ophelia150

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

Yes, it will get better. Try to be patient and take it slowly. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

How are you feeling today? I hope the insertion went well and you are on your way to success! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Agree. At least a month. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I would likely not do it again or recommend it. The first month was very difficult (nausea, vomiting, fatigue, a lot of frustration). The second month was better but as the nausea decreased my appetite returned. I feel nearly no restrictions now at 2 months and nearly 2 weeks post balloon placement. I'm down 20 pounds but think I could have done that myself. Now it is the fear of throwing $8000 out the window that has me going. Ask me again in a month and maybe I will feel differently though... By the way, I started with 50 pounds to lose. If be happy to lose 40 and I'm more than halfway there and less than halfway through the balloon placement period. If I attain my goal, I would likely say it is worth it. I am hopeful I will do it, but it will be with a lot of work and self control. Good luck to you! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello. I had the Orbera balloon inserted in 3/22. I spent the first month fairly nauseous, bloated and had little appetite. I had to force myself to eat enough to have adequate energy to make it through the day. Like clock-work, I hit the one month mark and my nausea and bloating ended and my appetite returned. I was hungry for the first time in a month! I'm now noticing more frequent hunger pangs and the ability/desire to eat more, meaning I need to exercise some self discipline (and exercise, since I now have the energy). I'm curious if others have had a similar experience. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That is really too bad dedegold. I thought it was standard practice for the balloon to not be inserted if a hernia was found. My agreement required a refund of $6500 of the 8000 if hernia was found (essentially covering the cost of the endoscopy) and the balloon was not inserted. Bad practice on the part of your doc! So sorry. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The balloon is specifically marketed to people who are in the 30 to 40 BMI range. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello! I had the balloon inserted on 3/22. It had not been an easy 3 weeks but I'm still surviving and down 13 pounds. The one thing I wish I would have done is start a stool softener before or right at balloon insertion. Constipation is very common and I wasn't prepared. An over the counter pill is fine. Good luck to you! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello! I know there are a few of us having balloon insertions this week and I thought we could share our experiences here. 3/22 - insertion of Orbera balloon in early afternoon (1:15) All went well. I had an anti-nausea patch placed behind my ear and anti-nausea drugs in the IV. My husband was driving me home by 3:45. Quick and painless. Rested the rest of the day, drank propel Water and ate sugar free Popsicles. Although I was nauseated, I did not vomit. I've had a horrible headache and took some liquid hydro codeine with Tylenol but that didn't help much. Also took zofran every 8 hours and that has helped with the nausea. Didn't sleep well, couldn't get comfortable but still haven't gotten sick. 3/23 - resting on couch with a warm pack around my neck to help with the headache that will not go away! I tried some chicken broth this morning but it didn't taste appealing at all so I'm sticking with propel and Popsicles for now. All still going fairly well. As far as meds today? I am taking a PPI twice a day and zofran every 8 hours. Was also given Xanex for anxiety but haven't taken one yet. Will update more later... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@Wayward Traveler - thanks for thinking of me. Yes, I am still on track tomorrow for Orbera. Procedure is scheduled for 1:15. I will try to update tomorrow night. I'm anxious, nervous, hopeful and a little scared. But certainly confident that I will be following all the recommendations with your helpful summaries! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello 022816! I'm scheduled for Orbera balloon insertion next Tuesday 2/22. I look forward to comparing notes with you as well! I'm currently attempting to educate myself on exactly what to eat when in order to avoid the bad effects as much as possible. I've found some helpful hints in the Orbera success strategy string. Looking forward to chatting as we journey through the next 6 months toward health and well-being! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm extremely thankful to have found this forum and I thank you all for sharing your stories, strategies, successes and frustrations. My initial consultation is tomorrow and, provided all goes well, the procedure will be next Tuesday. My goal is to lose 65 pounds and I'm hopeful the balloon will kickstart that effort - although I've plotted out a best case scenario where I will be at my goal in 6 months, I know that is fairly unlikely. I will check back again after my appointment tomorrow with thoughts and questions. Again, I'm so happy to have found this group and am so hopeful and positive that this will work! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App