourth day I was much better but I felt very weak and it took me the next two, three days to regain my strenght.

I think you`ll be ok on Wednesday, just slow down a little bit and try to eat sth or take a sip or two of milk, it helped me a lot.

Good luck! :waving:

Venija, thank you so much! I just hope i start improving soon or i will be asking to have it deflated and removed.:ack2:

I am lying in bed feeling very sorry for myself, and wondering how things got so out of control that i needed to resort to this for weight loss. :rolleyes::cry:

Have you stopped vomiting yet?:puke: I really need this to stop when i return to work, it would be too embarassing in front of my customers. I am self employed so cant take any more time off work.

I know exactly how you feel... it was the same for me... feeling desperate and wanting to cry because of constant pain, nausea,vomiting, nerves go weak after day or two... I was so bad I couldn´t even think about going online and reading sth. I was sad, patetic and mad at the same time. And of course I wanted it out badly!

Hold on, things will improve... I vomited for three days, the fourth I just had nausea and the fifth I started getting better. It`s not the same for every one but my doctor said that most of the patients have the worst period the first three days and then the stomach starts accepting the balloon.

You`ll be fine, just be strong and persistent!

;)

Yes, i will stick it out for now, thanks.

had a glass of milk earlier, it went down well but didnt stay down for more than an hour.:puke: I like that smiley!

I am getting worried that i am dehydrated from vomiting everything up again.:(

B Baby,
I am at 3 months and have only lost about 12lbs. Very depressed. I have finally gone back to the DR and am going to see a dietican for the next 3 months to work on my meal plans. I'm planning to stick with it and see how the remaining 3 months go.
It is like my body has adapted to the Ballon and does not make me sick or make me overly full when I am eating. After the first 4 weeks, I was back to my normal self. Even went in for an xray to check it was still there and not deflated.
Good luck and wish you all the best

Starting to feel better today! Havent vomited at all yet, hope it stays that way!;)

Glad you are feeling better Harmony. It's going to be three weeks for me tomorrow. I was going to go right back to work but I was just feeling to bad. I took a week off after I got my balloon. I was not walking enough and I had bad gas pains. I went back to work last week. I have lost 20 lbs (9 kg) I haven't weighted this week because I weigh weekly and my week starts on Wednesday. I had buyer's remorse for the first 10 days after the procedure. I wanted to rip the balloon out myself I was so uncomfortable. I can eat a weigh watchers tv dinner with no problem and I have no problem with fruit. Omeprazole and reglan or my best friends.:hurray:

Hi usdusk, and well done on the 20lb! Thats great in 3 weeks!

I have decided that i am gonna stick to the diet shakes for the foreseeable future, i want to loose as much as possible. I have about 6-7 stones to loose. So far i havent been hungry, so i may as well take advantage!

Know what you mean about the drugs; i am on lanzoprosole, but i think i will get some gaviscon tomorrow.

Still no vomiting! :hurray: Not sure i will be well enough for work on Wed though. Good luck with your weigh in usdusk!

Hi to everyone
Im new, i had a gastric balloon inserted 10 days ago & thankfully not been feeling too bad only had one day of sickness a couple of days ago, think it was because i went onto solid foods to early & feel full to the thoart with fluid, My real problem seems to be anxiety, has anyone else experienced this, things like Oh my god what have i done, will it harm me, when can i get it out, boredom, lack of concentration is this normal, is it just early days, any advice would be helpful
Well done to everyone who has lost weight
Bexsy x

Hi Bexsy,

I am a few days behind you, but i feel slightly anxious and edgy too. Venija says she felt nervy as well. Guess its just a side effect and will subside eventually. How much have you lost so far?

Hi Harmony
Thanks for your reply, by my scales i've lost 9lb which is great, have been drinking cuppa soups & peppermint tea, glad i've found this forum its good to hear how others are getting on, & for moral support.
Bexsy

Congrats on the 9lb, brill!:cool:

I'm glad i came across this thread too, its great to hear others experiences.

The thing i am really hating atm is the BURPING! I sound like a ladette, which i am most definately not! My customers wont be impressed either, when i return to work. Hope it stops soon!

Hi there,

I'm a South African living in London and would like to get this procedure done in South Africa where I can have my family around me because I'm sure I will need their support. They are based in Cape Town. Can anyone recommend a reputable clinic/hospital where they had this done and how much did it cost? I'd really appreciate some help.

Hi how is everyone doing
I've had the balloon in two weeks now and have lost a stone, don't no where from still feel bloated, Is anyone still having side effects, is everyone on solid food now, it would be good to hear from everyone to compare notes.
Bexsy

Hi Bexsy, and well done on the stone!

I am 10lb down a week later, which i am chuffed with. I was sick earlier today, first time since day 3, but i did have a glass on wine last night.:o:o

I am still burping massively, i wonder whether this will settle eventually? I am also more tired than usual! I wonder if this is because of the sedation a week ago? Could also be the rubbish weather.

Also, i have been constipated! Sorry, TMI i know!

