Gastric Balloon Forum

I had the Orbera 365 inserted 2 weeks ago. In the first week I lost 3 pounds and this week I haven’t lost anything at all. Is this normal? I am eating around 800 calories and walking 30 mins a day. Has anyone else had the same experience? Thanks

Hi My partner had a Allurion balloon fitted 4 days ago. She has been losing each day but today she has put on 3 lb. She has been stringent with her diet. Is this normal when starting to eat pureed food?

Heading to disney and wondering how long it look after balloon placement before you can go on a rollercoaster or if your even able to at all.

Hello, I got the procedure done 3 weeks ago in Mexico. I’m back in the States and still feeling very full and nauseous all the time. I’m vomiting every evening before going to bed. I started with the liquid diet for a week, then the bland diet, but now had to go back to the liquid cause my stomach can’t take anything else. Has anyone had this problem? Does it last for much longer? Any tips on how to handle it? Any input would be greatly appreciated! **I've lost 15 lbs so far.

So its been interesting reading so many people saying bad things about the gastric balloon, because for me, even though its very early days, it is going really well. I have lost 8kg since my procedure on May 21st (starting weight 134.9kg which I think is just under 300 pounds?, height 5'6), I am, as advertised, not hungry at all, and while the first week I was cramping somewhat, I haven't vomited or had any nausea at all. I haven't had any issues in the puree stage and am already finding some soft foods are okay too, though I do still feel more comfortable on liquids so I am dialing it back a bit and taking the transition slower as the fullness is hard to (lol) stomach. …

Im on day 5 and the heartburn is crippling me - does this last the whole 4 months?

PLEASE HELP? Hoping someone here can help me more than the MD's office. I am only 4 days in with the Orbera ballon in place, and having the HARDEST TIME drinking enough fluids. I take sips as instructed, but then it hurts so much i have a hard time taking in more. Protein shakes are so hard to finish. Has anyone had this same problem and worried about actual mal-nutrition? I have gotten an IV each day, but calories I'm not getting enough of. Thoughts? Tips?

I’m on Day 4 after having an Orbera 365 fitted. I’ve foolishly eaten 3 mozzarella sticks and a bit of pepperoni. Will I be ok? Should I make myself sick? Help!

I just wanted to relay my sons story. He is a 15 year old sophomore in high school. He weighed 280 pounds and his 6‘1“ in height. We had tried every manner of diet/weight loss regiment to no avail. I knew his weight was a major issue for him psychologically and that he wanted to change. I researched all options from medication to surgery. After much research, we decided on the gastric balloon. No surgery. No recovery. Can be reversed easily. He had the balloon placed on August 20th. As of today, he’s lost 18 pounds. He’s been doing very well with the whole situation. He had about three days of post procedure issues with nausea and vomiting.…

Hi everyone. I had my balloon inserted on 12th of May. Since then I was vomiting every day, even though I didn’t eat anything. I’m constantly in pain, and I have no idea what to do. Is day six already and it’s not getting any better. Please tell me I’m not alone…

Hey due to have balloon done on the 12th April this year just wondering if there are any UK members here who are going in on the same day at stafford to have there's done x

I had the Orbera balloon placed this past Friday. They told me I WOULD be nauseated and I WOULD vomit for a couple of days. Today is late Tuesday night and I've had none of it! Don't think me luck too fast. I won't lie. I have had the heartburn from hell. I mean, heartburn that I can feel in my ears! It's brutal, even with all the meds, and starting one for heartburn a week before surgery. Yesterday was a little better, but I woke up at 3 am with so much heartburn pain I had to get up. I'm hoping that tonight will be better. It's true that lying on your left side is the most comfortable. Fortunately I have an adjustable bed so I can raise it up as needed. Another side eff…

Does anyone have advice for how to alleviate the persistent diarrhea my wife is experiencing? She got the Orbera balloon, and she’s on the 4th or maybe 5th week. She’s loosing a lot of sleep because it wakes her up all throughout the night. It doesn’t happen every night and we haven’t identified a specific food as a cause yet. I suspect she needs to increase her fiber intake. Also, how can I make sure she’s staying adequately hydrated and getting adequate nutrients? The doctor she used provides this monitoring for free to his patients, but we would have to take a flight to do that. And her insurance (Keiser) doesn’t cover any of this. Could we use prompt care?

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I had the balloon for a year and got it removed last april. It didnt work for me. No restriction felt, I ate normally. Only time I felt it is when I ate quickly. I am a emotional eater, I dont think I was prepared very well. But honestly its best investing money elsewhere.

