Gastric Balloon Forum

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

Hola everyone.. I am on day two of orbera insertion. I feel okay no throwing up or nauseous. BUTTT I have the worst heartburn and stomach cramps. I have been taking my meds, but I dont think they are working any more. Please share some tips...

I am an RNY patient... 5 yrs out gained 20-25 lbs from total lost (SW 250 - LW 165 - CW 199) - would like to get back to 170-175 - easier on my joints/muscles/body overall. Would the balloon work as a kickstart/temp revision for getting back on track? I'm doing better with food - smaller portions, more protein/protein first, no liquids with meal, better Water intake, fresh fruits/veggies - low carbs but just can't seem to get the weight off. Very low exercise but that's b/c it hurts to exercise with the extra weight. I've never gotten over 199 since re-entering "one-derland" but I don't want to get there either. Anyone have any suggestions, testimonies, advic…

BariatricPal is announcing the publication of “Conquer Obesity: Your Step-By-Step Guide to Lasting Weight Loss with the Bariatric Balloon,” written by main author and BariatricPal CEO Alex Brecher. BariatricPal runs leading online weight loss surgery support forums and runs The BariatricPal Store, which sells bariatric foods and supplements. The book is a step-by-step approach to helping patients succeed with the gastric balloon. New York, NY, January 14, 2017. “Conquer Obesity: Your Step-By-Step Guide to Lasting Weight Loss with the Bariatric Balloon” is a companion for any patient who is considering getting gastric balloon as a weight loss aid. The book’s main author …

How much time would you leave between balloon insertion and going on an overseas holiday (4 hour flight).

Where do I begin? My daughter received the procedure last week - January 2017. After thoroughly researching the procedure and doctors, we settled on Weightloss Agents due to cost. Plus, I was encouraged after seeing a special segment on ABC featuring the doctor's office in Tijuana. They didn't mention the facility's name, but I assumed it was the same office as Weightloss agents. Here's a summary of our experience: 1. The pre-op instructions were only available on the website. They have a nice website, but after I paid my balance in full I had no need to check it every day. As such, I totally missed the pre-op instructions which gave important information as t…

Hello everyone, I'm new here and getting ready for an Orbera procedure on January 12. I'm nervous, excited and a bunch of other emotions about this whole thing. I'm also trying to find a good Protein source (the idea of pureeing meat is just gross to me). What Protein shakes or powders have you found to be best? What should I be stocking my kitchen/fridge with? I got a Nutrabullet for an early Christmas present to help me make smoothies to drink/eat. Anyone else have one of these? Just trying to get everything in order before the big day. Also, one of the things I have been thinking about is what my relationship with food will be during and after this is all over. M…

Hi! I'm new here,& considering getting the balloon. I was wondering what (if anything) you told your family & friends about your weight loss? Did you choose not to say anything, and attribute it to better eating/exercise? Thanks!

Is it possible to follow the weight watchers diet w you orbera balloon in? I'm trying to decide if I should go on & cancel my monthly membership.

I know the Gastric Balloon BMI range is 30 - 40 to have the procedure done. But also have seen something while researching about those over the 40 BMI who have had it done to lose weight to qualify for another surgery (not my goal). Like this procedure. Looking for something without cutting, but would have to lose about 50 lbs to be at 40 BMI. Thanks.

Anyone have any trouble going through TSA?

Since currently gastric balloon is self pay and not covered by any insurance company in the US, how expensive were the post insertion medications (patch, anti nausea, emetic, etc.) or was it included with the surgery costs or did insurance pick them up?

Hi all, I'm new to this forum so here's a brief introduction...I'm a female, 5-9", current weight 210, 43 years old. I'm interested in losing about 35 pounds total. I carry most of my weight in my hips and thighs, with some back fat and a slight hang to my stomach fat. My BMI is 31. I had a consult for the Orbera yesterday and I'm seriously considering doing this after the holidays (mainly because of time off concerns). I have read a lot of this forum and the information provided by the doctor. I think this is the jump start that I need to get me going. I can maintain weight loss pretty well, but I haven't been disciplined enough to do what it takes to take the weight…

I have had my balloon in for 8 days now and I feel like crap ALL the time. I am taking my medications just like the doctor told me to, but I don't feel normal and barely get any relief. My stomach feels bloated all day long and I feel nausea most of the day. I was told that the hardest days were the first 3 or 4, but no one ever mentioned it going past that. Anyone out there have the same experience? Any advice? P.S. I have lost 5lbs so far.