Hi Harmony
Well done 10lb thats great!
R U feeling any better, i guess you'll be avoiding alcohol for a while. Hows your eating going? r u still going to stick to milkshakes or have you tried solid food, i read that you have 6 stone to lose, same as me, i hope to lose 3-4 stone with the balloon then im on my own, still having regrets, not sleeping to well so like you more tired than normal, im sure it will pass. try to keep sipping water im sure that will help with the constipation.
Did you manage to go back to work ok?
All these questions, just nice to share the experince with someone as haven't told friends or family about balloon as i know they'll say im crazy and worry.
bexsy

Hi everyone!

Happy to see you making progress with the balloon.:)

I´m kind of sad. I`ve totally accepted the balloon, actually my body did. Like I don`t even have it in. I can eat anything, and the quantity is huge.
I feel I`m on my own, just like before.

Lost 9 lbs in a month.

Hi Venija
9lb is Great, try to remain positive im sure you'll get there. Do you have alot of weight to lose?
Do you get any support from the hospital or family?
Keep chatting with everyone on here for moral support.

Hi ladies!

I am having 2 shakes a day and a meal, which is a bit of a learning curve atm. I had salad on Sat eve, and was sick Sun morn, then did the same Sun eve and was sick again this morn! Yuk! Mind you, i did have pot salad, coleslaw, a bit of ham and cheese as well as lettuce cuc toms etc. However, when i tried bacon and eggs last week it stayed down a treat! Therefore i think i need to do Atkins when i eat. Boring but necessary. When i can do it i will stick to the shakes, but 'mentally' hungry in the eve, IYKWIM!

As for work, i went back last Wed, day 5, as intended. It was tough, but i managed. I have been working today no probs.

I am having no trouble sleeping!

IKWYM about telling friends and family, i havent either, except my bf. I cant decide why though, i think its the money side of it, ie it cost loads. Plus i think i want them to think that i did it by myself:confused::confused:
Wots all that abaaaaaat then?? I must be messed in the head!

Veny, 9lb in a month is great! After 6 months it will be 54lb, or 4 stone ish! Great!

Venija,
Completely know how you feel. I got the balloon in May. Lost 12lbs right away. But after the first month have lost nothing. After feeling very bad for 4 weeks, I just started to feel fine and have no issues with eating regular food with very limited impact on quantity.
I have finally decided to sign up a dietician recommended by my Dr to help me develop an eating plan to get back on track. I have 3 months to go and am determined to maximise the time. Good luck.

Today will be 3 weeks since I've got my baloon.I still can't eat solid food,and if I eat anything 4 hours later I am sick.Rather violently but fine as soon as I throw up.I really wonder if this is going to be same all 6 months,becouse its not very healthy.The portions I tried to eat are tiny and I am chewing food,but it doesn't help.WIll see a doctor next week.I lost around 7 kg,which is great,but would love to eat little bit.I am never hungry and my baloon is 550cc.What kind of milkshakes is Beksy having maybe I should try them.I am taking vitamis every morning along with some tablets for my stomac acid.
Thank everyone and good luck:hurray:

Hi everyone
Im having weetabix for breakfast, cuppa soup for lunch, then a small evening meal,can't have two solid meals in one day without feeling rough , have been sipping water through the day, thankfully haven't really been sick but do feel bloated, Stella you might need to get anti sickness tablets from docs, . also taking anti acids every morning must remember to take vitamins, im not the best at taking tablets.
IKWYM Harmony about not telling friends cos of the money, they'll think we are mad & why couldn't we do it ourselves, its only a little help for 6 months & we'll feel so much better at the end.
Well done to everyone

Hi fellow ballooners!! We have a nice little gang going now!:waving:

It me thats having the shakes Stella (although i am called Bex too! Haha!) I am having Cambridge diet shakes, and i actually find them very soothing. So far, they are one of the few things that are staying down. Yesterday was my daughter birthday; we went to the cinema, pizza hut, then to watch a fireworks display. I wasnt very good (a few sweets, chips and crisps) and i am suffering majorly today! I feel so ill. So back to the shakes today. I cant seem to eat a meal daily, maybe every other day, protein based.

Thanks Harmony
Weighed in yesterday. I have lost 25 lbs(11.4 kg). I am on a strict diet. I drink slim fast Optima twice a day only 360 calories for both. I have a snack in the am and the pm of a boiled egg, a stick of cheese and veggie sticks (carrots, cucumbers and celery) and I eat a weight watchers tv dinner 180 calories. I dance for 30 minutes a day and I lift weights twice a week. I feel really energized. One month down and 5 to go.:patriot:

Sounds like you have is sussed usdusk! Well done!:cheers2::hurray:

I weigh in tomorrow, dont think its gonna be that great this week. :(

Just a pound off this week, think i need to reassess things.:angelsad2:

Hi everyone,
3 weeks today, weighed in this moring have lost 7lb this week which is great, just wish i felt a bit better, totally put a jinx on myself last time i signed in, i said i hadn't really been sick well guess what haven't stopped since so i know where the 7lb has gone TMI.
well done to everyone, stay positive it will all be worth it in the end

Hi there
I am new to the forum and I am researching the gastric balloon. I see a few people have used the National Gastric Balloon Centre. What is their support like? It seems to me that they offer more than just the balloon as they follow you up for 1 year. Can anybody tell me about their experience there? Can anybody recommend other reputable clinics in the UK? I think going abroad to have it fitted would be cutting corners and some of the aftercare from the Czech clinics seems non-existent. Is it worthwhile paying the extra?