Hi, I am determined to get a gastric balloon, but there are so many options: spatz3, orbera, reshape, obalon. Has anyone one had any of these, what was your experience? Has anyone had a balloon put in Mexico? I choose Mexico because it's cheaper then what they are charging me. I have been talking to dr.ismael v bailon. Sent from my SM-N910T3 using the BariatricPal App

Ok so I've had my Orbera Gastric Balloon since July 26. I have lost 15 pounds most being in the beginning when I was so sick. I am seriously getting really discouraged. I am 55-years old so I'm thinking I am fighting menopause and trying to lose weight at the same time. I have tried a combination of things to get this going. I have tried eating a big healthy Breakfast around 10 or 11 and have also tried no breakfast and a larger lunch and very little dinner. I also constantly struggle with cramping! If I eat something that doesn't agree with me I am in big trouble with cramps. The only thing that helps is laying down and massaging my stomach, it helps. I also get…

Any veteran gastric balloon patients? I was wondering how things are going long term with this procedure. I know there are risks with all bariatric surgeries. The FDA released this update in August 10th 2018 https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/letters-health-care-providers/update-potential-risks-liquid-filled-intragastric-balloons-letter-health-care-providers-0

I would like to warn new people who are thinking to go in for balloon. it is a total waste of money,time, and energy. I had spatz balloon placed in order to loose weight which backfired and i increased 2 kg with balloon though first 2 weeks i lost 4 kg as i wasnt eating anything. Even doctors were like what the heck but didn't have any answer and refilled the ballon with more saline water. But i kept having cramps in stomach for first few weeks and bad hunger pangs and feel pukey all the time.also if you sleep on side or on stomach you have to keep adjusting whole night which is another problem not having enough sleep. All of a sudden my sugar levels would go below 40 …

I just wanted to share my experience in case it is helpful to someone else considering using the Obalon balloon. I had the first balloon placed on 4/1, and the second balloon placed three weeks later. I've lost 17 pounds this first month and have very little appetite. Unfortunately, if I'm not careful I find that I have stomach upset/vomiting. While unpleasant, it has definitely led to me eating slowing (so I am sure to stop when I am full) and choosing my foods carefully (things like beans and chopped veggies don't seem to always agree now with my stomach). I am thrilled at how things are going so far. Because I'm not able to eat more than 700-900 calories, I'm try…

Got the balloon in Dec. 2017 and had it removed in June 2018. I thought that if I cold drop 30 or so pounds then I could get more active and keep it off... WRONG! Lost 28 pounds and all was good for a few months but then the weight started to slowly come back. I think if you're really well educated on your new diet and you can stick with it, you might have better results than I did. Next week I'm having gastric sleeve surgery. I spent $6,000 for the balloon and now $16,000 for the sleeve.

first time poster here-- I wanted to start writing a bit about my journey, not just to help other people by sharing my experience but also to help myself express my feelings. Warning, this is going to be a long post! Also I originally wrote this on another forum where there doesnt seem to be a lot of traffic, so I'm copying it here in hopes of more conversation. It's been just about a month since I had the Reshape balloon inserted (October 22). This is one of the various gastric balloons on the market, with the theory being that the balloon will take up some space in your stomach and force you into better portion control. The Reshape is actually two balloons tethered…

Minha felicidade não se mede.

Considering going to MX to have the balloon procedure in about a month. I have some basic questions: 1. If sticking to diet and exercise is crucial for the balloon to work, then why would one need the balloon? Diet and exercise are the key to all weight loss. (This may seem like a stupid question, but to me it makes perfect sense to ask.) 2. What happens if you do overeat with the balloon. Not planning to, but let’s face it...most of us never write in on our calendars “binge next Thursday “. Yet it still happens. 3. Any thoughts on Mexico Bariatric Center in Tijuana? Dr Rodrigues Lopez is the doctor.

I had the gastric balloon procedure done on , 7/12/2018 but I haven't really lost more than 5 pounds. I'm sorta disappointed, but at the same time feel a bit lost. I was given a generic booklet to follow, but obviously it hasn't been working too well for me. I had the initial 3 days of nausea, but since then I honestly haven't even needed the medications they gave me. My stomach is back to normal. Which is good and bad. Good, because I can eat pretty much anything without discomfort. Bad because I can pretty much eat anything in smaller quantities without discomfort. I am working on getting an exercise routine down which is my biggest hurdle. I'm thinking i'm going to go …

Good afternoon! I had the Orbera gastric balloon removed a couple of weeks ago and so far, so good! I know I was very curious about what to expect (both in terms of having the balloon and then later getting it removed), so I thought I would share some of my thoughts and experiences with you here. RESULTS I lost 47.8 pounds while I had the balloon. I was shooting for 40 but hoping for 50. Considering that during the time I had the balloon I got married, went on a honeymoon, was surprised with a couple of showers before, hosted a reunion of sorts, hosted a baby shower, traveled for work several times and to visit extended family, and attended a number of other busin…

Hi All! I finally took the step and scheduled my Obera procedure. It's in 3 days and I'm nervous about what to expect. And I'm certainly not looking forward to the 48 clear liquid diet prep. Ugh. Any tips or insight would be much appreciated! Thanks!

