Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Getting my balloon on 8/29. Need some advice please!



Recommended Posts

Hello,

I am scheduled for my balloon on 8/29 at 8 am. Any advice? Anything that I should be aware of?

I am getting the balloon after canceling my gastric sleeve back in May. I decided not to go through with it because I just felt like that surgery wasn't right for me. My BMI is now 31.

Thank you all!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes - I got the patch moments before the procedure. From everything that I've read, it's a must. People who don't get it tend to be miserable. Even those of us who do usually need oral anti-nausea meds too. I felt pretty crummy for the first 48 hours, but after that I started to feel better quickly.

Stock up now on clear fluids/food and make sure you find a Protein drink that you like. I'm partial to Organic Fuel by Organic Valley. Orgain is good too, but it does not have as much Protein per calorie. There are others with a lot more protein in them, but I can't stand the taste/texture, so Organic Fuel is my happy medium. :-)

I have not struggled with acid reflux but a lot of people do. Regardless, propping yourself up might help (especially those first few days). I actually bought a wedge pillow, which was great.

Last but not least, Popsicles are your friend, especially the first few days. ;-)

Good luck!!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes indeed it was you that recommended the patch and I can't thank you enough! I suggested my doctor give it to all his patients.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes - I got the patch moments before the procedure. From everything that I've read, it's a must. People who don't get it tend to be miserable. Even those of us who do usually need oral anti-nausea meds too. I felt pretty crummy for the first 48 hours, but after that I started to feel better quickly.

Stock up now on clear fluids/food and make sure you find a Protein drink that you like. I'm partial to Organic Fuel by Organic Valley. Orgain is good too, but it does not have as much Protein per calorie. There are others with a lot more protein in them, but I can't stand the taste/texture, so Organic Fuel is my happy medium. :-)

I have not struggled with acid reflux but a lot of people do. Regardless, propping yourself up might help (especially those first few days). I actually bought a wedge pillow, which was great.

Last but not least, Popsicles are your friend, especially the first few days. ;-)

Good luck!!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you so much for the detailed information! Would you mind sharing with me how long you have had the balloon and how much weight you have lost so far? Are you happy with it?

Thank you!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my balloon placed 8/16 so I'm almost two weeks out. The thing that helped me the most was having a really good relationship and line of communication with my doctor. I suffer from intense anxiety and the first few days I kinda took a trip to crazy town. My doctor called me everyday and I even called her on a Saturday morning in the middle of a panic attack and she called in an rx for some Xanax right then and there. She listened to me and did a wonderful job of calming me down when I felt really overwhelmed. If it wasn't for her kindness and really listening to me I would have gone to the ER and had the balloon removed within the first week.

On the physical end the first few days I felt very weak and dehydrated. There's really not to much you can do about that but force the liquids down. I did this and was able to get more and more down eberyday. Once I was on top of my Protein intake I started feeling much better.

Now, almost two weeks out I struggle with missing food and fatigue. I am constantly tired. It sucks but my doctor assures me that will subside in the coming weeks. All in all I've lost about 10 lbs so far and look forward to the health and wellness I will gain from this experience. You can do this and best of luck to ya!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm getting my balloon placed on Monday too. I'm traveling and left all my rx and instructions at home. I did review everything before I left and I took notes for pre-op, during and post-op. I've also been re-reading posts here. The doc's office called me today and confirmed procedure time for Monday. I wanted to confirm that it would be liquids only the day before. When the nurse confirmed that she said well you've been taking your PPIs all week right? And I said "what?" She said I should have gotten pre-op instructions. I didn't. She emailed it to me immediately. I was suppose to be taking the PPIs (Prilosec or proton pump inhibitors) all week and I'm suppose to take 2 different kinds of anti-emetic 3 hours before procedure. Ugh. The doc said it should be ok and I think it should be ok, since I've never had acid reflux before. But FYI maybe take some PPIs and definitely have anti nausea patch right before surgery.

I do trust this doctor. I think his office and the hospital where the procedure is taking place still don't know what to do with balloon patients.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes - I got the patch moments before the procedure. From everything that I've read, it's a must. People who don't get it tend to be miserable. Even those of us who do usually need oral anti-nausea meds too. I felt pretty crummy for the first 48 hours, but after that I started to feel better quickly.

Stock up now on clear fluids/food and make sure you find a Protein drink that you like. I'm partial to Organic Fuel by Organic Valley. Orgain is good too, but it does not have as much Protein per calorie. There are others with a lot more protein in them, but I can't stand the taste/texture, so Organic Fuel is my happy medium. :-)

I have not struggled with acid reflux but a lot of people do. Regardless, propping yourself up might help (especially those first few days). I actually bought a wedge pillow, which was great.