I have had my balloon in for 11 days and I still feel terrible. I am taking my medications when I am supposed to, but I swear I don't get any relief. My stomach hurts all day long and now my back has started hurting. I can't seem to eat more than two to three bites and then I feel like I might throw up. Is this normal? Am I going to feel better soon? I am honestly considering having the balloon taken out. I don't feel like myself anymore and have no energy for anything. Feeling sad...

My time with the balloon is almost up. I'm curious how those of you who had the balloon are doing now. How was the removal? Were you happy with your overall results and experience? How is life post-balloon? How you lost, maintained or gained since then? Now that you've concluded your time with the balloon, would you recommend it to others? In general, do you have any advice for those of us who are approaching removal? Your perspective would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Has anyone had any issues with their gastric balloon getting stuck in an uncomfortable position in their stomach? I was moving around to much dancing and the balloon shifted inside of me and now it's in a uncomfortable spot. My assured me I'm ok but wish I could alleviate the problem. It's really uncomfy. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have a date for my balloon insertion. Next Wednesday! I'm very excited but nervous too. Hopefully I'll be able to manage the nausea and cramping. I held a balloon at the doctors and I must say, I was surprised how heavy it felt. Any hints or advice for me? Can;t wait to join you all on this journey and lose this weight and get my health back.

I just had balloon placed on 8/29. No complications with procedure itself as far as I know. I wasn't wearing my contacts during the procedure. Now my near sighted vision is blurred with either my glasses or contacts. Has anybody heard of this? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello, I am scheduled for my balloon on 8/29 at 8 am. Any advice? Anything that I should be aware of? I am getting the balloon after canceling my gastric sleeve back in May. I decided not to go through with it because I just felt like that surgery wasn't right for me. My BMI is now 31. Thank you all!!

I have read that if you had any stomach surgeries you can't do the balloon. Does that included tummy tucks?

I've stumbled on some interesting things lately ... both good and bad. I thought I would share them here and hope that others will do the same. :-) First, I found a recipe that looked decent enough (in terms of nutritional value, taste and ease), but it did not include the nutrition information so I was not sure. I then discovered a website that I will calculate the nutritional value of any recipe. Pretty cool! Check it out: https://www.caloriecount.com/cc/recipe_analysis.php That recipe was really begging to be served with rice or another grain, but I didn't want to add all of those calories. Trader Joe's to the rescue with Organic Riced Cauliflower - only …

Hey ya'll I am in Egypt and I had the Medisil Russian ballon inserted on 7/30. It's been 22 days. I have lost 5 Kg which is 11 pounds. I try to watch what I eat. If I overeat or eat and drink at the same time- you know- sulfur gas top and bottom- it's the worst thing ever. So to make my life easier I just drink tons of water in the morning and evening and have a large meal in the middle of the day but as early as I can get it in. For exercise I just try to keep around the house, chores- some squats nothing too serious. I've got 5 kids, with a breastfeeding baby so you can imagine my day is very busy. I was 105kg/231lbs and 5'2". I am hoping I can lose 30kg/66lbs. I hope:…

I have learned that I eat for just about any reason, none of them the right reason; actual hunger. Also, I sure can see how a person can become bulimic. Having a balloon makes vomiting almost commonplace . What say you? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have read a lot of your journeys and suggestions, now just to get through the 2 days prior to procedure. I'm already so thankful for this forum!

I just had an appointment with the bariatric surgeon who said he thinks the balloon is a waste of money, weight loss is slow and at times people lose no weight. He said recovery is very very hard and they often need to be removed. I have seen this guy before and he was much ore positive the first time. I'm really at a loss now. Really had my heart set on the procedure.

Has anyone experienced extreem fatigue after having the balloon placed? I am 3+ weeks out and struggling with extreem fatigue. I am sleeping 12-15 hours a day. I am getting my water and protein in and I don't think I am depressed and my bloodwork is good. If you have experienced fatigue, has any doctor explained why? I see with some of the gastric surgeries a lot of people expierence fatigue, but has anyone experienced it for a couple of weeks or more with the balloon?

