NPR

Hello!
I am considering the gastric balloon after not being able to go through with the sleeve back in May. Did anyone get theirs done in Tijuana? I need to locate a doctor out there that does the procedure. Any recommendations or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!!!
Nancy

@@NPR I can completely relate. I will be 4 weeks on Tuesday and I still don't feel like myself. And I think it is true that the doctors offices do downplay the severity and hardship that comes along with the balloon. It has completely changed the way I feel about food.
It does get better but I do struggle still with not feeling like myself. I just remind myself a million times a day it is going to be worth it in the long run for my health. You can do this and best wishes to you friend!
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I felt much better by day 11, but not everyone does. Ironically I know someone who felt great days 1-3 (didn't throw up at all), but felt miserable weeks 2-4. Every "body" is different ... no two journeys are the same.
I would give it at least month if you can - most people seem to feel a lot better by then. But keep talking to your doctor - the last thing that you want is to get so dehydrated that you end up in the hospital. I know of someone who did that and ended up with kidney failure.
FWIW Popsicles might make you feel a little better (and the regular ones at that - sounds like you need the calories). Also, have you tried Organic Fuel or Orgain? I find them much easier to stomach than most other Protein drinks.
Best wishes!
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Hi, it took me two full weeks before I felt better. I had horrible cramping after that so the doc called in a scrip. I still have cramping a lot but am hanging in there. I am on my 7th week now. Don't have it removed, hang in there! It will get better!!

@@NPR I'm sorry you're not feeling well. Hope it gets better!

It is normal. Having the baloon is no walk in the park. I felt that way for about 10-12 weeks also vomited everything. Got dehydrated despite the meds. Now that I'm 5 months out I feel that the seriousness of how you might feel is very much downplayed by the doctors offices and their staff. I went through 2 periods of time whereby I wanted the balloon removed but I'm glad I hung in there. Losing over 40 pounds is worth it to me

@@NPR - the first few days are miserable for sure, but it does not get 100% better immediately after that. Each day is better than the last, and things progress at a different pace for different people. I felt dramatically better after the first few days, but still felt a bit off for about a month (not miserable, but I could feel the balloon, my appetite went through various changes, etc.). Now I barely notice it. With only a few weeks to go I am down about 45 pounds and that is with A LOT of indulgences, events and travel along the way. So no regrets for me ... if I had it to do over again, I certainly would.
Hang in there - hopefully things will get better soon. In the meantime, make sure that you're getting enough Water and Protein - those two things alone can make you feel better. Also, make sure you're getting enough calories (per whatever your doctor advises). Some people drop way too low and end up feeling miserable, plus they stop losing because their bodies go into starvation mode. Lastly, focus on which foods agree with you and which do not. For example, some people struggle with Pasta. If you find foods that you like and are tolerable, you can limit yourself to them until you are able to stomach more.
Take it one step and one day at a time ... and be gentle with yourself. :-) Hopefully you will turn a corner soon. Best wishes!!

I felt pretty bad for a couple of weeks, maybe longer, but no regrets at all. 45 pounds gone and for the last 4.5 months I've felt great. Its totally worth it. As far as you possibly being discouraged by the weight loss after 8 days, keep in mind you might be getting dehydrated and the body will hold on to Water weight until that's corrected, so sip small amounts several times an hour to up your fluids and ill bet you'll start to see some serious weight loss. Hang in there.

I had horrible nausea afterwards. It finally took the patch to control vommiting. Ask for oral and the patch just to be safe

Balloon was only recently FDA approved in US. Seek out a good dr in US to do this procedure - it is too new - at least here. Has been done in Europe for a while. I think it is inexpensive enough procedure that it wouldn't be cost effective to travel anywhere outside the US to do it.

I had my TT about 5 years ago. It was very uncomfortable for two weeks because of how you are leaned over and can't straighten yourself up. Pain was okay and not too bad because of pain killers. You will be sleeping on your side in a fetal position because you can't stretch yourself out. The drains sucked galore! You really don't feel 'good' until they come out. Once they are out you begin to feel like you are healing and on your road to recovery. I would say that the only tough part about it was the first two weeks and then you start the feel better everyday and you can straighten yourself a little more each day.
Oh, yes have someone help you with sitting down and getting up because it will too hard on your own and painful.
Goodluck to you!

I had my TT about 5 years ago. It was very uncomfortable for two weeks because of how you are leaned over and can't straighten yourself up. Pain was okay and not too bad because of pain killers. You will be sleeping on your side in a fetal position because you can't stretch yourself out. The drains sucked galore! You really don't feel 'good' until they come out. Once they are out you begin to feel like you are healing and on your road to recovery. I would say that the only tough part about it was the first two weeks and then you start the feel better everyday and you can straighten yourself a little more each day.
Oh, yes have someone help you with sitting down and getting up because it will too hard on your own and painful.
Goodluck to you!

