Gastric Balloon

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Hi everyone,


I discovered this forum just last night and wished to have discovered it earlier. I'm having my balloon inserted in 4 hours and I'm starting to panick .. I'm worried about the pains and vomiting at the beginning and I'm not ready for any frustrations (not losing the desired weight). my doctor told me that my bmi is 31, I´m 155 cm tall and weight 76 kg, I´ve gained the last 10 kg the last year and a half and I´m so depressed about it and just keep gaining weight.


I´m going alone, I hope its not a bad idea .. wish me luck please.
 
Surgeongirl said:
Hi everyone,


I discovered this forum just last night and wished to have discovered it earlier. I'm having my balloon inserted in 4 hours and I'm starting to panick .. I'm worried about the pains and vomiting at the beginning and I'm not ready for any frustrations (not losing the desired weight). my doctor told me that my bmi is 31, I´m 155 cm tall and weight 76 kg, I´ve gained the last 10 kg the last year and a half and I´m so depressed about it and just keep gaining weight.


I´m going alone, I hope its not a bad idea .. wish me luck please.
Click to expand...

Hi how did your balloon go and how you getting on with it.
Jax
 
Oh wow, this forum is amazing. I am new to this so I apologies for mistakes in advance. I am 28 and a beached whale. I have been on an OSCAR course with the NHS, whereby you show your dedication and re-learn stuff about food. Since October '12 I have lost 12kg - I am please with this, but I have swam nearly every day. I have PCOS and hypermobility, both limiting my weight loss. I have a meeting with a specialist next month where I decide what route I want to take. I have pretty much put the band and bypass out of my mind, but the balloon sounds a good idea to help me break the last few demons I have with food.

I am a teacher so on my feet all day, is anyone else out there in education - just want to see how time off works etc.

I am embarrassed to talk to anyone I know about this so if anyone is willing to offer some support that would be amazing.

People on this forum seem really sensible and there isn't any delusional ideas which is great.
 
Hi Caryanne9
I am to in education I am a Learning Mentor. I had my balloon fitted at the end of Aug so was on holiday but eneded up having 4 weeks off as I was so ill. My stomach just wouldn't accept it, ended up having some fluid taking out and it worked a treat. You sound like you've had it hard and doing well. It is so hard changing your mind set also but I have found with the support team which ring weekly I have changed my relationship with food. Since Aug 12 I've lost 3lb off 4 stone. The balloon doesn't do it for you, you have to do it but it does make it easier. Its been hard regarding the sickness, acid reflux and smelly burps but I would do it all again. I feel brilliant and am starting to realise I look better to. Go for it girl, but don't be under any illusions you may be ill for a few weeks but it may only be 3/4 days. Expect the worst and then it won't be so bad. Good Luck
 
I'm scheduled to get the ReShape Duo gastric balloon on Feb 25th. I'm participating in a study.
I'm hoping to learn a few things on this forum and find support.
 
Hi All
Many thanks for all your post and updates, it's interesting to hear how other people are getting on.
I had the 12 month Spatz balloon inserted on 2nd March at the National Obesity Surgery Centre in Manchester.
I'm classed as clinically obese and have tried to lose weight unsuccessfully for years, I just crave and eat the wrong foods. I opted for the balloon instead of the more appropriate weight loss aid as it was non invasive and I could get straight back to work. I would of been more suited to the band, bypass or sleeve but am unable to take the time off work required to recuperate from such an invasive procedure.
I was lucky enough to rec a discount for some reason I can't remember and only paid £3950 for the procedure rather than the £4900 I should of paid.
I don't recall much about the procedure, it wasn't pleasant but it wasn't too bad either, I've also manged to get off quite lightly with the sickness too. I felt very nauseous for the first couple of days but was only physically sick twice. I felt uncomfortable for the first two days too but soon got over that. The heart burn was pretty painfull but soon learnt that a glass of milk took the edge off. I have a couple of restless nights but that was it. It's only been a 11 days since insertion and I feel fine and lucky that I have not suffered as a lot of people of this forum have. What I am struggling with is not knowing of my occasional pains in the stomach are hunger pains or cramps.
What are people eating? I've been eating solids since about day 4, although not too much. My average daily intake is : Weetabix with skimmed milk and sweetner, Yoghurt, soup and for dinner salmon and scrambled egg or bowl of prawns...I only drink water but have milk at hand if the heartburn comes back.
Anyway just really wanted to introduce myself and wish everyone good luck in their weight loss. Thanks again for all your posts, it's helpful and supportive to know I'm not the only going down this path
Week 1 : 5lbs lost
Sacha (UK)
 
Hello, I'm also new to this forum and also down to have the Spatz in Manchester with NOSC. Hoping for a cancellation, otherwise due to go ahead in April. Would love to know how you are getting on as I'm quite worried about the procedure? Is it all worth it in your experience?
Rosy
 
