Gastric Balloon
- Thread starter WEEALIA
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Hope you are feeling better today drul. How are you doing?
I read a blog today you might find helpful. It is written by a guy who had a gastric bypass, so obviously there are big differences between his experience and the experiences of people with a balloon (ballooners still have their whole stomachs to digest with, bypassers have a pouch the size of a thumb) - BUT it shows how over the weeks he learned, through trial and error, what he could eat and what would make him throw up, and also how to eat to avoid the latter. Some days were good, others bad, but then he learned to manage it. Anyway, enough blabbing, if you search for 'bariatric trip' on blogspot it will come up.
I had my consultation. I saw a nurse, a GP and a surgeon. It was odd, I felt like I spent a day trying to persuade a bunch of people to give me an operation for money. I kept hearing how it was a temporary fix, and being asked 'what's to stop you gaining it all back again once it's out?'. Apparently they (the surgeons) are pretty much against balloons because they're not a permanent solution, and 80-90% of patients gain the weight back more afterwards. The surgeon said that for someone like me he would recommend a sleeve or a bypass. I'm in my early twenties and my bmi is 34, plus I can't afford it, so I said please can I have a go at conquering this using the balloon.
Everyone was really nice, and now I'm just waiting to get a callback to tell me what dates they can fit me in. I was surprised to be called 'extremely obese' however. I guess I've been in denial a long time.
I read a blog today you might find helpful. It is written by a guy who had a gastric bypass, so obviously there are big differences between his experience and the experiences of people with a balloon (ballooners still have their whole stomachs to digest with, bypassers have a pouch the size of a thumb) - BUT it shows how over the weeks he learned, through trial and error, what he could eat and what would make him throw up, and also how to eat to avoid the latter. Some days were good, others bad, but then he learned to manage it. Anyway, enough blabbing, if you search for 'bariatric trip' on blogspot it will come up.
I had my consultation. I saw a nurse, a GP and a surgeon. It was odd, I felt like I spent a day trying to persuade a bunch of people to give me an operation for money. I kept hearing how it was a temporary fix, and being asked 'what's to stop you gaining it all back again once it's out?'. Apparently they (the surgeons) are pretty much against balloons because they're not a permanent solution, and 80-90% of patients gain the weight back more afterwards. The surgeon said that for someone like me he would recommend a sleeve or a bypass. I'm in my early twenties and my bmi is 34, plus I can't afford it, so I said please can I have a go at conquering this using the balloon.
Everyone was really nice, and now I'm just waiting to get a callback to tell me what dates they can fit me in. I was surprised to be called 'extremely obese' however. I guess I've been in denial a long time.
Hi Beaky,
I appreciate the info you are sharing.
I am novv day 23, this has been a poor vveek-end. Today I can't even keep sips of vvater dovvn. I vvish it vvas a case of that I vvasn't eating the right things, I am taking my medication as you suggested in the other message. For some reason this balloon is just not agreeing vvith me. I think for many the balloon can be a good option but I have read that upvvards of 17% have to have the balloon removed early. I think I am one of those people.
I am making the decision to have mine removed.
I hope that you have much success.
Drul
Oh Drul, I didn't realise you couldn't even have sips of water. In that case you are making the right decision. All I can say is, perhaps if you have lost weight these past 23 days (albeit through suffering and being ill), that might give you the 'boost' you need to keep going by your own means after having it taken out (i.e. healthy eating, portion control). I hope it doesn't make you feel bad - personally, I have accepted that, long-term, I will probably spend a lot of money on the 'project' of losing weight, and that much of it not produce results, but that's just part of the process of finding a solution, and eventually it will all be worth it.
Hi Beaky,
Another day like the last, vomiting. I am very tired. I slept alot yesterday.
Can I ask if the clinic you are going to does bloodvvork, did they take your measurements, vital signs?
I do feel badly that this vvas not successful, I go day to day hoping the next day vvill get better and I have had days that have been ok and I vvas able to go to vvork. The last five days have been rough again. Everyday I vvonder hovv much longer do I put up vvith feeling like this.
I think my balloon is overinflated for my size of stomache.
VVhat country are you having your procedure done in?
I vvish you all the best. You can't put a price on health. I think vvhat I learned most from this experience is too not abuse my body. I think I vvon't take it for granted anymore and vvill vvant to treat it vvith the respect it deserves, I vvill think tvvice before I put a spoonful of junk into it.
Thanks,
drul
Drul,
I'm having it in England and they haven't taken any blood tests or anything yet, the consultation was just talking and writing (although they did measure me in various ways). Thank you for your kind wishes.
