Gastric Balloon

[Her_again]

Kelly

Her_again - good for you on the weightloss. I had it inserted on tuesday and can you believe it - my weight is the same!!! not happy! lol especially since i have not eaten since sunday. Does the feeling of it being inside you lesson at all. I can see mine poking out.

OMG are you telling me you weighed yourself after only having it in for 2 days? LMAO you are a wild one .

As for feeling the balloon inside me.....I am always aware of its existance. I asked the surgeon about that and she said that they are hoping I will always be able to feel it in my stomach so that way I won't try to over eat and make myself sick.

I cannot see my balloon sticking out yet as I am fat and need to lose quite abit of weight but the surgeon said as I get thinner that I will be able to see the balloon.....eeewwww lol.

I named my balloon Phil ( fill ) so hopefully we will get along for the next 5 months...hahaha.

Do yourself a favour and stop hopping onto the scale.....do it once a week at the most....you will see the weight dropping off in no time my friend.

 

[lastresort]

Hi all,


Her Again well done what a great weight loss keep up the good work my friend

Kelly
welcome to the land of ballooners!! dont worry the weight will soon come off keep us posted with ur progress

Me

Had my first check up today and they are very happy with progress I will be 4 weeks on sunday and today was 13 1/2lbs down I am thrilled have energy to walk every morning 2 to 3 miles so pleased as i am not a lover of the walking!! but I have found a new place to walk and love it now
Thats all for now folks
night and god bless
xxxx

 

[kelly1]

Her_again,
Thank you for always replying. So I wasn't supposed to weigh myself huh! Lol
just figured 5 days without food! Lol I have been amazingly lucky. No vomitting except for once the night of insertion. Feel completely normal except for HUGE bloating and being able to see it. I try to pull my belly in and you can see the balloon move! Lol
you should be very proud of yourself for how far you have come. I hope I can say the same in four weeks

Last resort....YAY You! That is amazing! And keep up the walking eventually you will wonder why you hated it.
Thank you for the reply and support. I did this all within a two week span of finding out about balloon, consult and insertion so a bit overwelmed!

 

[fineman]

Hi! I am getting a baloon tomorrow. I am 167cms and weigh 87 kgs. Tried everything but failed. I started making lifestyle changes for 3 weeks and then this. So that I know I cant let weight come back after ballon is removed.

 

[Nan]

Ready to give up!

Hi Joanie, I have been prescribed Lanzoprazole 30mg since last Thursday. The good news is I have not been sick for 5 days now but I have had dreadful stomach ache, have not been able to sleep and although I don’t have the acid I do feel like I have swallowed a couple of breeze blocks so I am not sure it is working for me. I haven’t eaten much since Friday, just a couple of dry crumpets and some milk. I spent most of the weekend drifting in and out of sleep on the sofa feeling dreadful. This could be cos at night the stomach ache has kept me awake but I just feel that my summer is passing me by and I don’t have the energy to go anywhere or even get dressed some days. I think I may have this out in a couple of weeks as I have lost 10 kilos which is over a stone and a half in 2 months and my BMI is now 26 so I feel I have made progress enough for me to carry on without it.

Her again, glad it’s not just me having problems. 2 months and I still feel dreadful. Like yourself I have no interest in food and where I used to ‘live to eat’ I now ‘eat to live’ and barely that. I’m just afraid of having the balloon (Felix) out and coming home and eating large portions again as I hate being fat!

Help, I don’t know what to do. I want to persevere due to the cost and the need to lose weight but just feel so awful and it’s not getting any better.

 

[Joanie]

I've given up

I really wanted to make this work, and it has, but not without me loosing part of me. I feel so awful and over the 12 weeks I've had this balloon in I can't recall a full week without being ill.
Yesterday was the final straw - I've been vomting every day since last week but got up early and went on the flight to London. I felt awfully hot on the plane and ended up fainting and vomited while I was out cold. I was so embarrassed, however it could have happened on the tube or train or elsewhere and been much worse than just embarrassment.
I felt awful all day and continued to vomit fluid - even tho I haven't had anything to eat for days and drink in sips!
I've given up - I called and asked for my balloon to be removed and they are doing it tomorrow. I really wish it was today as I am not sure I can get through the day.
I've thought about the money as I paid £5k for my package but I have lost 3stones and 12lbs in 12 weeks so I think I got my moneys worth.
I'll update you all once I've had it done.
Good luck to you.

Joanie

 

[Nan]

Sorry

Oh you poor thing. Fantastic weight loss tho so I suppose if you have the balloon removed you will feel much better and maybe this is the kick start you needed to keep your portion sizes down. Not a healthy way to lose weight as it is such a lot in a short space of time but at least it proves you can do it on your own now.

I'm still in limbo. When I have a good day I think I will leave it a few more months it's not that bad, on a bad day I can't stand it any longer and feel like calling and booking myself in for removal.

I can still eat but only in the evenings. All day at work I sip water but cannot actually put anything in my mouth without feeling sick. I usually feel better in the evening and have a small meal like omelette or small potato with cheese but that's only about 400 calories a day. Have no energy for the gym so again I am losing weight the unhealthy way.

