anewmee

I agree with Ann 100%. I started at a BMI of 42...low end of what insurance will approve. BMI of 37 the day I got my sleeve. At 43 yo yo dieting was taking a toll and health issues were getting more serious. I needed a permanent solution. I think balloon is similar to the band..... Great on paper but doctors are not getting the results and happy patients so it is loosing its popularity quickly. My doc will no longer do bands and never started doing balloons at all. yeah but you guys with higher BMIs have options that we dont so it's very difficult to compare and poo poo one treatment when really, it's the only tool that's on offer. The OP didn't mention her weight / BMI in her initial post. As she later explained, her BMI is too low to qualify her for actual WLS. If I'd known that initially I'd not have bothered to respond. Again, good luck to the OP. it's on the side next to my posts. I don't think the balloon is offered for obese and plus or BMi over 35 because the loss is lower (unless as in the UK were they use it to safely lower extremely obese people's BMIs ready for surgery)

I agree with Ann 100%. I started at a BMI of 42...low end of what insurance will approve. BMI of 37 the day I got my sleeve. At 43 yo yo dieting was taking a toll and health issues were getting more serious. I needed a permanent solution. I think balloon is similar to the band..... Great on paper but doctors are not getting the results and happy patients so it is loosing its popularity quickly. My doc will no longer do bands and never started doing balloons at all. yeah but you guys with higher BMIs have options that we dont so it's very difficult to compare and poo poo one treatment when really, it's the only tool that's on offer.

really about the facebook pages? I'm desperate to find a private one. Could you PM me how i can join this please?

Thanks. That's really helpful. I'm pretty determined at times and I've made my mind up that I'm having it. I'm just going to do exactly what I'm told by orbera to eat and follow it to the t. I've booked in with a new surgeon for next week because quite honestly, the other guy gave me the sh**s. I can deal with reflux as I had that badly when pregnant. I am scared of uncontrollable vomiting though. Fingers crossed it wont come to that though. Yoghurt is good, I'm happy that's a good food as i do enjoy it.

Thanks for the advice. I don't really qualify for Sleeve or band (i could with one surgeon but I feel my BMi is just too low). I have 20 -24 kilos to lose. Around 50 pounds. jansluv how was the first week and the rest if the time when you struggled, was it managable?

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.

OMG. So freakin rude! I'm in australia too and would love a buddy as I will be having the op in the next couple of months.

how much do you have to lose? what stage are you at in process?

I have had one appointment with a bariatric surgeon here in wa. This consultation was for the gastric balloon (which I'm not having). The surgeon suggested the sleeve due to it being more long term. At the time, a sleeve was not on my radar so we didn't discuss further. Anyway, I'm going back in a few weeks because after thought, I believe this is the surgery for me (sleeve). What process do I go through after this next appointment? Can I book it in there and then or do they ask you to come back a few times? What tests will I need to have and what other professionals will I have to see? eg dietician,? Insurance isn't an issue as this is self funded and yes I have been given costs!

that's amazing weight loss. I hope I see the same losses! I'm a similar bmi to you. I'm 83 kg and hope to get to 63 kg, maybe not all of that is the 6 months but if it happens, I'll be extra happy :-)

hope you feel better soon! I remember the surgeon telling me the balloon can get stuck in a funny position and sometimes patients have to go back to him and he manually moves the balloon (apparently it gives immediate relief). I wonder if it's something like this? Just noticed your 9.3 kg weight loss. Well done! How long has that taken as Im sure your balloon went in fairly recently.

Do you mind if I ask how much weight you've lost now WT? Thanks!

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

I'm curious if everyone's appetites and hence weight returns eventually? I realise the surgery is only 8 years or so old, meaning that long term data is not available, but anecdotally, what is the general thought? This is a huge investment for me and I will be changing my lifestyle and eating completely but I'm terrified it'll all be in vain. Any thoughts?

thanks for all the advice. I have started looking at the sleeve or band procedures as I feel that I need longer term assistance. Best of luck with the balloons and I'll update if I go ahead with either 3 procedures.

i think it would be pretty tender. I'll stick to nanna knickers and lose pants! does your stomach still feel foreign like are you hugely aware there's a balloon in there?

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?

Hi bec I'm a nearly 40 year old aussie and having the balloon placed within the next month. How bad has the last week been? I'm so scared of not being able to function because I have young children. I can deal with pain and discomfort but not being bed ridden beyond a few days. How much do you want to lose?