So happy I found this forum. I had no idea gastric balloons existed until a few weeks ago but it sounded perfect for me. Like many, my weight controls my life...I'm miserable feeling and looking like I do. But this procedure gives me hope that I can change my habits and use this as a tool for the next 6 months. I'm scared to death of how I will feel post-op. Is it painful? The vomiting has me nervous as well...how will I keep my medicine down? I know cramping and vomiting are to be expected but what about general pain? I've read that some docs provide pain meds in addition to the anti-cramping and anti-nausea meds but my doctor feels I won't need pain meds. I…

I’m considering a balloon and want to see how others have faired. Mostly interested in the middle bit since it seems like most people get better but some still struggle with nausea etc. and nausea is the worst. And I’m a toddler teacher which is impossible to do when you’re not feeling 100% Nw I’ve got two girls. How many weeks/days until folks started to really feel like themselves again. Thanks!

What is best powder protein to use for reasonable price Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Does anyone know of anyone who gained weight after pouch and then still lost and was successful ???? Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Ok so I'm new to this but I have a few questions I had my gastric sleeve done 4 years ago. I lost 80 lbs and then in 7 months was pregnant. Since I gained all my weight back has anyone else ever been In this situation??? If so did the pouch reset help I still get full i just need to change my lifestyle eating habits Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi! So I was wondering how your experiences with the balloon were.

Hi guys! So my mom got the gastric balloon in Wednesday and since then she has been spitting up what we assume is blood. What should we do? I was going to contact the doctors however they were closed. Has anyone else experienced this? Should we go to the hospital? Like other than this she has had the typical symptoms, vomiting, acidity, and some discomfort. Please let me know what we should do or if this is a typical symptoms because I’m honestly extremely worried. Thank you!

Hello! I am considering the gastric balloon after not being able to go through with the sleeve back in May. Did anyone get theirs done in Tijuana? I need to locate a doctor out there that does the procedure. Any recommendations or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!! Nancy

Hey all! I'm really excited to have my balloon place on 8/31. I have previously had some success with saxenda but couldn't keep off the weight long term. My doctor is including 8 sessions with her & 12 sessions with a nutritionist that will go over my diet and measure my weight, hopefully inches lost and body fat % change. I hope that with the nutritionist and the doctors visit I will stay focused and make life style changes that will become second nature at the end of the 1 year journey. I'm 30 years old and ready for the change!! How has everyone's journey been going?

Hey -- Important article here in the LA Times. The FDA is investigating the balloon after reports of deaths soon after the procedure: http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-gastric-balloon-20170810-story.html

So I am now a few days into my Orbera placement. Surgery day was fine. 2nd day by far the worst. But I have to say , the hardest part for me was the sore muscles from the anesthesia. Aching so much I could barely stand up. Had some nausea and acid reflux, but no vomiting. I am still on liquids and my surgeon sounded like she didn't want me off those until after my post op, next Wednesday. Tough to get in all the protein needed as I am not hungry and protein shakes are not my favorite. Looking forward to getting well and focusing on changing my lifestyle.

Hi! So glad to find a support group, thank you for all of your frank posts, it is great to read through your experiences and share your successes! I had a very toxic experience with the lap band, after an adjustment and then removal decided to try the Orbera Balloon. I'm struggling with it, lots of heartburn to the point that I don't even want to eat - and let me tell you, I LOVE to EAT!!! My first few weeks I was praying for the sweet relief of death, the heartburn was awful, only throwing up helped - gross and not great, I know. I'm in the 5th week and have gotten the heartburn under control with meds and halting all food by 5 PM to make sure I have 4 sol…

Sooo I had my balloon in aug 2016, and out feb 2017... great experience, lost like 30 lbs... but now I'm slowly putting the weight back on and it sux! My doctor and I have already arranged to put a 2nd balloon in, in July but I wish I could get something more permanent but with a bmi of 26 (25 on a good day) she says there's no way I would qualify for anything other than the balloon... ugh I'm so depressed about this but I just figure I have so many bad habits to break and I just couldn't break them all the first time around... I totally quit smoking and hardly drink alcohol anymore... but it's the carbs! Damn carbs! I workout 5 days a week for over 90 minutes plus I get …