The weight loss people experience seems fantastic but I think the difficult part is after the removal. Anybody has any experience or knows how people get on after the balloon is removed?

Another question, I have always found it difficult to be sick (no matter how bad my stomachache is!) and I was wondering whether this will be an advantage or disadvantage for the early days after the insertion?

Any advice or comments would be appreciated.

many thanks peeps

Plump Girl

Hi Plump Girl!

I cant really comment about the support i will be receiving yet, i have my first dietician meeting next Wednesday. I had my balloon done by the local Nuffield. And as for the removal, i hope i will have learnt to eat properly by then!

I wanted to say that if you eat too much you WILL be sick, no matter whether you want to or not! Sometimes its the only thing that makes you feel better!

7lb in a week Bexsy, fab! How much is that now? In how long?

I'm now 13lb down in just over 2 weeks. Yeehaw!!!:party:

Hi Harmony
its 21lb altogether in 3 weeks, & a big wow to you 13lb in 2 weeks.
Hi plump Girl
Have to agree with Harmony there is nothing you can do about being sick if you overeat, i do feel full all the time so if you stick to the hosp advice you should be ok, though everyone reacts differently, I had my balloon done through The Hospital Group
Good luck with whatever you decide
Bexsy

21lb in 3 weeks! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

it is my first day back to work today after having my ballon fitted on wednesday feeling very lethargic and still lots of cramping in my stomache
would like to chat with anyone else eho had had it done resently for suport xx

Hi Moore,

I went back to work on day 5, and it wasnt easy. I too was feeling very lethargic, and also very sick. That has now passed, i have more energy, and am only sick when i eat too much. I really have to watch my portions. Wait til the scales start going down, then you'll see it was worth it!

Thanks for the coment Harmony i am feeling a bit more energetic today :) i think it is a good nights sleep . plus have lots on at work this week so no real time to think about being sleepy - i hate having to lie to my boss i feel like he has this Questioning eye as to why i have been off sick for 2 days. havnt told anyone apart from my mum and boyfriend so it really helps to come on here and chat
I have lost around 3 pound in 5 days and i know it sounds silly but am a little disapointed with this - not onto solids yet just soup and yogart x

Hi Moore
I also haven't told anyone about the balloon other than my Husband, its good to chat on here for support from people who know what your going through. Don't be disappointed with 3lb give it a couple of weeks & you'll see the difference.
Good Luck
Bexsy

I've only told my bf too. Its hard keeping it from others, especially when i keep being sick! The kids are wondering why i am still poorly, when i told them i just had a bit of a tummy bug! As for my mum, i havent told her, but i wouldnt be surprised if she'd guessed. Has a sixth sense, my mum!

I felt sooo tired to begin with, i now have more energy 2 weeks down the line. You'll start to feel better soon Moore. And 3lb is fine! Loose that every week and its a stone a month! (nearly!)

Hi there

I am having mine in just 10 days at the National Obesity Surgery Centre in Manchester and can't wait.

I am not sure either as to who to tell about this (other than my boyfriend who will be with me). On the one hand, I feel it is nothing to be ashamed of and I hate keeping secrets. On the other hand I am scared that it will either not work on me or it will work and I will then put the weight back on. In other words, I am scared of failing (again and publicly)! But I am also worried that if I don't say anything and it works (hopefully!!) then people at work, etc will remark on the weight loss and I will feel really bad not to tell how I lost the weight. How did you cope with not telling anybody about the balloon? Did people at work asked you what diet you were doing? and what did you say?

By the way, I am really encouraged by the postings on this forum and how much weight you have lost. I have found other postings on another forum and it made me doubt whether I should be doing this.

Anyway, it's good to talk and I look forward to hearing from you!

Hi again PG!

I have told people i am doing a vlcd (very low calorie diet eg Cambridge, lighter life, lipotrim) but with a low carb meal in the eve. Which is what i am doing anyway! The balloon is a tool, you still have to diet, so you are not lying!

I am gonna keep my balloon a secret, firstly because of the cost, but like you i am scared of failure.

I saw one of the bosses at the Nuffield today for a weigh in, now 16lb off. She told me that my balloon has 700ml in it!!!! As sometimes the losses arent great with less?? Anyone confirm this? Also the consultant decided on 700ml as i am quite tall.

yes my boyfriend is not very good with suport so poor mum had a call at 7 this morning to talk about my concerns she is really understanding! i have lost 4 pounds now in one week. Hunger is becoming a bit more of a factor i am still on soft foods eg mash and purees just worried to reintroduce solids incase they make me sick or gain weight!went to the gym last night and it was such hard work!
Plump girl - i have also told people i am doing a low calorie diet
16 pounds is brilliant Harmony - Well done you ! aparently te ballon weighs about a pound and a half i havnt factored this into my weight loss but is nice to know xxx

Thank you Harmony and Moore for your responses. I think I will keep quiet for now and see how it goes... I am sure if I told my kids, they would be really supportive (boy 13, girl 15 who like most kids these days think 'fat' is 'disgusting' and don't bat an eyelid when watching cosmetic surgery/makover TV programmes!). But I feel that I am not a very good role model and would rather keep it quiet) especially since my daugther might be anorexic. However, I am not naive enough to think they will not realise that something is going on. My family live abroad and I might tell them when I go home for a family wedding in October. I don't think they will disapprove too much but I won't tell them before hand in case they want to talk me out of it.
Just over a week to go before the journey starts! :waving:

Hi everyone,
3 weeks today, weighed in this moring have lost 7lb this week which is great, just wish i felt a bit better, totally put a jinx on myself last time i signed in, i said i hadn't really been sick well guess what haven't stopped since so i know where the 7lb has gone TMI.
well done to everyone, stay positive it will all be worth it in the end

Hi well what can i say its been 9 weeks since i had my balloon fitted and i am still being sick not as much and its not as often i have lost 20lb and gone from a size 18 and now size 14 the best feeling ever my consultant ask me if i am glad i had it done my answer was it is worth all the sickness and pain just to feel slim again i still get sick if i over eat or eat spicy food but am leaning to control it keep positive and wait until you start going down in dress sizes it makes you feel like youv won the lotto
saffisue

19lb down now, well chuffed with that! Still in shock that my Dr put 700ml in my balloon! He must have thought i was a real pig or something!

Hi all
Well done Saffisue a size 14, thats great i can only dream of that at moment, clothes are starting to feel loose, so thats quite positive, I only lost 2lb this week, if i can do that every week it will be great cos it all adds up, maybe that size 14's not that far away. Thanks for your support.
I hope everyone is doing well and not to sick. Im off on my Holidays this week all inclusive so a bit worried about overeating, going with friends so just hoping they don't notice.
Bexsy

Hi All
It's good to hear from you.:coolgleamA:

Am I right in thinking that most people have lost about 20lb in 3 weeks? Is that the average weight loss? I know probably each individual is different but your results are very encouraging. I am having mine in 5 days and although I am excited (ie being the start of a new way of life) I am also scared of how well or otherwise I will feel but more importantly I am now worried that the balloon will not work on me!. I know it sounds silly but what if it doesn't? I suppose I need to work with it and it should all happen...:smash:

Also, as I know I will not feel like eating once the balloon is in, I have been over indulging a bit. Did you do the same? I know I shouldn't but...

PG

I'm sorry if this is an age old question but..........I'm researching the gastric balloon bit and wondered what reason people had for choosing it above other methods. Im at least 2 stone overweight - having put on 2 stone over 2 years. At this rate I'll be 22 stone by the time I'm 60 and I dont fancy that! Whats the concensus? Good thing? Bad thing? Indifferent? Having read the back entries I'm wondering if being sick for 6 months is acceptable. Couldn't I just stick my fingers down my throat and save myself a few grand.? On the other hand - am I the only one who wakes up crying because I don't recognise the body I'm living in? A couple of the websites I've looked at have referred to the Gastric Balloon as being for 'temporary' weight loss. This isn't what I was after.....has anyone been through the 6 months and not put on weight again after. I'll stop ranting now................

:hurray: sounds like we are all doing well girls - had my fist over indulgence at the weekend went to my boyfriends mums for dinner and so i didnt look like a sparrow i ate all my dinner . 2 hours later i was sick as sick could be ! it is just so hard to try and function outside of micro- portioned home. Work is ok as i just have soup but dreading a work social event. still i am 7.25 pound down now in 12 days so fingers crossed x

Hey guys. I tell everyone about my procedure. It helps me stay honest. People at my job and my family make sure I stick to my diet. They check me out to make sure the inches and pounds keep coming off. They encourage me and tell me how good I look. They watch what I eat and make suggestions about portion appropriate meals. They offer to partner up with me for exercise. I have lost 30 lbs (13.6 kgs) in five weeks. I have not weighted in this week. I am expecting no weight loss because I have increased my days of working out with weights and muscle weighs more than fat. I can't wear any of my pants, they are all to big. My nursing uniforms are all hanging very loosely right now. I am loving the results and feeling much healthier. I probably don't work as many days a week as everyone else so I have more recoup time. I hope everyone that's feeling lethargic feel better soon. I eat pretty much what I want just in small portions. Most American meals are three times too large to begin with. When I order out, I ask for a to-go tray and place 2/3 of my meal in the tray before I start eating. My family, friends and co-workers get a kick out of that. They also know that I love to watch them eat so here I am with my small portion and carry most of the conversation while they eat. I have stopped taking my nexium, I increased my fiber instead which helped with the bloating, constipation, acid reflux and gas pains.

HI everyone.

i have been reading everyone's posts over the last few days and i am THINKING about having a balloon fitted. I dont really know where to start looking though. I havent told anyone how im feeling at the moment as i feel everyone will think im a failure.

Just thought i would say "Hi" to everyone on here.

Pam

Don't feel like a failure - you have to just think of this as a little helping hand and you will know if it is right for you once you have had a good think. i am 2 weeks in today xx

I sat last night looking at the brochure and convinced myself that it is the right thing for me to do. Now i need to save the money to have it done and decide where to go to have it done.

Is there anyone here on the list had it done in a clinic/hospital in Scotland or North England?

I just feel so depressed over the whole weight thing now and i feel this may be my only way out.