I'm 4 1/2 months in and just recently began what I think is the balloon - it is directly under my left rib when I lie on my back. Unusual? It is somewhat uncomfortable until I turn onto my side. Anyone else have a similar experience? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My six months are up! My balloon will be removed tomorrow!!! I have lost 35 lbs. Has anyone else had theirs removed? I have no idea how I will be feeling. I hope I don't feel as bad as when I had the procedure done!

My dietician has given me advice to eat protein rich low fat meals with veggies after 10 days of balloon placement. She said wet foods/meals are ideal. Any ideas? Spag bol is one and my low fat curry. Anyone know any websites with free recipes? EDIT: in terms of spag bol I mean the sauce on top of shredded veg.

I had my balloon placed on July 11 and I'm very frustrated. I honestly had a very easy time the first week. Some nausea and cramping but no vomiting at all. Placement on Monday and went to work on Friday. I have had a very easy time with my diet though the first week of course I ate very little but even the second week I felt very little restriction and had no reflux at all. Last Friday that seemed to all change which I actually welcomed because after all the physical reminder to eat less is what I paid for as assistance to my weight loss efforts. I think my frustration is because the weight loss part just isn't happening. I am not at all looking for the magic pi…

i could definitely feel like there was a foreign object within my stomach the first three weeks. i described it as a little gremlin in my belly, haha. but now it's as if i don't feel it at all.. is that normal? especially this soon? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi all, I am booked to get the Orbera inserted next week and I have mixed emotions! Excited, nervous, anxious!! I would love to hear from you and if you have any tips for me pre and post insertion. What has worked best for you? I'm trying to equip myself with enough knowledge to go into this with as much info as possible. Thanks for your time and support!

It's so hard to keep track of how much I've lost when the fluctuations are HUGE! I know some fluctuation is normal but seeing the scale go up 6 or 7 pounds overnight and then back down is driving me nuts. Does anybody else have this problem with orbera? I've only had it for 2 weeks and I wonder if my body is just adjusting weird.

What kind of results are people getting...

Today was a good day. I passed the 38 pound mark since my procedure. But more importantly, I passed the 100 pound mark since my all time high. I couldn't be happier! :-) Furthermore, while I am pretty good at getting regular exercise in, I struggle to get in over 10,000 steps a day. But today I did it for the first time in I don't know how long! In fact, I am almost at 12,000 now, and I have not even had a pedometer on all day!! :-D Yup ... it's been a good day. I've got about 2.5 months to go. Surely I can break 40 pounds, and maybe even 50, by then?!? So many people say that they stop losing after three months so I don't want to get my hopes up, but ... We…

just had my balloon placed july 7th! the experience hasn't been nearly as rough as i expected. i was one of two cases that were the first for the doctor i work with. we are now the second facility in MS to offer the orbera balloon. we are the guinea pigs, i guess you could say.. but can't complain when it is free! anyway, once i have more food intake and feel strong enough to exercise, im curious as to how it feels with the balloon? you can obviously feel there is something foreign within your stomach without much activity at all. is it extremely uncomfortable when you progress further into working out? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

This will be only mildly amusing to some. It's been a while since I could feel my balloon 24/7, usually only when I've eaten, am running or doing some body mindfulness meditation (so insanely helpful when you're not sure that you are feeling full, I've been following a mindful eating philosophy and it is hugely helpful). Anyway, today I was sitting on my sofa chatting with some friends, I was sitting with my left leg curled up against my chest and I got excited about the conversation and bounced a bit. So I am very amused to share that when my knee is bent up and I bounce I can hear a bouncy/sloshing noise coming from my balloon. The little guy is just saying 'hi'. I…

I'm on day 5 and still supposed to be on puree diet but I haven't had any nausea or vomiting. I honestly cannot take any more liquid foods. Any suggestions on what to start with regarding soft foods? Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Hi everyone! I'm scheduled for June 28 for my Obera Balloon! Got my meds, Jello, popsicles,tea,broth,etc. Any other must have suggestions!? Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Bluegh. Such an awful day today (though not really that bad, still able to function and go to the gym - even though I had to scale it back massively). Not sure what's happening but I started with an Optifast shake at 0600, had a coffee on skim milk at 1100 and it's now 1700 and I'm still gurgling up coffee, like it just hasn't gone anywhere. Peculiar and off putting. Though if this is the worst that I'll have to deal with (initial days aside) I guess I'm doing well. I'm also finding I just have zero interest in food. Struggling to make 5-600 cal a day. Possibly because I'm still on puree and what I can eat isn't really appealing to me, but then... Nothing really is. …