Hi Rosy. So glad I finally have someone to talk to. I was lucky enough to get a cancellation so I hope you do too. The procedure isn't too bad at all. I was there at 10:30 and had the procedure by 11:15am. fist I was taking into a room for a quick chat with the nurse and weighed, then was taken to another nurse and had the needle/IV placed in my hand then off to the doctors office for another chat...it was all so quick and the staff are so nice and really put up at ease. After a few mins with the doctor I was taking straight for the procedure, so you don't have time to get nervous. The procedure itself was uncomfortable but not too bad, to be honest I don't recall much about it, it was over in minutes. I was then wheeled to the recovery room where I laid for around an hour and then I got up dressed and went back to the hotel, I was back there by 1pm. So all in all it wasn't too bad and nothing to worry about. I'm now in my forth week and alls going well so far. Just to reiterate what many people have said on this forum that this isn't a miracle cure, you still really have to work hard too. I still crave all the junk food and chocolate so you still need the willpower to say no. I'm still eating very little and the weight is coming off slowly. I've read on here that some people lose near to a stone in the first week or two, but not me, mines coming off slower but my weight loss was always slow no matter what diet I went on and I was only sick a total of 3 times in all, unlike many others.
So far I'm glad I have had the procedure done but it is still early days, I just hope I can keep my appetite low and keep the weight coming off. If you have any other questions please ask. Good luck and fingers crossed for a cancellation.
Sacha
Week pre balloon 6lbs
Week 1 : 5lbs
week 2 : 3lbs
Week 3 : 4lbs total 1st 4lbs in 4 weeks.
 
rosy said:
Hello, I'm also new to this forum and also down to have the Spatz in Manchester with NOSC. Hoping for a cancellation, otherwise due to go ahead in April. Would love to know how you are getting on as I'm quite worried about the procedure? Is it all worth it in your experience?
Rosy
Click to expand...

Hi Rosy
I had my balloon fitted last August and to date I've lost 4 stone. I've had a bumpy ride. I ended up in hospital for 4 days dehydrated after being sick that many times. My body just wouldn't accept the balloon in the end I went back to Manchester for a readjustment and had some liquid taken out. Instantly my body accepted it. I have had odd acid attacks also but you get to know what you can and can't eat. And like Sacha said it doesn't do it for you you do have to work really hard but now I eat the size of what my 5 year old eats. I look at what my hubby eats and think its awful how much he eats. I speak every week with Carol form the clinic, she answers my questions and advises me on food etc, shes fab. You get your work book aswell to fill in. I have found that I have changed my eating habits BIG time but I've also had some hypnotherapy to work along side the balloon. I needed to change my relationship with food, I have overeaten for 30 odd years and I need to change that habit. I must admit like I said Ihad changed my habits alot but I needed to make sure when its time for my balloon out I had a ready mind set. The actual procedure was fine and you don't remember much. And yes I would do it all again and would recommend it to anyone. I feel fantastic. I was 16st 7lb I am now 12st 7lb and hopefully will get to 12st. And like Sacha just ask if you have any more questions and good luck, let us know how you're getting on.
Jax
 
Hi

Hello Sacha,
I've got my appointment booked for April 13th and am feeling slightly less nervous since I read your messages. Thank you. I really appreciate the feedback. I'm also probably better suited to the gastric band as my BMI is 39 but don't want to do anything so permanent and I need to get back to work as quickly as possible too. Your posts are really encouraging and I hope I'll be as lucky as you were with the procedure and after effects. I will keep you posted and once I am on your side of the procedure maybe we can swap notes a bit and support each other if necessary. Your weight loss so far is excellent, isn't it? You must be pleased!
Hope all continues to go well - Rosy
 
Dear Jax,
I just read your message - thank you. It's encouraging to read that you still think it's worth it despite the early complications you had. I really hope I'll get off more lightly as I am quite nervous about the possible complications, but I suppose you can't tell who will suffer and who won't in advance.
I was interested in what you said about your husband: my husband is such a healthy eater and I'm so greedy - I hope that one day I'll be able to look at his plate and think it's huge too. I hope I manage this and get to the 4 stone+ stage. Once I imagine myself past the procedure and the initial difficulties, I am actually a little bit excited to have this chance and hope I can make the most of it as you seem to be doing.
Best wishes,
Rosy
 
Hi Rosy.
Just wondered how you were feeling, exicted I hope. Only a few more days to wait. I'm sure the past few weeks have gone very slow for you. I really hope you don't suffer too much like poor Jax. Week 6 and I've lost 1st 10lbs which I'm happy with.
Try and drop us an update when you feel up to it and let us know how your feeling. I'm sure Jax and I will be thining of you on Saturday.
Luv Sacha
 