Pam

Hello everyone

I am new to this forum. Like a lot of you, I have tried every diet possible. I did lose 60 pounds in 2000 and have managed to keep most of it off. There is that 10-15 pounds I gain every summer and then every fall I pay a lot of money to lose it again. I really should lose 30 pounds thou. I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The doctors won't do lapband because I don't have much to lose but suggest this balloon system. Regardless of how much to lose, it is still difficult. Have any of you heard about a minimum amount that you need to lose to qualify? I think I'll call the clinic tomorrow and get the ball rolling. Like most of you though, I do worry about 6 months down the road and sustaining the lifestyle change. the cost in Ontario is around $8000 for those of you were asking.
:party:

23lb down now in just over 4 weeks. I am pleased with that.:coolgleamA:

Still feeling sick every morning, sick occasionally when i eat too much the night before, still feeling a bit dehydrated as i cant seem to drink enough water, but generally ok!

Thanks Mahnaz for that post - the air filled balloon sounds interesting. If this reduces the sickness then I think it's worth a look. I'm really concerned about the prospect of vomiting my way to the correct weight - I'm particularly worried about Harmony's comment about not being able to drink enough water.

Hi
I have just had the balloon inserted on Saturday. I must say that the procedure is rather unpleasant and on Saturday I felt dreadful questionning what was I thinking about when I decided to have this done!! I expected the worst day to be yesterday (ie one day after the balloon insertion) but I was rather surprised that all in all I was sick only a couple of times on Saturday and once yesterday. Anyway, today I feel much better and I have managed to eat some yogurt. I guess I have been lucky so far as I have hardly been sick. We'll see how I progress with losing the weight!

PG

i feel so ill today i have trown up 3 times now and have hardly eaten anything my diet sheet has had me eating mainly protien but i just cant take it today just had a dry slice of toast to try and settle my tummy - i am in work and just want to cry x

Hi chin up i didnt get out of bed for three weeks and i cried and cried after the 2nd week my husband was so worried he said i should have it taken out but i didnt i am still having bad days but i just get on the scales and smile also my new size 14 jeans are a bit big now so all the sickness is worth it
i am thinking of starting a dance class and i have started walking a bit
chin up and think positive i know its very hard sometimes but this website is a lifeline im sure if i didnt find it i would have had the balloon out after two weeks
positive things happen to positive people
sue :Angel_anim:

Not impressed with myself the last 2 days. My balloon seems to be very comfortable all of a sudden, and i am eating alot more. Gotta reel it in!:angelsad2:

thaks for that felt alot better yesterday and not quite as sick today :puke:i am finding the peppermint tea helps a little bit - i guess i was quite lucky to begin with maybe it is just playing up now to pay me back xx

Hi - it is so good to read some of these stories. I have my balloon insertion tomorrow and I'm extremely apprehensive. I haven't told anyone that I am getting it done so really want to talk about it with others that have gone through the same thing. My boyfriend works away from home for weeks so am hoping I can somehow get away with it! I'm going to tell people that I am on a very strict diet, which is true. I feel embarassed that it has come to this - that I have so completely lost control of my eating. I feel that once I get that back I will never let it go again and get to this point. I'm so depressed about my weight I have stopped going out with my friends and I used to be really sociable. I really hope this works....

Hi All
Hi Weegiegirl hope your op went well & your feeling ok, stay positive.
Just got back from an all inclusive holiday was shocked by how much i was able to eat, tried to be good, but balloon seems to be feeling really comfortable at moment feel like im eating as much as normal though im sure i can't be, my weight has stayed the same didn't lose or put on so was quite pleased with that. Will have to try harder now & start exercising think thats the key. Hope your all doing will, would be good to hear how much you've all lost now to help me get back on track.
bexsy

Totally agree Bexsy, my balloon is now comfortable, and i am eating far too much. I didnt loose anything this week. :angelsad2:

I have to start eating sensibly, but i find dieting so hard. Thats why i had a balloon???

Really peed off:( :(

Hey Harmony
I know what you mean. I find myself reeling myself in especially after I have been to the gym or dancing. The balloon is very comfortable now.

i found i am eating too much as well i had a work lunch the other day and had 2 slices of pizza! chicken and galic bread - i was ill after but i just couldnt stop myself from eating i dont know whats wrong with me why i couldnt resist - finding things much hardwr than i expected i am being sick on a daily basis and have no energy at all ! still i have nearly lost a stone just strugling what to eat on a daily basis as the only things that dont make me feel ill is mash and kids ready meals x

Hi everyone im a newbie, i was wondering if anyone can help me. I went for a consultation for The Gold Intra-gastric Balloon it's filled with air instead of fluid. The surgeon has told me that because i have PCOS polycisitc ovary symndrom when the balloon has been taken out i may very well gain all my weight again. He has never put a ballon in someone with PCOS as people with PCOS are usually bigger than me and would require a gastric band or bypass, however im not heavy enough for these other opps.
Has any of the women out there got PCOS and had this opp and can help me out before i get any bigger x

There has been lots of talk about cost to place the balloon. Anyone have any advice on what it costs to have it removed? Is it part of the total cost you pay up front? Or do you have to pay the same amount to have it out?

