dedegold

One month into balloon –Having read most of the posts on this topic here, I wanted to check in. I had the balloon put in on Feb. 3. I had a 1 month check up yesterday. I have lost 10 pounds. I am very pleased. 5 more months and I want to lose 30 more pounds and I think I will make this goal. I am 5 ft tall and now weight 181.5.
Nausea persisted for 2 weeks following but mostly controlled with nausea meds. I took them as scheduled, even if I was not feeling nausea, to prevent it from coming on. Some people get over it sooner. I was not one of those. Best to sit in a recliner with nausea. Laying down makes it worse for me.
food plan. I am eating 60 to 80 grams of Protein per day. I am drinking about 50 oz of water/diet ice tea/Zero Propel/ per day. Propel to keep me hydrated. The dr. would like me to consume 90 gms of Protein and 70 oz of water/ day but I just can’t get it in. NEVER DRINK WHILE EATING. STOP 15 MINUTES BEFORE EATING AND RESUME 30 MINUTES AFTER EATING. The liquid will fill you up and then you won’t eat the protein you need. And your stomach won’t feel so good either !
I don’t eat bread, rice, Pasta at all. I really don’t miss it. The doctor told me to eat the protein first, finish up the protein, then if I am still hungry to eat the vegetables. On rare occasions I have eaten a vegetable. (cooked broccoli is my favorite.) The protein usually fills me up.
YOU MUST EAT EVERY 3 HOURS. This is my hardest challenge!! I don’t always feel hungry after 3 hrs. But I try to nibble on something nevertheless. (Low fat string cheese is good, and I can eat if in the car if I have to.) If I wait 4 hours, then I am so hungry, I overeat and feel terrible !!
Eat 3 meals and 2-3 snacks/day. I usually start the day with Pure Protein shake, has 25 mg protein ! (oh, I have 2 cups of coffee every morning too. I can’t live w/o my coffee!!)
Eat slowly and chew food well . Take 15 minutes to eat. (Not easy for me!!)
Since we get VERY little Fiber on this diet, I was directed to add 1-2 scoops Benifiber (find at Costco) to the shake. It dissolves completely. You can’t really tell it is in the shake. I have also put it into Propel. This keeps the bowels working. If you are constipated you are going to feel terrible. I have 4-5 BM’s per week .
Here is a list of foods that I eat. GREEK Yoghurt. I use the Triple Zero one. Don’t use any yoghurt that has added fruit. They have lots of sugar which you should avoid. GREEK yoghurt has less fat and that is what you want.
Any low fat String cheese. (Weight watcher, high protein, low fat) 1 Egg or 2 eggs, scrambled poached or hard boiled. 2 eggs equals 14 gms protein.
chicken salad or tuna salad and yes Mayonnaise of OK. About 2/3 cups is all I can get down before I feel full.
Cooked salmon, chicken, lean beef meatloaf. Lean beef hamburger (No bun !!) Beef Jerky, turkey bacon, lean steak.
Eating out is a challenge. My “go-to” meal is a house salad with grilled shrimp on top or grilled chicken on top. Again, eat the protein first, then eat the salad if you have any room.
I have also have had fish tacos in a resturant. I don’t eat the tortilla or shell. Just fish and maybe a little of the shredded lettuce or whatever they serve in it.
I also am taking the fusion Vitamins purchased at the Dr’s office. They want you to do 4/day but I am only doing 2/day. They also sell a line of “foods” called Health Wise sold again at my dr’s or online. All are high in protein. Bars, chips, Cookies, Soup, etc. But don’t use these more than once a day.
I take 40 mg capsule of omeprazole every morning. (Dr. prescribed) I have had some heartburn, at night, so I try to eat earlier in the evening to avoid that.
Exercise- I resumed exercise after week one. VERY important. Just start with walking. I like to do pool aerobics. Find something you like to do and do it !!
My doctor explained to me the rational of this diet is that you eat all the protein because you want to lose FAT not muscle !! Very important !! Exercise also helps you to lose the fat !! Even just 30 minutes of aerobic activity will make a big difference. Do what you love to do !! Bike, swim, walk, treadmill etc.
I know this is long, and I have left some things out. Ask me questions, if you want.

Make sure you get all the prescriptions the dr. gives you filled. Use the anti-nausea medicine right away, as soon as the nausea starts. I did stock up on Propel (zero calories) and greek yogurt. eggs, and string cheese. I start my day with a Pure Protein shake made with unsweetened almond milk. I went on solid food about 36 hrs after the balloon was put in. Some people don't start solid foods for a week, But my dr. said to eat when I was ready. I also got chicken salad and tuna salad to eat but that was week 2.
Good luck !!