Good luck, let me know how you get on. If I decide on removal it will be first week in September as I have 4 days off work and will book my flight to Prague.

 

[Nan]

Sick again today, a whole week which is the longest I have gone since I had the procedure so I suppose that is something. I bought some Aloe Vera juice today to see if that will help as the tablets clearly are not working for me.

If I take the tablets I get really bad stomach ache and discomfort, in fact last night I nearly rang my sister to take me to A&E but after a while lying on my left side I managed to get comfortable. If I don't take the tablets I end up with really bad acid and I am sick every other day, which is awful but at least afterwards I feel better and can eat a little. I think I prefer the acid option. Sometimes I am so weak I don't think my legs will carry me.

Going to call this weekend and book for removal as I am really fed up now, feel like I have been ill for 10 weeks and don't want to damage my health or my teeth with the acid!

 

[Her_again]

Joanie and Nan

I am so sorry to hear how things have gone for the both of you.

I am sure you will feel better after the balloon is removed and I hope that for the amount of time that it was in, was beneficial in at least starting your weightloss.

I will not sit here and say it has been an easy ride for me so far as it hasn't and there are alot of days where I barely feel human. Can't seem to figure out if my stomach feels yucky because I have eaten or because I haven't...seems to be the same either way.

The battle continues and the pounds are leaving!

 

[Nan]

Thanks, I was sick again this morning after a night of no sleep due to the acid reflux, I had to keep sitting up in bed but it still wouldn't shift, finally got up and was sick so felt better.

I usually go all day without eating, then have a little something when I get home which usually comes up the next morning. I ususally look in the cupboard and decide what option will be the easier to come back up, soup or omelette!!!

I'm definately having it removed, I'm having to cancel all my social engagements and don't have a life at the moment. Shame it's only been 10 weeks but I have managed to lose nearly 2 stone and my BMI is nearly at normal so hopefully I can maintain once it is removed. I'm looking forward to hearing how Joanie has got on and how she feels once it is removed. Also if she continues to lose weight once it is removed.

I hope I can keep my portion sizes small and get back to the gym once it is removed, I really need to work on toning up now.

I can't see the balloon sticking out but I can feel it if I lay on my tummy. Sometimes I try and move it and it feels hard. I'm sure mine is too big. Dreading removal!!!!

 

[Onetep]

Hi

Hi Suzie


I'm going in on the 29th of August-2009 at 7am. My balloon will be fitted by the hospital group in Orpington Kent.

I'm a 6ft male and weigh 20st (280lb) and I want to loose around 4stones (56lbs).

After carefully reading all the posts here one by one here are some tips I've compiled

TIPS​

1. Take vitamin supplement this will help you a lot in the long run otherwise you may go bald )

2. Buy some charcoal tablets (Forburps Holland and Barrett sell them) !

3. Have 2 cups of peppermint and fennel tea a day (helps settle stomach)

4. Papaya enzyme tablets (from Holland and Barrett) help break down hard to digest proteins (meats fish etc) and prevent smelly burps.

5. Ask your doc for Zoton as these seem to be most effective acid reflux suppressors.

6. When you start having solid food, eat your meal then wait an hour. Then begin drinking water again sip by sip for another hour, then try eating again.

7. Always chew your food well (around 25 bites per mouth full)

8. Avoid alcohol (especially wine).

9. If nohing seems to get rid of the eggy burps it may mean you have a stomach infection and a short course of antibiotics may clear up the problem.

Keep in touch
Ted

Hi Guys,
i have been reading all of your stories...the good, the bad and the plain ugly experiences some of you had.
i had a 1st consultation today at Nucleus Healthcare clinic in Newport, South Wales.
Has anyone had their procedure done there?
i am booked in to have the procedure on the 28th August, i am slightly apprehensive to say the least!
i have about 30 kg to lose, after years of yo-yo dieting and being a size 12 1 yr, size 18 the next i am hoping this will finally help me achieve the weight i want to be to help with my body image issues!!
i now kind of know what i'm letting myself in for, any advice would be much appreciated!
suzie.x

 

[Joanie]

its out

Hi Everyone,
Well by the time I got to the hospital on Wednesday I was dehyrdrated again and suffering from leg cramps and tingling in my hands and lips. A few bags of IV fluid and I felt much better.
Had balloon removed around 5pm and went home at 9pm. I remember everything as my doctor doesn't believe in heavy sedation. It wasn't as bad as getting it in but was definately uncomfortable as the balloon was pulled out. Throat still a bit sore and a few stomach cramps.
Was able to drink half a litre of fluid on Wednesday after the removal and no vomitting
Yesterday I had some water, juice, tea, soup and an orange ice lolly -
Today I have had tea and toast - no vomitting. I feel brilliant.

Still a little weak through lack of nutrition - plan is to build up intake of vitamins and keep portions down. Still don't feel hungry but I am sure that will come back soon.
I've lost 56lbs and tried on a pair of trousers this morning that I didn't think would fit - and they did - whoopee - can't wait to show my husband tonight.