Hi Knhk, i was given a total of £4,950 from the surgicare group on wednesday. This is what it consists of. 1 Private Hospital Fee- private room with en-suite 2. Surgeon Fees- cost of insertion and removal 3.Anaesthetist Fees- cost of anaethetic assessment and the specialist anaethetic care throughout the operation and during removal of the balloon 4. The cost of specialist equipment used during the operation 5.Medication provided for your immediate recovery 6. Access to their 24 hour telephone helpline. and also it's a 12 months package so it also includes post operative nurse support, Regular follow up appointments/ telephone calls with the dietitian during 6 months with the balloon inserted and 6 months after, individually tailored diet plan, exercise advice ,Access to a psychologist if requiered.
Thats alot for your money, but also what you would expect to help you carry on to lose weight or just maintain. Babsyx

The balloon removal is included in the price.

Feeling a bit better about my balloon now. I am 6 weeks in, have lost 26lb, broken down to; 10lb, 3lb, 3lb, 3lb, 4lb, 3lb. At least i am consistent!

:seeya::seeya::seeya: to all ballooners!

Hi, I am new here. I am from Mexico. I had the balloon fitted last Thursday (today is Saturday) and I have felt really good. I haven't thrown up, I just feel my stomach bloated. I had a hard time to sleep last night (second night with the balloon) since I had reflux -- well it was just the feeling, nothing important.
I have managed to eat baby food, juices and some sodium drinks. I need to loose about 20 kilos since my weight is 71 (my doctor says 10-15 is ok). I hope this works and I can feel a little better day by day.

I will go back to work next Wednesday (it is a long weekend here in Mexico-- Independance Day) so I hope everthing gets better by then.

Thanks in advance for your support!!:Angel_anim:

Hello. I had the balloon fitted last Sat. I was prepared for the worst but actually felt ok. was sick twice on the Sat night (all the saline), went back to work on Wed. Actually am feeling ok and have lost a stone so far and my jeans fit much better. Even managed to go swimming on Fri evening although think i was pushing it (stomach muscles have only just recovered, I hadn't used them for a while). I want to lose another 3 stone and am going to really work hard. Its good to hear the stories about the balloon feeling comfortable and the possibility of continuing to eat too much as I think I could fall into that trap so am going to continue the small portions of everything and hope my brain and stomach get used to it. It would be great to lose at least another 1.5 stone by Christmas. I've measured myself and am keeping a food diary to make sure I don't cheat. Good luck everyone.. How soon did people start back at the gym after having the balloon? Is there anything that I should avoid? What about running?

I've been reading through this thread and I'm pretty surprised about the hype around the gastric balloon...it's been around in Germany for a long time, and has proven not to be the best idea.

You can cheat (all liquids and liquid food can still be consumed), which means you might keep your weight. As soon as the balloon is removed, chances are very high that you'll get the weight back, because you actually haven't learned anything about nutrition, or how to keep the weight down.

Somebody mentioned baby food, which made me laugh a little...I had a gastric band a few years back and ate the baby food, until I noticed the calorie content of that stuff....some of these glasses have more calories than a proper meal, so chances are if you keep on eating that stuff, you'll actually gain weight, despite the balloon.

I have changed my eating habits on the 8th of August, and have lost over 30 lbs so far. I am not dieting, I am not starving myself, I am just paying attention to what I eat, and how I eat it, and do 45 minutes of exercise a day at the moment. I am continually loosing between 3 - 4 lbs a week, without any weird objects being put into my stomach, and without putting my health at risk.

I am not blaming anybody for chosing to have the balloon put in, but I would caution everybody who wants to do it, and suggest that they try a more natural and healthy approach to weight loss. It's much more fun to be able to eat pretty much whatever you want (within reason), feel healthy and lose the weight for good than to have something stuck in your stomach, live of mashed potatoes and baby food, and pile the pounds back on as soon as the thing comes out.

Hey Weegiegirl.
I went back to the gym a month after I got my balloon. I dance so it should be in the same category as running. I heard about a guy popping his balloon with bench pressing. I bench press but under a hundred pounds.

San
I think you are under the wrong posting. This is a posting group for people who have the balloon or thinking about having it. There are other posting sites for such as you. The posters here do not post negative things not related to the balloon procedure. This is a support group not a tear down group. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Totally agree Usdusk, go away San!

Alright...so you basically just want to hear the pros, but ignore the cons. I wasn't tearing down anything, merely pointing a few things out, which everybody should consider before getting a gastric balloon, or any type of weight loss surgery. As somebody who nearly died as a result of weight loss surgery, I thought it would be helpful to have somebody who makes you aware of the risks you're taking with these procedures, and before you invest thousands of pounds into something that can essentially ruin your health. I am sure people who are interested in the gastric balloon procedure would be interested in that as well, so they can make an educated choice.

Alas, it seems to be an offense not to agree with everybody, therefore I will leave you to your balloon worship. Sorry for trying to help.

San - don't think that any of us woke up one day and got the balloon without doing a load of research into it and thinking long and hard. It's not an easy choice to make and each of us have made it for our own reasons which I would never question. It's not exactly a decision we've made lightly and you're not telling us anything we don't already know. This group is a great place for support and encouragement and to be honest this is the wrong group for you.