Last but not least, Popsicles are your friend, especially the first few days. ;-)

Good luck!!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you so much for the detailed information! Would you mind sharing with me how long you have had the balloon and how much weight you have lost so far? Are you happy with it?

Thank you!!

I have had it for about five months and have lost ~ 43 pounds, but I have gone off program quite a bit. I've had a lot of travel, special events with set menus, etc., so I am confident I would have lost even more if I had been 100% faithful. Given that, I'm happy with where I am. I am not sure if I will make it to 50 by six months (more travel between now and then) but I will give it my best shot! :-) Regardless, I am pleased with the procedure and the outcome.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@Glimmer120 - some people really struggle with acid reflux but I have not at all. In fact, I am supposed to take PPIs twice a day, but I backed it off to once a day and am still fine. Regardless, I would guess you are ok not having them a full week before - I bet a few days before is just as effective. I'm not a doctor, I just can't imagine a few days fewer will make much of a difference, so don't worry too much. I'd be more concerned about the anti-nausea medicine ... are they going to give you a patch and oral meds for that? Good luck!! :-)

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my balloon placed 8/16 so I'm almost two weeks out. The thing that helped me the most was having a really good relationship and line of communication with my doctor. I suffer from intense anxiety and the first few days I kinda took a trip to crazy town. My doctor called me everyday and I even called her on a Saturday morning in the middle of a panic attack and she called in an rx for some Xanax right then and there. She listened to me and did a wonderful job of calming me down when I felt really overwhelmed. If it wasn't for her kindness and really listening to me I would have gone to the ER and had the balloon removed within the first week.

On the physical end the first few days I felt very weak and dehydrated. There's really not to much you can do about that but force the liquids down. I did this and was able to get more and more down eberyday. Once I was on top of my Protein intake I started feeling much better.

Now, almost two weeks out I struggle with missing food and fatigue. I am constantly tired. It sucks but my doctor assures me that will subside in the coming weeks. All in all I've lost about 10 lbs so far and look forward to the health and wellness I will gain from this experience. You can do this and best of luck to ya!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Are you getting enough Protein? That could certainly help with fatigue. Iron and/or D3 supplements might help too. Hope you feel better soon!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@Wayward Traveler. And everybody else. Im at Day 4 after insertion. The hospital or clinic changed my procedure from 11:45 am to 1:15pm w/o telling me. I live an hour away from the hospital at 1pm So going home wasn't an option. There were other miscommunication from the doc's office. It was really confusing. And I got upset. Eventually I was able to calm my self down. I went under at about 1:25 and woke up at 1:40.

I made sure to take the emetic pill and the nausea patch. I realized that I still wanted to go through with it. I trusted the hospital, nurses and the doctors. So I calmed myself down and it seems to have gone off w/o a hitch. I woke up 20 min later w/ my only complaint is that I feel overly full.

When I got home, I threw up 2x and 3x yesterday. I'm down 2lbs.

I think they got me in OR at 1:25pm

sleeping on my left side seems to help. He wedge doesn't help that much. I'm glad I have broth, Popsicles, Jello and hot lemon Water.

I'm also making sure to follow dr protocols to a T.

Today was the first day I decided to have a chocolate smoothie with strawberries and it was really good. I made a point of doing this so I can have Clear liquids before bed to minimize acid reflux.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sounds like you're doing all the right things! Still throwing up or has that passed? Hope you're feeling better every minute!

FWIW I stocked up on bone broth in addition to regular broth because it has more Protein. Problem is that I couldn't stomach either - lol! The smell or something was making me nauseous. But if you can manage it, it's a good option.

I was on my left side all of the time too, but after a month or so I could do either. I can even lay in my back without a problem now. So you're body really does adjust over time - some people more so than others.

Also I was eating regular Popsicles at first rather than sugar free. They are only like 40 calories and they were the only calories I was getting for the first couple of days, so I figured it was just as well.

When I was ready to move off Clear Liquids, I started eating Greek yogurt. It's low in calories but high in Protein. I still eat it just about every day - sometimes twice a day. And the fancy ones with the toppings and what not are my go-to when I fancy a dessert (ex: key lime pie Greek yogurt with a graham crumble and white chocolate topping). Sure it's higher in calories and sugar than other yogurts, but it's still only ~ 200 calories and high in protein, so it's a great satisfying alternative to cake, pie or other indulgences (which are usually higher in fat, calories and sugar, but lower in protein).

Keep up the great work and best wishes to you!! :-)

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×