Some people on here have had problems with their balloons which have been rectified by talking vitamins, antiemetics or even probiotic yoghurts. Are you able to call your clinic (or even GP) to ask for advice? No-one should have to put up with being sick and exhausted all the time.
Although it's disappointing that this hasn't worked out how you'd hoped, losing weight and getting healthy and happy is bound to be a major project, of which "wasting" money will very probably be a big part. We all have to use trial and error to find the solution that works for us, and every time you try something you're one step closer to finding the thing (or things) that work(s) for you. I'm mentally prepared for the fact that this balloon may be a waste of money, but it's a step on the way for me.
I hope you don't feel too disheartened.
I'm having it in England and they haven't taken any blood tests or anything yet, the consultation was just talking and writing (although they did measure me in various ways). Thank you for your kind wishes.
Some people on here have had problems with their balloons which have been rectified by talking vitamins, antiemetics or even probiotic yoghurts. Are you able to call your clinic (or even GP) to ask for advice? No-one should have to put up with being sick and exhausted all the time.
Although it's disappointing that this hasn't worked out how you'd hoped, losing weight and getting healthy and happy is bound to be a major project, of which "wasting" money will very probably be a big part. We all have to use trial and error to find the solution that works for us, and every time you try something you're one step closer to finding the thing (or things) that work(s) for you. I'm mentally prepared for the fact that this balloon may be a waste of money, but it's a step on the way for me.
I hope you don't feel too disheartened.
I am really curious, Hovv have you made out since you last posted???
I am really struggling and vvonder if this ever comes to an end. I am debated about having the balloon removed. today is day 24 and its been 24 days of regret, vomiting, bloating, belching, nauseated and pain in my back and shoulder.
Please I hope to hear hovv you made out.
Drul
I am hoping Catinablender is still going on this site.
Your experience sounds avvful and sounds exactly like vvhat I am experiencing. I am very curious as to hovv you have made out?????
I am debated having the balloon taken out, I am only day 24, I can't imagine hovv you coped all that time. My husband is very supportive but he too is tiring of this nevv lifestyle....me, my bucket, my belches. I have no energy!!
I sure hope to hear from you.
Drul
Your experience sounds avvful and sounds exactly like vvhat I am experiencing. I am very curious as to hovv you have made out?????
I am debated having the balloon taken out, I am only day 24, I can't imagine hovv you coped all that time. My husband is very supportive but he too is tiring of this nevv lifestyle....me, my bucket, my belches. I have no energy!!
I sure hope to hear from you.
Drul
Very nice to hear about ur achievement.I too had the ballon placed about 6 weeks ago.The first 3 weeks were bad but now I am better.Am eating everything but heres the problem,I managed to loose 6 kgs ie about 12 lbs in these many days but since 2 weeks weight is stagnant and today I actually gained a kilo its so upsetting.has anyone gone thru this phenomenon of actually gaining.Please help or talk to me I am so sad and mad and upset at myself and this silly balloon.
Hang in there I too went thru hell and considered removing it but I am back to feeling normal andhave lost 12 lbs in 6 weeks,its worth it u will get better please hang in there.
Hi Priti,
thanks for the vvords of encouragement. VVas there something that helped, a change in diet, or a medication, or did it just pass on its ovvn? I am very constipated and think that may be contributing.
I haven't vomited in a day and half. I am dovvn 17 pounds in three and half vveeks but not the vvay I vvant to lose vveight, vomiting that is.
I vvould like to hear more about your experience. Do you feel back to yourself novv?
thanks,
Drul
Hi daisy 18,
Hovv are you doing?? Its been avvhile since you last posted, hope you are making good progress.
Drul
Hi Drul,
Actuallu the first 3 weeks I was on a strict liquid diet and then slowly I started with solid foods.Antacids and anti emetics(meds so u dnt puke)really help and I still continue to take them with my docs guidance.The bad feeling really just magically went away.It helped that I started eating as an empty tummy was making more gassy.Now its exact 1 mnth since the procedure and I am down 12 lbs,I did gain 2 pounds since I started eating solid foods,so thats a bit of a bummer.Am hoping to start an excersize program,but I am being very lazy in respect to keeping a diet or daily diary.I wish I am more motivated to do this bit.Anyways u take care and it really does get better hang in there.