I was under the impression that the place was about getting information for those who haven't already made the decision, as well as for those who already made the step, but apparently I was wrong. That said, rest assured I am not going to return to this particular thread, and leave you to reassure each other that you made the right choice (despite the fact that some of the posts make it glaringly obvious that you might not). Sorry for intruding. Maybe you want to lock the thread though, to make sure that nobody who doesn't agree with you can actually post. That would make things much easier.

hi,

I live in Florida,
where can I go in the US, for the balloon surgery. I need to lose about 125

Thanks,

hi hope all is well with all of you i have now lost 3 stone in 3 months im still being sick and my balloon is still not feeling comfy at all but ha ho im going on my hols and taking size 14 cloths so well worth it my balloon should be comming out on the 18th of dec and i have asked the consultant if i can leave it in until jan she said it was fine as long as i dont go under weight has any body else left it in longer than 6 months
sue:party::drool5::drool5::drool5:

i have had such a good week lasxt week i only lost 2 pounds but this week i am well on my way to 4 and i am now in my skinny jeans :)
hope everyone else is doing well and feeling happy this week xx

Hi,

My daughter and I have had our balloon in the 7 months and are having it taken out today. Daughter has only lost 2 stone 3 lb but always had a much larger appetite than me (I dont think they adjust the size of the balloon to size of stomach - which they should!) but Ive manged to lose 3 stone 4lb. We have both gone down in dress sizes - daughter 22 down to 16 and me 18 down to 12:party: so we are both chuffed. I has changed the way we eat and if someone tries to give me a large portion, I groan and get defeated before even starting. Will keep you posted as to whether the weight goes back on! I am expecting to be starving for the next few days as there is going to be a huge void where the balloon was - but will have to show some restraint!

Hi! I'm in Texas. I went to Tijuana to get my balloon placed. This procedure is not offered in the US.

Hi my name it kat I read your post yesterday, and im considering having the ballooon procedure, does anyone know how much it costs in the UK, I have however got enough to go to prauge bodies beautiful as you mentioned where it only costs £2000, but im a bit put off of travelling to another country to get it done, is it safe and how can you tell if the company is all legaly registered, and licenced?

I have just returned from Prague following gastric balloon procedure, the actual procedure was quick, but i did struggle in the following days, your stomache tries to reject the balloon, as it cannot process it as it would food, so violent wretching and vomitting for days afterward is difficult to get used to. just a warning about going to Prague, its not all its made out to be on the website, there arnt shiney new clinics and innercity apartments, more like a back street dental clinic, although the nurses there are very good (im a nurse myself so i know the difference), i did feel a little like a cash-cow on a conveyor belt. and more worrying , there is NO aftercare, no instructions or hints or tips, which i could really use right now!!
does anyone out there have any post balloon tips?? as im astill sick as a dog and not starting with the gripeing pains.:ack2:

I had the gastric balloon fitted on the 19th March and have lost 12lbs already. It seems like I have had it in forever and that I should have lost atleast 3 stone by now but that could have been why I struggled to lose weight in the first place.

The first 3 days were very very uncomfortable, if I could I would have taken the thing back out myself but just like they said after this time I started to feel better.

It is emotionally as well as physically draining. I crave normal food. My husband had a tuna sandwich the other day and I cried because I wanted one. It is hard just eating liquids day after day and seeing everyone else eat normally.

Anyone want to know anymore then just ask.

Clare

P.S If anyone can let me know what it is like to have it removed and how they felt afterwards please.


hey Claire, thanks for your post, its good to hear other peoples experiences, i had the balloon 4 days ago, and have just got over the vomitting, i can keep water down now, have you any advice for he next 5 days?
thanks
Zoe :ack2:

The new you cliinic u have seen on the internet, does exactly what it says on the tin, there arnt any nice shiney clinics, or innercity apartments, my expereince wasn't great, the nurses are good though and certainly made me feel better, if you use this place simply to get the proceedure for the cheapest price, without any of the nice touches and aftercare, this place is for you!!

hey Claire, thanks for your post, its good to hear other peoples experiences, i had the balloon 4 days ago, and have just got over the vomitting, i can keep water down now, have you any advice for he next 5 days?
thanks
Zoe :ack2:

Hi Clare,

Fellow nurse here - had the balloon removed three weeks ago and it was equally unpleasant having it out! Lots of gagging and wretching, got stuck in my oesophagus, was being instructed to burp but it didnt translate well in chezch! But burped eventually and managed to breath again! Really sore throat and acid reflux for 3 days but its all settled now - didnt stop the antacids for a good week. Dont feel hungry and still lose interest in a meal about half way through. I lost 3 stone and 3 lb with balloon and have since lost another 3 after its removal - fab!

Luv Tina

Hi girls I have my balloon close to 3 months now.Lost around 18kg.Vomited a lot.I can't even take enough water at one given time.I am aware of food and my fear of vomiting stops me from pigging out.I am 76 kg now,and got 10 more to loose even think for another 3 months I will probably loose even more.It was a hard work this 3 months,but worthed!!!Try to eat some soup,seafood,stay clear of red meat.And it very little girls!!!
Can anyone tell me how much was procedure in Prague please as my sister might be a candidat for one.
Good luck my girls!!!!

hi to all users ..i had the gastric balloon fitted in prague in may cost £2000 new you clinic where very nice but i had no follow or the promised emails and guidence.i urge anybody reading this to NOT have this procedure done and save yourself the money and time.you can really do it on your own i promise you!
emotional eating IS IN YOUR HEAD having a balloon fitted does not cure that problem.
i lost 2 stone and also lost my hair! an effect of the medication i am on for the balloon to be comfortable.i had NO energy for months and could hardly do my job.my skin was awful and i felt depressed and miserable.
then the balloon got real comfy and i started my old eating patterns and put on a stone,i felt better but my hair still falls out in clumps ( read the side effects on the packets guys!! )
stick to a diet, work out or walk and enjoy life you dont need to put an invasive balloon done your throat i learnt the hard way and am dreading going back to get this bloody thing out. :rant:
peace and love goddess x

Hello,
I've been trying to start a new thread called "What to do when the Balloon gets too Comfortable", but I cannot seem to be able to start a new thread. Anyone know why?