I go anywhere I want. My favorite places are sushi restaurants and I just order some pieces alacarte. Or if I'm going to a chain restaurant I just get an appetizer. Or honestly I'll occasionally get a whole meal and take the leftovers home and it's a couple of meals

I would definitely stock up on the popsicles and Fiber rich or Fiber supplement. The popsicles have been my go to treat. I was really constipated the first week and wish I would have started a fiber supplement (benefiber) before and after the balloon placement.

I had the ballon removed yesterday 2 weeks early! I'm so happy that the bloating is gone and I feel normal again!!! I did the Clear Liquids mostly but I had a Protein Shake on the morning before take out! My throat is so sore that I don't want to swallow anything and mucus stuck in my throat! Other than that I feel good and I lost 50 lbs!!!

Hi. I have had the balloon for almost 4months. My weight and height similar to yours (211, 5'5") I chose the balloon because I did not want major surgery. I wanted something relatively non evasive that would kick start weight loss while helping to retrain my brain to see food differently, retrain my stomach to adjust to smaller quantities and retrain my psyche into not needing food to comfort myself! And yes, the balloon has done all that. Its been a very uncomfortable adjustment. Its not easy to have this thing take over a huge portion of your stomach. There are lots of uncomfortable side effects, besides being full. But that is what has changed my relationship with food.
After four months, I can easily say I have no cravings of any sort. I do not crave cake or burgers or fries like I did before. If I see them, yes, I will take a few bites, and those bites are enjoyable, but I can also walk away...because I know if I eat too much I will hurt my weight loss goals and there are undesirable side effects. Is this new outlook on food sustainable after the balloon is removed...I don't know. And I am afraid it might not be. But I am eating so much healthier than I have ever done before and honestly relieved that my carb/sugar carvings are gone.So am hopeful I will be more aware of what food does to my body, moving forward.
As I am sure you have read in your research...the balloon is just a tool. It is not a magic pill to weight loss. I have to count my calories (I keep them 1100 a day) and I have to exercise (3 times a week is good, but 4 times guarantees a good weight loss that week) I am very aware of every food I eat....I always try to make good choices (not necessarily perfect, but good enough). So at a burger joint the other night, after having a great weight loss, I wanted to have a nice meal with my family - I had a burger, no cheese, whole wheat bun and asked for a side salad instead of fries. Was it the best choice, no I could have had just the salad, but it was wonderfully satisfying.
The balloon keeps me full so I am not starving all day on such little calories and allows me to eat only a 1/3 of my former portions. I have lost 23 pounds and hope to lose 10 more before its removed in 2 months. You will read plenty of people who lost much more (40-50lbs)- but always take into account their starting weight because others may have a lot more to lose than you do. I did not qualify for the sleeve or lap band or by pass, but really was not interested in anything so dramatic. I just wanted to lose some weight fast, get healthy again so I could enjoy working out again.
Please read lots and lots before committing to this. The side effects are unpleasant and require major adjustments in what and how you eat. But it does work and you will lose weight. Good luck!

The balloon is not used as a short-term/pre-surgery procedure in the US. In fact, it is only approved for people with BMIs of 30-40 here, so it is basically targeted to people who are not heavy enough to qualify for surgery ... or who would prefer a less invasive option.

being a man in the same sort of size etc as your husband i can say this, it took me 40 years to wake up and realize something had to change and i could not do it on my own. I would lose 30 pounds then Celebrate by going right back out and eating like i used to. then it would creep right back in. So many health problems including the sever obstructive sleep apnea and a lot worse, made me finally say it was time. It can be done, it is do able you can do this and have a life you can actually have a great amazingly fun life without eating to gain your fun. But unfortunately everyone is right , the more people tell you what to do the more you will resist and live in denial. If he ever says hed like to talk to a guy whos been there i can do so. or im sure others here would as well.
Good luck.

Those who don't want help simply can't be helped....
I was the same...
Didn't want help...
Certainly didn't NEED it...
As it turned out, I sorted myself out...
I hope he does too..

This isn't about you, it's about her. She had surgery, she's gained some of her weight back. Imagine how that feels. She's probably afraid that you will be more successful than she was - which isn't fair, is it?
One thing I know from reading a lot of posts on this board - nobody feels worse about themselves than a WLS patient who has gained some of their weight back. She's probably convinced herself that you will be way, way more successful than she was, which makes her feel even worse about her gain.
I'm so sorry about this. I'm sure there isn't anyone you'd rather share your journey with than your best friend.