I had my Orbera balloon inserted a little over four weeks ago. The first week I could barely keep liquids down. The second and third weeks I could eat very soft foods (pudding, scrambled eggs), but the stomach acid was terrible and I made myself throw up - often every day. Not a great idea, but the acid and reflux was very bad. Now after a month the acid situation is significantly better, but the nausea isn't. I have stomach cramps that are a bit like labor pains of the stomach - they last about 20 seconds, then get better for 30 seconds, then start again. I know the stomach tries to 'digest' the balloon for a while, and that's why you get some of the nausea. I'm worried …

I am in the process of being cleared for bariatric surgery - all that I am now awaiting is the final dietician meeting in a few weeks. I have 90-100 lbs to lose. I have done a lot of research and am convinced I do not want a permanent surgery, such as the sleeve or bypass. My surgeon is fine with providing the LapBand surgery, which is covered by my insurance. Now it looks like I'll soon be spending about 6 weeks in another country where I could legally get a gastric balloon - I know is not cleared by the FDA in the USA. I have done research about the Spatz3 balloon, which can be kept in the stomach for up to a year. (http://www.spatzmedical.com/faq.html)…

I have scheduled the ReShape (2 balloon) procedure for this Friday. I'm excited but nervous. I think what I'm most anxious about is sticking to a healthy diet once they are out in December and being able to get to my goal weight on my own from there as my doctor said I could expect to lose on average 20-40 pounds with the balloons. I hope its the latter after going to all the trouble and cost, but I know everyone is different. I've told friends about the balloons and they look at me like I have 2 heads! I admit I thought it was a little "out there" when I first heard about it but I've tried year after year after year to lose weight trying everything else.

We are giving away 25 Audible.com copies of Conquer Obesity: Your Step-By-Step Guide to Lasting Weight Loss with the Gastric Balloon! The audiobook is now on sale at Audible, iTunes, and Amazon. Please respond to this topic if you use a code so others know which codes were used and which are still available. To download your free audiobook: 1. Go to my book's page on Audible.com: https://www.audible.com/pd/Health-Fitness/Conquer-Obesity-Audiobook/B071ZJDJDY 2. Add the audiobook to your cart. 3. If you are prompted to sign in, please create a new Audible.com account or log in. Otherwise, proceed by clicking “Do you have a promotional code?” beneath the cov…

Hi everyone! My name is Tonya and I am currently shopping Gastric Balloon procedures. I have looked into the Sleeve and Bypass procedures too and really like them but feel like the Balloon gives me a tool to change my life in a permanent way without permanently altering my body with surgery. Any recommendations on who to trust in Mexico (or who not to trust...)? Costs locally are $7000 (Orbera) and $6,900 (Reshape) cash/credit up front. These prices include nutritional counseling, procedure, removal, and visits with the doctor. Insurance does not cover any costs for weight loss procedures including the sleeve or bypass. I am also just trying to catch up on the…

Hi all, I just had the reshape balloons put in on Wednesday. The first day was awful, I threw up a lot. I, getting a little better but uncomfortable. Anyone else out the just starting out?

Hi, I'm new to this site but feel compelled to give my review of the Adjsutable Gastric Orbera Balloon procedure and weight loss afterwards. I started at 51 years old 103 kg. I lost 17 kg in a year with the balloon. That was Nov 2014. Now all the weight is back on. After researching all weight loss surgeries and procedures I really wanted a kick start but not an invasive, risky and permanent surgery which I thought was a bit drastic for my particular circumstances. I have been overweight all my life really. I think I was looking pretty good at age 17 in a bikini but even then I was 70kg. FIrst child born at age 23 and from then on till age 50 I have fl…

Hi all - I just started researching weight loss procedures. I'm 43 and have 75 lbs to lose. I've tried Nutrisystem, a shake only diet, Ideal Protein, Functional Medicine detox, intense exercise...and always lost 20 lbs - that's it though. I admit that I don't always follow ALL of the rules so that's probably why. I'm frustrated and found out about the balloon. Any advice? Does it work? Regrets? Anyone in Baton Rouge have recommendations? Thanks!

on the 16th of march went in to get my 1st ballon at my doctors office 20 mins into it something went very wrong started to feel very bad pain my stomach and the my chest it got super ugly an hour an half later i was dying they finally sent me to the hospital in a mini van with a parking security guard left me at hospital which i end up passing out waiting to be taken care off 5 hours later i woke up in recovery the ballon had been removed and today 3 days later i still feel like shit i thank god i did not die but i am sure nothing can feel that bad

Seeking a good place for weight loss baloon or Spatz in Mexico. Can someone tell me about good places.