Anyway, I've had the balloon in 3 weeks now, and I too am getting too comfortable. Yesterday I ate almost a normal meal....eeek! As well, I'm getting hungry more often (sometimes lying on my stomach takes that away as it causes a pressure and dull pain).

How are the rest of you coping? Any ideas?

My daughter had the same problem with the balloon being to comfortable. We contacted prague beauty and they send her a month supply of reductil ( appetite suppresant) which worked very well at reducing her stomach size again. I think the problem is that they dont adjust the size of the balloon according to the individual stomach size. Both myself and my daughter had 450ml inserted but I know that my stomach has always had a much smaller capacity than hers (I,m a grazer, shes a hoover).

As to the lady who has lost her hair - I am a nurse and have given out the meds used for the balloon (lanzoprazole, omepresole, cimetadine ect) to thousands of patients. Hair loss is not a side effect I have ever some across! The balloon is not a magic cure and if you are hellbent on overriding it - you can. Putting your head under a chocolate fountain on slow drip would do it! It works very well as a tool to cut down your portion sizes and to think about what you are eating, as bad eating will make you feel grotty the next day. I lost 3 stone 7 and seem to be keeping it off now the balloon is out. But it does need some self control.

xxx Tina

Absolutely. This definately requires some self control, which i dont have, which is why i opted for WLS anyway. Now i am finding that the balloon isnt enough for me. I havent lost anything for the past 5 weeks. I am about ten weeks in, with about 25lb lost. Thats ok, but the scales havent budged for 5 weeks. Getting cross now, feeling like i have wasted thousands of my hard earned dosh :(:cry:
I wish i had saved more and gone for a band or bypass.

Dunno if anyone else is the same, but i am finding that when hungry, my stomach gets so churny, burpy and acidy that i have to eat! The only thing that resolves it is eating! ie the opposite of what i want! grrrrr!

I really hate the mornings; i wake up with terrible indigestion, gross burps and acid, and it takes a couple of hours to go. AT THIS PRESENT MOMENT, I WISH I HAD NEVER HAD IT DONE. :angelsad2:

Absolutely. This definately requires some self control, which i dont have, which is why i opted for WLS anyway. Now i am finding that the balloon isnt enough for me. I havent lost anything for the past 5 weeks. I am about ten weeks in, with about 25lb lost. Thats ok, but the scales havent budged for 5 weeks. Getting cross now, feeling like i have wasted thousands of my hard earned dosh :(:cry:
I wish i had saved more and gone for a band or bypass.

Dunno if anyone else is the same, but i am finding that when hungry, my stomach gets so churny, burpy and acidy that i have to eat! The only thing that resolves it is eating! ie the opposite of what i want! grrrrr!

I really hate the mornings; i wake up with terrible indigestion, gross burps and acid, and it takes a couple of hours to go. AT THIS PRESENT MOMENT, I WISH I HAD NEVER HAD IT DONE. :angelsad2:


oh no dont say that I was just thinking you were doing so well!!

Why doesn't dieting work for you?
A balloon you're going to have to be far more restrictive than just watching calories.. if you can't diet - then a balloon is NOT a good option for you -save your money and work on learning how to NOT diet and change your lifetime habits

I have had my balloon for three months last week. I got my balloon to assist me to lose weight. I am still dieting, eating small portions and exercising. Ladies you do realize that you have to add muscle in order to lose weight and keep it off. While you are adding muscle you will not see weight loss but you will see inches dissolving. All my old clothes were falling off my butt so I went shopping at the beginning of this month and gave all the old clothes to goodwill.
I stopped taking meds for acid reflux the first month I had the balloon and opted for extra fiber and water instead. No burping here. With your meal intake so small you have to help your digestive system plus the fiber dips into those long loops of colon and pulls out the old crud. Sometimes I get hungry but I either drink some flavored water if it is after 7 pm or just eat lettuce with dressing. Lettuce is my snack of choice for month 3. I have bags of different kinds of lettuce in my fridge. Sometimes I just add the dressing to the bag and shake. I have lost 40 lbs thus far but it has been work.

Hi,
I will be fitting a balloon coming december in Bogota, Colombia. I weigh 76 kgs and would like to lose 25 kgs. I have lots of questions: What is it that you could eat right after the placement? Is it more uncomfortable than painful? How long is it uncomfortable? I have Acid reflux disease, is it still ok to have the balloon fitted in? I hope so, because I'm looking forward to putting this in. In Colombia it costs me 4500 USdollars including hotel, operation and aftercare. HELP!!!

Sorry, but at 76 kg, you shouldn't