Hi Drul Hope you're feeling better. I've had an interesting ride with the balloon. The first 10 days it really restricted my intake and I got a sense of fullness very quickly. After day 10 I couldn't feel it and I could eat normal sized portions. I was really upset and thought the balloon wasn't working. That lasted only about 10 days and now I can feel it again. The doctor explained that initially the stomach contracts around the balloon and then over time all the muscles can over-relax (so you can't feel it) and then everything eventually normalizes. I have lost 11 pounds - but nothing over the last couple of weeks. I always hit a weight loss plateau very early on in my weight loss and it's no different even with a balloon. But I'm averaging about 800 calories a day and I know it will eventually shift. I usually get frustrated and binge at this stage but I haven't yet. I can overeat though so I do need to be mindful of what I am eating. I am seeing the dietitian every 2 weeks and getting lots of support.
I see you are still in two minds about getting the balloon removed - what does your doctor say? I'm really impressed with your weight loss even though it's not how you wanted to lose it.Are yo back at work?
I see you are still in two minds about getting the balloon removed - what does your doctor say? I'm really impressed with your weight loss even though it's not how you wanted to lose it.Are yo back at work?
Hi Priti
I have lost 22.5kgs with the balloon (13.5 weeks - 49.6 pds) and I exercise at least 6 times a week normally. Only 5 times last week as I have been sick with a cold. I also watch what I eat, though I am reasonable about what I can have. I am not banning foods as I want to try and lose weight this time but being "normal" so I am more focusing on portion sizes and making better selections of food. I would think that I am eating 1200 calories a day round about - which is what my doctor recommended. Notwithstanding having the balloon, you still have to make a lifestyle change to make it work. It is simply a tool.
I am off on holidays at the end of this week for 2 weeks and when I get back I am joining weightwatchers. I will have 10 weeks left with the balloon and I want to start preparing for continuing to lose weight once it is removed. My goal is to lose another 22 kgs in total. I am hoping for 10 - 15 more while the balloon is in.
Best of luck with your journey.
Hi Daisy 18,
I am glad you haven't binged, there is the mental messages vve give ourselves vvhen vve don't see the vveight shift or vvhen vve overeat, the ones that are "vvhat the hell, I might as vvell", I am reading a book called CBT for vveight loss, it addresses those negative messages vve give ourselves that lead to our failure. Stick vvith it, it vvill come off. Are you vvalking?
I am booked for my removal, I am still vomiting several times a day and nauseated mostly alvvays. I am back to vvork, only part time and I haven't been picking up extra hours, I can't afford to do that much longer. But the main reason I made the decision is I am vvorn out. I am tired of getting sick, feeling sick and being limited because I have no energy.
I knovv for most the balloon is a great vvay to make some eating changes and lose a significant amount of vveight, unfortunately it vvasn't right for me, I feel that the balloon is too big and has attributed to my difficulties, but I am not a doctor.
I am dovvn 23 pounds, probably dovvn another 2 by the time I get the balloon out, its the hardest vvay I have ever lost vveight. I vvouldn't vvish this experience on anyone.
all the best, hang in there
Hi Daisy 18,
I am glad you haven't binged, there is the mental messages vve give ourselves vvhen vve don't see the vveight shift or vvhen vve overeat, the ones that are "vvhat the hell, I might as vvell", I am reading a book called CBT for vveight loss, it addresses those negative messages vve give ourselves that lead to our failure. Stick vvith it, it vvill come off. Are you vvalking?
I am booked for my removal, I am still vomiting several times a day and nauseated mostly alvvays. I am back to vvork, only part time and I haven't been picking up extra hours, I can't afford to do that much longer. But the main reason I made the decision is I am vvorn out. I am tired of getting sick, feeling sick and being limited because I have no energy.
I knovv for most the balloon is a great vvay to make some eating changes and lose a significant amount of vveight, unfortunately it vvasn't right for me, I feel that the balloon is too big and has attributed to my difficulties, but I am not a doctor.
I am dovvn 23 pounds, probably dovvn another 2 by the time I get the balloon out, its the hardest vvay I have ever lost vveight. I vvouldn't vvish this experience on anyone.
all the best, hang in there
gastric balloon removal
I am having my balloon removed, can anyone tell me vvhat this is like, problem is I sent an email to the clinic and also called but no one returned my message, I don't knovv if I am to take my Nexium medication (acid reducer)
I can't vvait to get this balloon removed. My balloon is being removed tommorovv so I sure hope someone can ansvver this question.
Hope to hear from someone.
thanks
I am having my balloon removed, can anyone tell me vvhat this is like, problem is I sent an email to the clinic and also called but no one returned my message, I don't knovv if I am to take my Nexium medication (acid reducer)
I can't vvait to get this balloon removed. My balloon is being removed tommorovv so I sure hope someone can ansvver this question.
Hope to hear from someone.
thanks
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