I "postponed" mine too. I was scheduled for today and couldn't go through with it. I need way more than 30 lbs, but my success at the pre-op liquid diet taught me I have the will power to do anything I set my mind to. I may never reschedule. Only time will tell.
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Sigh...
The last time i posted here I was asking everyone for prayers because I was on my way to Tijuana, Mexico for surgery.
On my way there I started to have serious second thoughts about the surgery and I decided that the surgery just was not right for me. My BMI is 30.4 and I could not justify going through with it. The changes to my life style would be life changes that I didn't feel were right for me. I felt as if I could try harder on my own to lose the unwanted weight without having to have the surgery. The Hair loss that happens to some and the life time of Vitamins just did not feel right for the 30 or so pounds that I need to lose.
I may not be successful in my weight loss journey, but I feel this is the best choice for me right now.
This is in no effort to sway someone from having surgery, or to criticize anyone for doing it. I understand and applaud those that have it and because of it are happier. I wish all of you luck and I thank you for being there for me when I needed it.
NPR

Sigh...
The last time i posted here I was asking everyone for prayers because I was on my way to Tijuana, Mexico for surgery.
On my way there I started to have serious second thoughts about the surgery and I decided that the surgery just was not right for me. My BMI is 30.4 and I could not justify going through with it. The changes to my life style would be life changes that I didn't feel were right for me. I felt as if I could try harder on my own to lose the unwanted weight without having to have the surgery. The Hair loss that happens to some and the life time of Vitamins just did not feel right for the 30 or so pounds that I need to lose.
I may not be successful in my weight loss journey, but I feel this is the best choice for me right now.
This is in no effort to sway someone from having surgery, or to criticize anyone for doing it. I understand and applaud those that have it and because of it are happier. I wish all of you luck and I thank you for being there for me when I needed it.
NPR

Sigh...
The last time i posted here I was asking everyone for prayers because I was on my way to Tijuana, Mexico for surgery.
On my way there I started to have serious second thoughts about the surgery and I decided that the surgery just was not right for me. My BMI is 30.4 and I could not justify going through with it. The changes to my life style would be life changes that I didn't feel were right for me. I felt as if I could try harder on my own to lose the unwanted weight without having to have the surgery. The Hair loss that happens to some and the life time of Vitamins just did not feel right for the 30 or so pounds that I need to lose.
I may not be successful in my weight loss journey, but I feel this is the best choice for me right now.
This is in no effort to sway someone from having surgery, or to criticize anyone for doing it. I understand and applaud those that have it and because of it are happier. I wish all of you luck and I thank you for being there for me when I needed it.
NPR

@@NPR I have to admit I'm happy that you didn't go through with it. WLS is not meant for someone who needs to lose 30lbs. You risk complications and the possibility of losing too much. I know how scared you were and I'm glad you were strong enough to say no. Good luck in your weight loss - I'm sure you will do great on your own!

As usual, VSGAnn2014 says it the best.
You have absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about. You made a decision that you felt was right for you.
Look at it this way- you are now educated about the surgery and the whole process so if later in life you decide its for you, less research!
I hope you at least got to enjoy Mexico for a few days.
Don't beat yourself up. There is no point. Relax and enjoy the summer.
Take care.
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Do not be embarrassed.
But don't ignore your health either. Decide now how you ARE going to get healthier and live a healthy lifestyle.
Very best wishes.
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I understand. It is a big decision when you are not super high BMI. I was very torn too. Best wishes on your journey!
edited for spelling.

I don't think surgery is a good option to lose 30 pounds so you made the right choice.
check out https://www.reddit.com/r/keto/
you can probably drop that weight in a few months with Keto, and keto is an easy way to eat for the rest of your life.
Good luck.

Okay, guys I am scheduled for tomorrow morning (5/27) at 7 am. I have been so nervous and afraid and have even considered canceling today, please pray that all goes well for me. I should be back home by Monday.
Thank you all!!

Okay, guys I am scheduled for tomorrow morning (5/27) at 7 am. I have been so nervous and afraid and have even considered canceling today, please pray that all goes well for me. I should be back home by Monday.
Thank you all!!

I am scheduled for surgery this Friday and I am freaking out. I am scared that something terrible will happen to me. I had a heart halter monitor and an echo (ultrasound of heart) done two weeks ago and everything came back normal, but I am still freaking out and worried that i wont make it. Sorry I know I am being dramatic, but I can't help it.
Anyone out there feel the same? Any advice?
Sincerely,
Freaking out!

I have gone through same thoughts before my surgery, I think this is very normal... Everything went well so I believe you will be on as well:)