I wish the balloon had worked properly and I hadn't had such a miserable time but I am still pleased with my weight loss. It is the big step up the mountain that I needed. I now feel more able to go on and loose the rest myself.
My BMI has gone from 42 to 31, weight 238lbs to 182lbs, dress size 24 to 18, confidence 0 to 50.
Thanks for all of your wrods of support. I'll keep you up to date on my progress.

Joanie

 

[Nan]

Joanie, so glad it all went well and well done on the weight loss, I'm sure you can lose more now once you gain some strength and this experience has made you more determined that you can do it.

I am booking for mine taking out next week as I have had enough of the pain, discomfort and the constant being sick, I'm sure I am ruining my teeth and if I carry on not eating my hair will start falling out and I will look really ill. I think the aloe vera juice I am taking has helped as I have stopped taking all the tablets from the doctor and actually feel less bloated.

I have lost enough now to make a difference and even if I maintain once it is removed I will be happy so it has been worth the money to make me change my habits. Glad I had the procedure but I couldn't go thru it again and looking forward to being pain free and getting back to the gym as I have really missed my gym work but with no energy I couldn't even walk up a flight of stairs.

So glad to hear your story as I seem to be mirroring you.

Another week until removal, can't wait, counting the days......

 

[Nan]

Joanie, one other question, did you feel well enough to go out after removal?
I am planning to go over to Prague with my sister and spend a few days in Prague after the clinic. May aswell make the most of the flight.

Thanks

 

[Joanie]

Going Out

Nan,
I felt tired and sore for a few hours after the removal but when I woke up the following morning I felt quite good. If I hadn't been dehydrated etc I would have been back to work yesterday. Instead I went back today and have been full of life all day.
I feel better than I have done in ages - and I'm thinner!
I'm sure you will be able to indulge in Prague the day following the removal.
Joanie

 

[fineman]

Hi! I got my balloon last week. Had difficult 4 days....now much better. Your 6 months are over. Can u tell me your story? It will be motivational for me.

 

[laurie1985]

Hi! I got my balloon last week. Had difficult 4 days....now much better. Your 6 months are over. Can u tell me your story? It will be motivational for me.

Hi, im getting my balloon removed in 3 weeks time. I started off at 14 stone, im now 11 stone 10lbs and delighted! i hope to shift those 10lbs over the next couple months on my own! Good luck with yours!

 

[Nan]

5 days and counting....

... until removal!!!! I wish it was tonight.

Having Felix removed on Monday 31st August as I just cannot stop being sick. I have been violently sick with projectile vomiting twice today. 7am this morning, last nights soup came back and today at 4pm the water and juice I had drunk today as I did not feel well enough to eat anything solid today but looks like even liquid won't stay down.

I look ill, sunken cheeks, bloodshot eyes not healthy at all. I hope once it is removed I can get back to my healthy eating again as I have not touched fruit, veg or salad since I had the balloon. It's been like bulimia, cos I know I am going to be sick I am thinking to myself, I may aswell have something naughty as the calories won't count as I know it will come back up, not a good way to lose weight. I was hoping to learn to control portions as I have always eaten well, a vegan diet, and don't drink fizzy drinks or have a sweet tooth but just needed to watch portion sizes. I hope I have learnt enough in the 11 weeks to change my way of eating otherwise I will put the weight back on and it will have been a complete waste of money.

Fingers crossed.....

 

[Her_again]

Just checking in

Hi Nan I am so so sorry to hear about how ill you are. I am glad for you that you are getting the balloon out and I hope you continue coming on this site so we can know how you are doing.

As for me... I went to see the nutritionist on Monday for my check up and I am down 19 lbs ( 20 lbs less fat according to the readings) and 13.5 inches. I am ecstatic about my results so far and my knees and ankles don't hurt anymore

Lastresort I hope you are doing well with your balloon.

Kelly how is it going over there?

 

[suziesuz]

Hi Suzie


I'm going in on the 29th of August-2009 at 7am. My balloon will be fitted by the hospital group in Orpington Kent.

I'm a 6ft male and weigh 20st (280lb) and I want to loose around 4stones (56lbs).

After carefully reading all the posts here one by one here are some tips I've compiled

TIPS​

1. Take vitamin supplement this will help you a lot in the long run otherwise you may go bald )

2. Buy some charcoal tablets (Forburps Holland and Barrett sell them) !

3. Have 2 cups of peppermint and fennel tea a day (helps settle stomach)

4. Papaya enzyme tablets (from Holland and Barrett) help break down hard to digest proteins (meats fish etc) and prevent smelly burps.

5. Ask your doc for Zoton as these seem to be most effective acid reflux suppressors.

6. When you start having solid food, eat your meal then wait an hour. Then begin drinking water again sip by sip for another hour, then try eating again.

7. Always chew your food well (around 25 bites per mouth full)

8. Avoid alcohol (especially wine).

9. If nohing seems to get rid of the eggy burps it may mean you have a stomach infection and a short course of antibiotics may clear up the problem.

Keep in touch
Ted

Hi Ted,
it's B day today, i leave in half an hour to have the procedure done at 1.
i have my supplies of medication from my GP, i will let you all know how i feel in a few hrs......Wish me luck!!!