Hello, Im new here, its my first post, pardon the spelling etc.

Next Tuesday I am flying to the Czech Republic with my inlaws to have the gastric balloon procedure. I consulted with my GP and family alot before coming to this decision. I have treatment resistent obesity. I am 180llbs, bmi 30. My mom is morbidly obese, as are many family members, though Im not sure my weight has anything to do with that. I weighed 125-130 all through high school, and in 2002 I started piling on the weight. For the past year I have done an hour of exercise a day and have tried to eat in a healthy way. I did see some positive changes; my asthma improved, though it still isnt great, and my heart rate improved. Sadly my weight has stayed the same.
The gastric balloon is only a weight loss aid. I am expected to lose between 3-4 stones in 6 months. Once the balloon is removed I can pile on the weight if I am not careful. Its a scary thought.
I am disappointed with the lack of information out there on gastric balloons. As its a relatively new procedure I guess its still not as mainstream as lapbanding etc. If anyone has or is going to get this surgery it would be nice to hear from you.
If anyone is interested in the actual procedure itself I can let you know. I am going under general anaesthesia. The procedure takes about 20 minutes. I have been given a strict diet and exercise regime for the first month following the surgery. No exercise for first two weeks, and basically pureed and liquid foods.
Anyway, Hi.

I've never heard of this procedure, but wish you the very best of luck .

Where are you from that you are flying to the CR? Treatment resistant obesity? Thats the first Ive heard of that.

So I take it you are a female? A balloon at only 180lbs, wow. Can you honestly say you did everything you possibly could prior to warrant the balloon?

Hey, it's your decision.
Good luck & let us know how it goes!

Well I have chronic asthma which is controlled by 2 types of steroids. The steroids also cause weight gain. Working out means I havent gained any weight, but Im not losing any either. Its like giving with one hand and taking with the other. I was skeptical too when my gp said I was resistant to weight loss... I felt insulted considering how much effort I have put in, but after she explained why I might be in such a cycle, and how the balloon will help speed the process up and make it easier to manage keeping the weight off, I agreed. Its a shame that a new member would join this forum, and someone would feel the need to criticize or question their decison. Thanks to the two ladies that WERE pleasant. However I wont be back.

Well,

Since she won't be back I'll add my two cents...

I don't think you asked anything wrong, Tony, perhaps asked a bit indelicately, but fair questions. I was wondering the very same thing.

I thought gastric banding/balloons and bypass surgery was only for people who were morbidly obese and then only with some big-time counseling. If she was 130-ish in high school, 180 doesn't seem so high to me. But there were few details.

At one time I was 305lbs and suppose I could've qualified for a procedure, but for me it never seemed an option, certainly not until I tried everything else (safe and healthy) first. Even then I would have to believe in my heart of hearts that I had done my level best and given it my full effort before I would consent to any surgical procedure. But that's just me.

I would think that a person who was planning to have the procedure, joining a public forum looking for helpful support and camaraderie, confronted with tough questions about their decision would be able to defend the decision without parting shots then taking their marbles and storming home.

I have to believe, therefore, that the question struck a nerve.

I wonder if a person were to skip the balloon, but adhere to the "strict diet and exercise regime" for the one month and then work with a counselor, and fitness trainer for a time, if the results would be the same or even better.

The only benefit I see to the balloon is that if you over eat, you become very ill. Kind of a forced behavioral modification.

Well, good luck to you, Wishbone. I feel certain that every person on this forum hopes that it works out for you. I know I do!

David

So if you're resistant to weight loss, doesnt this mean that you will continually need the balloon?

You take steroids for your asthma? Why cant I question your decision? When someone comes to this site and says they are trying to lose weight and eat 800 calories a day, should I not question their decision to do this? All I was asking is that if you honestly say you have tried everything else, then you should do it, but you have to honestly say you did.

You're not the only one. I will continue to ask the tough questions.

Im sure you will be back at least once more, its human nature. I asked about where you were from because I wondered why you had to go to another country to get this surgery?

Good luck to you.

One of my friends is considering a gastric lap band procedure
they won't even consider you unless you are 100lbs overweight.
And then you have to have 6 months of counseling.
I'm surprised they will do a balloon at 50lbs overweight wishbone.

I also am on steroids
I'm here to tell you you can lose weight on them
it's tough but it's possible.
You can do it with diet and exercise and a lot of determination.

I wish you the best, whatever you decide.
I hope things work out for you.

sona

hi there just wanted to wish you luck.only you know whats best for you.

This thread is almost a year old...what brought it back to the top? (aside from the obvious...a new post)