Still nauseous after four weeks with Orbera Balloon.

[MJane 2]

I had my Orbera balloon inserted a little over four weeks ago. The first week I could barely keep liquids down. The second and third weeks I could eat very soft foods (pudding, scrambled eggs), but the stomach acid was terrible and I made myself throw up - often every day. Not a great idea, but the acid and reflux was very bad. Now after a month the acid situation is significantly better, but the nausea isn't. I have stomach cramps that are a bit like labor pains of the stomach - they last about 20 seconds, then get better for 30 seconds, then start again. I know the stomach tries to 'digest' the balloon for a while, and that's why you get some of the nausea. I'm worried because the doctor told me most people feel better by two weeks, and sometimes it takes three-four weeks. I don't want to be one of the people that has early removal. Due to the nausea, my Fluid and Protein intake are not what they should be, and I know that's an issue. Anyone have this kind of nausea happen and eventually feel better after a few more weeks?

[Berry78 4,259]

You poor thing! That sounds miserable! You are the first person I've seen post with the balloon, so we aren't ignoring you, we just have no experience with it.

Please keep coming back, as eventually someone else with some experience is bound to show up

[Hugs] Hope you feel better, and keep us informed in how it goes!

[MJane 2]

Thank you very much, appreciate it. Am I not in the right forum, gastric balloons? Just joined so I'm new.

[MarinaGirl 607]

Yes, you posted correctly in the Gastric Balloon Forum.

I'm so sorry you're feeling lousy. Are you taking any PPIs to help with the acid reflux? And what does your surgeon say about your difficulties with Fluid & Protein intake and so much nausea? Unfortunately I'm not familiar with this procedure so I can't be much help. But I sure hope you feel better soon.

Edited May 27, 2017 by MarinaGirl

[MJane 2]

Re PPIs, yes, Prilosec and Zantac, although the acid isn't the issue anymore. Also taking Hyoscyamine and Odansetron, which are antiemetics for nausea. Surgeon says to keep drinking Water and get at least 60 grams of Protein. He says everyone is different and responds to the balloon differently, some may take longer than others to adjust.

If you look at all the online info about the balloon it says most people feel better in 3-4 days, and nausea is "easily managed." I've read several posts from folks who say the first 1-2 weeks were bad. There are fewer posts from people who are past the month mark and still feeling nausea or cramps. So that's what I'm curious about. Thanks for responding.

[MJane 2]

I'm at ten weeks now. Most of the nausea and acid reflux subsided around eight weeks. I still feel some physical discomfort, especially in the morning - like the balloon is pressing outward. I spoke with my doctor's office and he says he hears this sometimes. It's uncomfortable but manageable.

It sounds like I'm an outlier among his patients in terms of how long it took to get over the nausea. He says everyone is different. But my expectation was that I would feel better within a week based on what he said at the appointment before surgery.

My only advice out of all of this is that you can't really use a yardstick and compare yourself to other people in terms of recovery. Some seem to feel a lot better in three days, others take a lot longer.

I've lost 14 pounds so far.