We found it very easy to arrange using "prague beauty". They sorted out the flights for you, from the airport of your choice, had a very nice english speaking driver to pick you up and take you back and the staff all spoke very good english. The clinic was a small (eight bedded) unit, very clean and I guess quite basic. The area it was in was bland and resembled some of uk,s council estates. However we felt so vile the first day we didnt even venture out so it didnt affect us that much. The staff were very proffesional and did seem to know their jobs but were a little humourless. I dont think English humour always crosses the language barrier! You can take a partner for an additional £350 (includes both ways). I wouldnt have wanted to be there on my own and was very glad I had my daughter to share a sick bowl with.
We arrived on the tuesday at 1600hrs and had the balloon inserted by 1700hrs! Within 3 minutes of arriving we had an intravenous cannula attached, blood taken and put in a gown. No time for getting nerveous!! The procedure took around twenty minutes. We were given some IV valium which made us a bit whoozy but in no way did it make us not know what was going on. They insert a micoscope down your throat, check your stomach for ulcers and then push the balloon down. It is then inflated with a blue die and the microscope is then taken out. You feel everything and it is uncomfortable and makes you gag. We spent the next day attached to a drip with various different pain and anti sickness meds going through and gaily threw up for most of the day. We did manage soups, some biscuits and a very pleasant pudding. We flew home on the Thursday and did actually start to feel better by then.
We are three months into the balloon now - I have lost 2
stone 2lb and my daughter has lost 1
stone 12lb. Life does feel normal now but we eat far less and if we do eat anything with a high
fat content or very spicy we suffer for it the next day ( guts ache and indigestion).
The clinic have been very good about keeping in touch and all e-mails are answered within a day.
I hope this helps with your decision.
xxx Tina