I'm having gastric balloon in 7day very excited. Can anybody tell me how much weight they have lost in the 6months I'm worried that I won't loose what I need to but going for it anyway :) I only need to get less than 3stone off to be at my target weight.. Very excited to fit into a nice bakini for my holiday in summer xxx
 
Hi Sami
I wish I only had 3 stone to lose :) Sticking with a healthy diet I'm sure you should be able to lose the 3 stone in 6 months.
I've lost 1 stone 10lbs in 6 weeks.
Good luck for the procedure, it will be over in minutes.
Let us know how you get on
Sacha
 
Hi Sacha,
I am through to the other side. I seem to have got off very lightly so far - some nausea, bloating and cramps - but nothing else: I think I have been really lucky. It's now almost 72 hours since the procedure. I am already eating a little soft food. I hope this doesn't mean that the balloon isn't large enough to help with the weight loss though!
Like you I have scant recollections of the procedure itself but it certainly wasn't as traumatic as I'd feared. All of the staff were very efficient, friendly and kind.
Thanks again for your encouragement earlier on - I kept reminding myself of how well you'd done on the drive down to Manchester.
Hope all is still going well for you,
love,
Rosy
 
I'm on day 3 now after the procedure. Not attempted to eat anything yet. Can't stop being sick and half the time I'm sticking my fingers down my throat to make me feel better, is this normal? Mite try a noodle soup l8er or Sumthing but not feel hungry at all. Please let me no how your getting on need someone to talk to as I'm doing this all on my own thanks Sami
 
Hi Sammi,

I am on day 5 after balloon. First off don't make yourself sick, it will cause damage to your throat and make you feel worse.

Have you been given any anti sickness meds? Day 3 was hell for me , I really wanted to get the balloon out and was about to stick my hands down my throat and pull it out lol!

Just stick to water if you are not hungry or ice pops! They give you taste in your mouth without being too heavy
 
Yes have been drinking plenty off water and manage a full yogurt 2day :) sickness calmed down now but still got this pain on my tummy that makes me wanna be sick. Weird feeling. I was given some tablets and sum wax looking bullet things apparently to stick up my bum lol, I had it done in Prague so I cudnt quite understand what they was saying to me about the meds the English over there was terrible. Has the sickness stopped for u now then? I just wana be able to feel normal again :/
 
Sami1988 said:
I had it done in Prague so I cudnt quite understand what they was saying to me about the meds the English over there was terrible. Has the sickness stopped for u now then? I just wana be able to feel normal again :/
Click to expand...

The yoghurt sounds like a positive step forwards but I'm sorry about the sickness... Its a shame that the standard of English is not great in Prague. That is one thing that concerns me about the idea of going abroad for my much needed loose skin surgery...

Were you happy with the cleanliness and quality of treatment over there?

Did you meet other English speaking people having other types of surgery?
 
Hey Everyone. i had my balloon fitted on the 12th at the same time as my mum. We both went to Prague with new you to have it done. The clinic was perfect; private and very personal. We had our balloons fitted with in the same 40 minutes. Mums procedure lasted 25 mins and mine lasted 15. They give you so much sedation that you know of nothing. I remember walking in and lying down, an uncomfortable poke in the throat and leaving 15 mins later. it felt like seconds and the staff treated me fantastically. We both had 700 ml balloons inserted.

I've not read much on any site about the after effects, well.. i thought i had and then realized living it and reading it are two massively different things. After the procedure i slept in and out for about 36 hours, only waking for more pain killers and to vomit.

We arrived home on the Sunday, the plane was not a pleasant ride.
By Monday i was being violently sick every two hours, for around 24 hours. i barely slept. i was getting really weak with lack of food and i was constantly feeling depressed. by this time i was starting to thing the balloon wasn't worth all the pain i was going through and i was ready to rip the damn thing out.
Then on Wednesday i was eating yogurt and soup (granted only tiny amounts of each) and no longer went dizzy when i stood up. i was getting some of my colour back into my face and i braved my bath (gross but true).
On Friday i was eating bites of mash and toast, i was no longer being sick after food and i was even starting to enjoy what i was tasting.

We are on day eight now i started out on Friday at 14 stone and 9 pounds. As of today i weigh 13 stone and 7 pounds.
That's 16 pounds in EIGHT days... i haven't weight under 14 stone for 4 years :)

The pain, sickness, crying, discomfort and drama is forgotten and i am immensely happy that i had the procedure. Now i still get occasional discomfort in my stomach that feels like I've been punched but its easing. sleeping can only be done on my side.

A lot of people are talking about acid re-flux and heart burn, i was getting it terribly during the first few days and that was contributing to my sickness. I got my GP up to speed with my procedure and what medication i had been given and he prescribed me a pill called lansoprazole. it cannot be taken with ant-acid medication but you don't need it. i take one pill every night and I've not had an acid problem in three days and it feels great. i would recommend asking your GP about it if your having acid problems.

All the best :) Alex
 
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