Hello - anyone out there have a gastric balloon? I'm booked for a consult with Dr. Woodhead (Vancouver) tomorrow and I'm just wondering who else has had this procedure. Thanks.

When my GP first contacted Dr. Woodhead regarding a consult, Dr Woodhead sent us info on both the band and the balloon so I looked into both. It did not take me long to see that the balloon would not work for me because of the amount of weight I had to lose (100lbs+). At that time (3 years ago) the balloon could only be left in the stomach for 6 months before it was removed and there was no way I could safely lose my weight in 6 months. As well as that, it seemed to me that while being restrictive while it was inside, once removed I would be back to eating like before and it would be like so many other attempts at dieting...successful but no luck with maintaining.

It is an interesting concept tho, so keep us posted with what you learn about it and if you decide to go ahead with it.

All the best,

Patricia

I can see that it wouldn't be an effective tool in your case. I have about 50 pounds to lose, and think surgery may be too drastic for me. I need something to kick-start me to eat smaller portions so I can relearn some bad behaviour I've picked up over the past few years. My consultation is this afternoon so I'll keep posting when I have more info. Thanks so much for your input.

I considered the Balloon, but desided against it because I know I can lose weight, I just cant keep it off. The balloon doesnt keep the weight off and as soon as it is removed you are as hungry as you ever were because nothing is filling that space. Also, if it takes you longer than six months to lose the weight you would need another balloon and the price would start adding up. Or if I gained the weight back I would have had to get another balloon later down the line and the expense of it could just keep adding up and adding up. I had the same amount of weight, 50lbs, to lose. If you have a hard time with yo yo dieting and weight fluctuation then the balloon wont be a good choice. However if you feel really confident that you can keep the weight off without a tool afterwords then I guess it could work. From what my Dr told me, it wasnt originally designed for people with low weight loss. It was designed for people with goals of HUGE weight loss as a first step. Basically people who were so overweight that WLS would be too dangerous until they lost some of the excess weight. So they would be ballooned to lose that first stretch of weight until their blood pressure or whatever was in line enough so that they wouldnt die in WLS.

I had my consultation yesterday with Dr. Woodhead. I found him really nice, supportive and a good listener, which is not always the case with doctors. I was a bit surprised that he himself was overweight; I had expected otherwise from someone who's specialty is weight-loss surgery.

His approach was very "soft-sell"; he wasn't pushing the procedure and simply outlined the advantages and disadvantages. I appreciated that. Of course, the big disadvantage with the balloon is that it is temporary as it's only in place for 6 months. However, I look at is as a catalyst for a whole life change. I do not want surgery such as a lap band, and think with around 50 pounds to lose surgery would be pretty drastic. I just need something to help me change and something inside of me is telling me that this is my answer. I know it may not be for everyone.

I am keeping a blog - if anyone is interested it can be found at gastricballoon.blogspot.com

Thanks for the advice that's been coming my way.

I am booked to see Dr Woodhead for a consultation next week. I need to lose approx 45lbs and believe the balloon is the right choice for me. How long did it take after your consultation before you had THE appointment? I look forward to reading your blog. Thanks for sharing

My consultation was the beginning of April, and was able to get an appointment for the end of April for the insertion. Unfortunately though the balloons ended up being backordered from France and are to be arriving some time this week. So my appointment got changed to May 27, so 2 months after my consultation in the end. Frustrating but nothing to do with Dr. Woodhead. I'm so anxious to get going on this... two more weeks...

Definitely keep in touch! Good luck.

Hi I have had my balloon for 6 days Now and went to Prague for the procedure.. I have lost 2 kg so far but am a bit concerned at the consistency of the Loss.. How are you doing with Yours?

I have had the Heliosphere Air Filled balloon and am pleased with the way it has settled but, am able to eat most things but am making Home made Soups, Boiled eggs etc. Dont eat after 6pm and am LOSING SLOW.

The procedure was done under sedation.

I would be interested to know how much you have lost?

Ladybird!

Hi I had the balloon put in 3 months ago and have lost 2 stone. It was very uncomfortable afterwards for about a week but has all settled down now. I tried orlistat and reductil and neither worked as nothing else did. My doctor wouldn't refer me because of costs but luckily I had enough money to go private. It cost just under £4,000 in manchester spire hospital. I was so fed up of being fat after having my kids I had to do something drastric

The balloon is only temporary. Therefore once you have it taken out you might gain weight again unless you stick with better eating habits etc.

I found it to be a huge pain. It didn't help me lose weight ( I had it between my bands) but it did help me maintain my weight ( so I am thankful for that).

If anyone ever finds this and has questions feel free to ask. Also February to July 2010 on my blog has my experience with the band.

The best advice I can give anyone is don't eat before flying with this thing in you. It HATES flying

I was also offered a balloon as I had a lower BMI. I couldn't see the point as I believe the chance of regaining again once it is taken out is pretty high. My surgeon agreed with me.

I hope that you have success with this .