One month into balloon –Having read most of the posts on this topic here, I wanted to check in. I had the balloon put in on Feb. 3. I had a 1 month check up yesterday. I have lost 10 pounds. I am very pleased. 5 more months and I want to lose 30 more pounds and I think I will make this goal. I am 5 ft tall and now weight 181.5.
Nausea persisted for 2 weeks following but mostly controlled with nausea meds. I took them as scheduled, even if I was not feeling nausea, to prevent it from coming on. Some people get over it sooner. I was not one of those. Best to sit in a recliner with nausea. Laying down makes it worse for me.
food plan. I am eating 60 to 80 grams of Protein per day. I am drinking about 50 oz of water/diet ice tea/Zero Propel/ per day. Propel to keep me hydrated. The dr. would like me to consume 90 gms of Protein and 70 oz of water/ day but I just can’t get it in. NEVER DRINK WHILE EATING. STOP 15 MINUTES BEFORE EATING AND RESUME 30 MINUTES AFTER EATING. The liquid will fill you up and then you won’t eat the protein you need. And your stomach won’t feel so good either !
I don’t eat bread, rice, Pasta at all. I really don’t miss it. The doctor told me to eat the protein first, finish up the protein, then if I am still hungry to eat the vegetables. On rare occasions I have eaten a vegetable. (cooked broccoli is my favorite.) The protein usually fills me up.
YOU MUST EAT EVERY 3 HOURS. This is my hardest challenge!! I don’t always feel hungry after 3 hrs. But I try to nibble on something nevertheless. (Low fat string cheese is good, and I can eat if in the car if I have to.) If I wait 4 hours, then I am so hungry, I overeat and feel terrible !!
Eat 3 meals and 2-3 snacks/day. I usually start the day with Pure Protein shake, has 25 mg protein ! (oh, I have 2 cups of coffee every morning too. I can’t live w/o my coffee!!)
Eat slowly and chew food well . Take 15 minutes to eat. (Not easy for me!!)
Since we get VERY little Fiber on this diet, I was directed to add 1-2 scoops Benifiber (find at Costco) to the shake. It dissolves completely. You can’t really tell it is in the shake. I have also put it into Propel. This keeps the bowels working. If you are constipated you are going to feel terrible. I have 4-5 BM’s per week .
Here is a list of foods that I eat. GREEK Yoghurt. I use the Triple Zero one. Don’t use any yoghurt that has added fruit. They have lots of sugar which you should avoid. GREEK yoghurt has less fat and that is what you want.
Any low fat String cheese. (Weight watcher, high protein, low fat) 1 Egg or 2 eggs, scrambled poached or hard boiled. 2 eggs equals 14 gms protein.
chicken salad or tuna salad and yes Mayonnaise of OK. About 2/3 cups is all I can get down before I feel full.
Cooked salmon, chicken, lean beef meatloaf. Lean beef hamburger (No bun !!) Beef Jerky, turkey bacon, lean steak.
Eating out is a challenge. My “go-to” meal is a house salad with grilled shrimp on top or grilled chicken on top. Again, eat the protein first, then eat the salad if you have any room.
I have also have had fish tacos in a resturant. I don’t eat the tortilla or shell. Just fish and maybe a little of the shredded lettuce or whatever they serve in it.
I also am taking the fusion Vitamins purchased at the Dr’s office. They want you to do 4/day but I am only doing 2/day. They also sell a line of “foods” called Health Wise sold again at my dr’s or online. All are high in protein. Bars, chips, Cookies, Soup, etc. But don’t use these more than once a day.
I take 40 mg capsule of omeprazole every morning. (Dr. prescribed) I have had some heartburn, at night, so I try to eat earlier in the evening to avoid that.
Exercise- I resumed exercise after week one. VERY important. Just start with walking. I like to do pool aerobics. Find something you like to do and do it !!
My doctor explained to me the rational of this diet is that you eat all the protein because you want to lose FAT not muscle !! Very important !! Exercise also helps you to lose the fat !! Even just 30 minutes of aerobic activity will make a big difference. Do what you love to do !! Bike, swim, walk, treadmill etc.
I know this is long, and I have left some things out. Ask me questions, if you want.