Great article with pics explaining all the non invasive devices for weight loss, that can be placed through the mouth, with no invasive surgery. For some reason I cannot get link to start a beginning of article, just use the slider at bottom of page to go to page one. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3460649/#__ffn_sectitle

I'm scheduled to have my ReShape balloon inserted on 7/7. I've so far lost 8 pounds since making the decision on 5/26. (Starting weight 265, current weight 257.) I'm hoping to be closer to 250 by my procedure date. I'm nervous but excited to take this proactive step. My immediate goal is to get enough weight off that I can exercise somewhere other than the pool - right now the pressure on my joints is enough that it's dangerous for me to go barefoot or do any exercise that requires shifting all my weight to one foot. Reading everyone's stories has been a huge help as has talking with three close friends who have lost 100+ pounds (two who have kept it off, one w…

Hello I live 2 hours from my doctor and vomited once in the car ride home this afternoon. I took my medications when in the car and then again when I got home: zofran ,(generic is ondansetron) Phenergan (generic is promethazine) suppositories, and Levsin (generic is hyoscamine). I've thrown up twice tonight...sigh! I keep telling myself this will get better. I just wish the meds would help. I've sipped a little low cal Gatorade (G2). It tasted good and it only stayed down for 2 hours...until I threw up again. Please tell me this gets better! I really want this to work. Trixie

Hello! First i will mention I have been looking and considering WLS for quite some years. I had decided to go with a sleeve, and was looking at Mexican surgeons, and got hit by a wave of err, caution, would be the word for it. i decided I would investigate a lot of other options first. So for the last few weeks, nigh a month, I have been reading lots of articles about what is available in the non surgical world for weight loss. I mentioned wishing for a forum here in bariatric pal that would help me find others that are looking into this too, and voila, Alex heard my request and here it is. I hope others that are considering this would chime in, and especially thos…

I'm currently taking my last sips of Water before midnight. I'm getting the balloon in tomorrow extra early and I am really nervous! I wanted to start a new forum so I can update everyone on my experience. I'm getting it done in New Brunswick, NJ. Height 5'3 Weight 209 I will hopefully be well enough to update everyone tomorrow. I am fully stocked with a wedge pillow, dollar store buckets, popsicles, Isopure zero carb drinks, yogurt, chicken broth and medications.

Hi there- I am newly registered, but have been lurking and following this group for a while now. Thank you all for sharing your experiences along the way. I have learned so much from each and every one of you and would like to extend a special shoutout to WaywardTraveler for sharing so much fantastic information. I have one simple question for anyone who has already had their ballon placed. Do you have any regrets? Would you do it again or recommend it to your best friend? I know that everyone's experience is different, but I would love to know what the consensus is on regretting the balloon or feeling like it is worth all of the negative side effects.

Or is anyone else scheduled to get it? I am scheduled to get a gastric balloon this Friday. I'm curious to see how it's going for those of you who have had it for awhile. I'm getting more nervous the closer it gets.

Hey all! I'm a week in with my balloon today and 10lb down (and that's not including what I lost on the shakes prior to surgery) though I do fret it's too much too soon and can't be good for me... I've been thinking a bit more about getting off the sofa and getting moving, I go back to work in a few days but I'm feeling mostly okay these days. On day four I got ambitious (and a little stir crazy) and went for a walk. It was roughly about a mile round trip, taken at a snail's pace and by the end I had the sweats and cramps and ended up needing an epic nap afterward. Yesterday I cleaned the house in a fairly energetic manner (read: loud music and more dancing than cleanin…

I've had my consult and can book the procedure in for the next 2 weeks if I wish. I am terrified of one thing- my partner can't get any more time than one day off as we've had so much unexpected stuff pop up this year. I have a 3 year old and a 6 month old. My 3 year old can go to day care for the first week and I can get a friend to help with my bub during the first few days and then it'll be the weekend and my partner is home, so the first 5 days are good. Will this be ok? Will I be bed ridden or able to be up and about but feeling crap? I have a pretty good tolerance for pain but I can't afford to be completely bed ridden past the 5 days. Any thoughts on this?