myrlmn

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 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 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 think you m might just have to battle through. Pretty much everyone that has written about their experience had nausea the first day or so. Good luck!!!

How exciting!! Sounds like you're doing all of the right things. I was only in the hospital for a couple of hours and needed a ride home (but I felt pretty good!). I was drinking Water right away but couldn't stomach Protein Drinks the first three days (just the thought made me queasy). I actually preferred ice chips and Popsicles at first. I then added Jello. Bone/sipping broth is a great option too (it's clear but has protein), however I couldn't stomach it either. After a few days I was good with yogurt and clear Soups. The hospital called me the day after and my doctor called the day after that, but that's it. Sounds like you're getting great support! I was able to drive myself to a doctor's appointment (unrelated to the procedure) two days later and to my post-op appointment a week later, but I'm sure everyone is different and I was not on narcotics.
I had my procedure on a Wednesday and went back to work on Monday. I was fine but, again, everyone is different.
Which type of balloon are you getting? What part of the country are you in?
Just remember, while you may feel crummy for a few days after, it will probably pass sooner than later. Rest up and slowly introduce new foods. Hydrate and get Protein in as soon as you can. A lot of the protein drinks are too thick and sweet for me. My endocrinologist recommends Orgain, which is nutritionally complete and tastes good (thin like milk and lightly flavored), but it does not have as much protein as I would like. I discovered Organic Fuel by Organic Valley which I also like - not as many Vitamins but more protein. My endocrinologist gave it a thumbs up as long as it is not the only form of nutrition that I'm getting (i.e. I need more vitamins). The two don't have as much "stuff" in them as some of the other options, but at least I can get them down (and they're organic without a lot of garbage in them) ... so they're certainly better than nothing. :-)
One more thing - I bought barf bags on Amazon - lol! I didn't need them like I thought I would, but they gave me great peace of mind. I kept them in my purse, car and office. The thought of being in a public place and having to run to the bathroom freaked me out. Fortunately that never happened (although I got sick at home at midnight the first day and twice in the morning of the second day), but I was still glad I bought them. And seeing as some people get sicker than others, I would still recommend them, just in case.
Good luck - please keep us posted and let me know if you need any more tips or tricks. If so I'm happy to help. :-) Cheers!

HI there! I was nervous too the days leading up. But honestly, I felt pretty darn good when I came out of the procedure, except for a strong, although brief case of hiccups! I felt totally fine and was released within 1 hour. They had me on a saline drip while I was at the facility so I was plenty hydrated. I only sipped Water that night. And yes, I was nauseas later that evening and did throw up that night once. And then again a few days later. I was able to drink Protein Drinks and warm broth the next day. And by the third day was feeling good enough for a little solid food - although the doctor recommended only soft, liquid foods for a week. Try to not have anything on the calendar those first few days so you can take care of yourself. Sounds like your kitchen is fully prepared - Bone Broth is a good source of Protein, too. Good luck.

I am getting my balloon placed on Friday and I'm N-E-R-V-O-U-S. I've stocked my fridge with Premier Protein drinks, Isopure drinks, gatorade , Jello and yogurt drinks. Even though I feel like I've prepared the best I can, I've got a few questions and would love any feedback.
How long did you stay at the hospital after the placement? I'm thinking the sooner I can leave the hospital the more comfortable I can get at home.
The nurse told me between her and the NP they will be calling me every day for the first week. Is this typical with everyone else?
I'm really hoping I can drink fluids afterward and avoid getting dehydrated. How soon did everyone start drinking fluids? I'm confused about sipping on drinks versus normal drinking. My nurse told me that I should be able to drink normally once I get home. I've read that you should sip on drinks... I have the patch and zofran and really hoping to avoid nausea and vomiting so I can tolerate drinking.
I can't believe I'm going in about 6 days after for a postop. How did everyone do with those first couple of postop visits? Could you drive yourself?
Am I forgetting anything? Wish me luck!!!

@@myrlmn - first and foremost, don't fret. :-) It's not a cakewalk, but it's not a nightmare, either. I had the Orbera procedure two weeks ago today and all is well. I have also been talking to two other people who had balloon procedures that week, and one who had it the week before. Our experiences have been similar but different, ranging from getting really sick to not sick at all, and massive weight loss to very little (I fall somewhere in the middle).
You are right to be most concerned about the first three days. They were not fun for any of us, but some more than others. Of the four people that I mentioned (myself included), I think two of us got sick (although ironically another one started having trouble keeping food down later). I got sick at around midnight the day that I had the procedure, 8am the day after then again at 10am. That was it. (One of the folks sounded like she was really sick for at least three days.) I was not absolutely miserable ... I was more uncomfortable than anything. I was basically nauseous with a belly ache. By day three I started feeling better, and continued to every day for the next week to 10 days. I feel relatively normal now. I went back to work on day 6. I could have probably done so on day 5, but not before. If possible, I would recommend taking a week off.
It is important to keep hydrated. Those first few days I had Water, ice, Popsicles and eventually Jello. I had purchased Isopure Zero Carb RTD (which is a clear liquid) so that I could get some Protein and calories, but I just couldn't stomach it. I also tried broth but I could not stomach that, either. After that, regular Protein drinks will be helpful (I'm still using them). Find some now that you like and stock up.
It sounds like Constipation is an issue for lots of folks. Some of the materials that I have read even recommend taking a stool softener regularly starting a few days before the procedure. You might want to talk to your doctor about that because it can be pretty miserable when you're trying to recuperate.
In terms of headaches, does Tylenol work for you? (My doctor even recommended children's Tylenol if liquids were easier after the procedure.) If not, you might want to ask your doctor about Tylenol 3. Just be aware that some people don't tolerate it well. It can make you queasy if you take it on an empty stomach, and it can contribute to constipation. I have not had any trouble with it, and it has worked well for pain in the absence of NASIDs (I used to take Advil often).
Regarding Protein, I was told to get 60-80 grams. Apparently 60 is relatively typical for most women, I was just advised to try for more because of my height/size.
In terms of meal planning, can anyone in your family help with that? It sure would be nice if you didn't have to worry about it for awhile. But if it falls on you, for the first few weeks you might want to rely on ready-made meals for your family so that you don't have to fuss much. Pre-packaged salads, frozen vegetables (some come with seasoning/sauces and/or other ingredients), frozen lasagna, etc.. The less you have to worry about, the better. You could also start cooking/freezing dinners now. If you are going to eventually eat with them, homemade Soups are a great option. Also, recipes that include nutritional information so that you can track your calories and protein would be good. For example, Weight Watchers crock-pot meals that require little prep on your part. Start looking for recipes that sound yummy, healthy and easy to prepare now. In the beginning, softer foods that are easier to digest would be better.
I hope that helps. Best of luck to you on your new journey! Please keep us posted and feel free to reach out via a private message if you would like to chat further. :-) Cheers!

Cook ahead! chicken parm freezes great, pulled pork does too! Make large batches of pancakes or French toast and freeze them. I had bypass a bit over a week ago and have about a months worth of meals cooked ahead in the freezer. ( my mom helped too and made things for me.) Sloppy joes, Soups, meatloaf, there is a bevy of choices that freeze well.