One month into balloon –Having read most of the posts on this topic here, I wanted to check in. I had the balloon put in on Feb. 3. I had a 1 month check up yesterday. I have lost 10 pounds. I am very pleased. 5 more months and I want to lose 30 more pounds and I think I will make this goal. I am 5 ft tall and now weight 181.5.
Nausea persisted for 2 weeks following but mostly controlled with nausea meds. I took them as scheduled, even if I was not feeling nausea, to prevent it from coming on. Some people get over it sooner. I was not one of those. Best to sit in a recliner with nausea. Laying down makes it worse for me.
food plan. I am eating 60 to 80 grams of Protein per day. I am drinking about 50 oz of water/diet ice tea/Zero Propel/ per day. Propel to keep me hydrated. The dr. would like me to consume 90 gms of Protein and 70 oz of water/ day but I just can’t get it in. NEVER DRINK WHILE EATING. STOP 15 MINUTES BEFORE EATING AND RESUME 30 MINUTES AFTER EATING. The liquid will fill you up and then you won’t eat the protein you need. And your stomach won’t feel so good either !
I don’t eat bread, rice, Pasta at all. I really don’t miss it. The doctor told me to eat the protein first, finish up the protein, then if I am still hungry to eat the vegetables. On rare occasions I have eaten a vegetable. (cooked broccoli is my favorite.) The protein usually fills me up.
YOU MUST EAT EVERY 3 HOURS. This is my hardest challenge!! I don’t always feel hungry after 3 hrs. But I try to nibble on something nevertheless. (Low fat string cheese is good, and I can eat if in the car if I have to.) If I wait 4 hours, then I am so hungry, I overeat and feel terrible !!
Eat 3 meals and 2-3 snacks/day. I usually start the day with Pure Protein shake, has 25 mg protein ! (oh, I have 2 cups of coffee every morning too. I can’t live w/o my coffee!!)
Eat slowly and chew food well . Take 15 minutes to eat. (Not easy for me!!)
Since we get VERY little Fiber on this diet, I was directed to add 1-2 scoops Benifiber (find at Costco) to the shake. It dissolves completely. You can’t really tell it is in the shake. I have also put it into Propel. This keeps the bowels working. If you are constipated you are going to feel terrible. I have 4-5 BM’s per week .
Here is a list of foods that I eat. GREEK Yoghurt. I use the Triple Zero one. Don’t use any yoghurt that has added fruit. They have lots of sugar which you should avoid. GREEK yoghurt has less fat and that is what you want.
Any low fat String cheese. (Weight watcher, high protein, low fat) 1 Egg or 2 eggs, scrambled poached or hard boiled. 2 eggs equals 14 gms protein.
chicken salad or tuna salad and yes Mayonnaise of OK. About 2/3 cups is all I can get down before I feel full.
Cooked salmon, chicken, lean beef meatloaf. Lean beef hamburger (No bun !!) Beef Jerky, turkey bacon, lean steak.
Eating out is a challenge. My “go-to” meal is a house salad with grilled shrimp on top or grilled chicken on top. Again, eat the protein first, then eat the salad if you have any room.
I have also have had fish tacos in a resturant. I don’t eat the tortilla or shell. Just fish and maybe a little of the shredded lettuce or whatever they serve in it.
I also am taking the fusion Vitamins purchased at the Dr’s office. They want you to do 4/day but I am only doing 2/day. They also sell a line of “foods” called Health Wise sold again at my dr’s or online. All are high in protein. Bars, chips, Cookies, Soup, etc. But don’t use these more than once a day.
I take 40 mg capsule of omeprazole every morning. (Dr. prescribed) I have had some heartburn, at night, so I try to eat earlier in the evening to avoid that.
Exercise- I resumed exercise after week one. VERY important. Just start with walking. I like to do pool aerobics. Find something you like to do and do it !!
My doctor explained to me the rational of this diet is that you eat all the protein because you want to lose FAT not muscle !! Very important !! Exercise also helps you to lose the fat !! Even just 30 minutes of aerobic activity will make a big difference. Do what you love to do !! Bike, swim, walk, treadmill etc.
I know this is long, and I have left some things out. Ask me questions, if you want.

I saw my thyroid doctor today who said my thyroid levels are perfect so I can't blame the lack of weight loss on that! He gave me a long boring lecture on cultural changes that have cause obesity to sky rocket. And I should be thrilled with a 1 pound per week weight loss. Really?? Not at the price I paid! LOL. Well, I can happily say I am fully adjusted to this abdominal intruder. No more nausea in the morning. And I only get the severe cramping if I eat more than Soup or shake for dinner.

So I went to Hawaii this last week and people complimented how I looked. I am glad I got the balloon.I'm only down 15 lbs but I only wanted to lose about 30-40 to begin with. Tomorrow will be 2 months. I made it through the holidays and two big vacations while losing or maintaining my weight. I go to new York this weekend and then after that, I will be focusing on losing the other 15 lbs.
People have begun noticing my weight loss. (I lost 20 on my own before the balloon and then stalled and started to gain weight back) I am down 29 lbs in a year and I'm so happy people can finally tell.

How are you doing now after the ESG today? I to to mayo today for a check in.

Are you eating any food yet? Or still just on shakes?
How much have you lost? Thanks !!