Hi there,
I am having a gastric balloon fitted in two weeks time - any hints and tips??

It absolutely is not hard - you physically cannot eat as much as you did and you don't have a desire to.

I had it done in Dubai and it cost 4000.00

I had it inserted in Tijuana, Mexico for $3250 American. I think I would have looked around more as I was not impressed with the place. The procedure went well. I am down 7 pounds and am not thinking about food all the time like I was. It has not always been pleasant but neither was my weight gain.

I had mine done in prague - cost £1950 including all flights. They have been very good about responding to any queries or problems. My daughter had hers done at the same time but she has felt that she can still eat far too much. They have sent her some reductil as they are concerned that her stomach has stretched to accomodate the balloon. The hope is that the reductil will kill her appetite and allow her stomach to shrink back down. We shall see! I am continuing to lose weight - 20 lbs in six weeks.

Hi there Tina,
I'm thinking about going down the gastric ballon route in Prague. I've managed to put on nearly 4 stones over the past 3 years, though God knows how because my actual diet hasn't changed at all. Guess it must be menopause creeping up on me.

How do you rate the service you had? Was it easy to arrange and have you any idea whether you can take a partner with you?

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

Have you had your hormones/thyroid checked? I would look into the reason for the unexplained weight gain before I would even consider getting one of these things. How many calories are you eating per day and do you do any exercise? If a slow thyroid is causing your problems, or a lack of exercise, the balloon is not going to fix anything. Figure out whether you can lose weight on your own by counting calories and exercising. If you're appetite is too great, then maybe the device will help (I know nothing about the device whatsoever), but if its related to other issues, then it doesn't sound like the device will help at all.

hi, just new to the forum, did u get the gastric ballon fitted, if so where did u get if done and are u happy with it?

thANKS

My cousin had the lap band done and has lost tons of weight, fo the first while she was in pain, 2 weeks later she could still only eat liquids, 2 months later they had to take her off solid food again because she had so many problems. Overall she has lost alot of weight but it has put her threw alot of pain

Hello, I've had the balloon in since Sept 26, 2008. Its only been a week and I have good days and bad days. Today's acid in my tummy in BAD, although my acid never refluxes out my mouth. But the pain in my stomach is still bad enough.

Anyway, I would like to ask any of the gastric balloon veterans out there: does the balloon put one at risk for ulcers or chronic gastritis down the road? Once I get it out, will my stomach be as good as before the balloon? Or are there long-term consequences to having a plastic ball disgest away in your stomach for a few months?

So far I've lost (i'm guessing...no scale) about 7 lbs and I'm glad I have it in, just need some information as i like to know all the facts. Thanks guys.

Hi
Had my balloon removed three weeks ago after having it in for seven months. Also suffered from terrible acid reflux and the balloon did stick to my stomach wall and ? started a small ulcer. It was however easily sorted with a shift of the balloon (physically shoving it!) and a short course of antibiotics. The acid reflux does settle down after about a month. When I first had the balloon out I had a terribly sore throat and the acid burn was there again for a few days - however everything is fine now and have been able to stop the antacids. Thought I would be starving but have found that I still cant stomach a large meal as I tend to lose interest half way through. Have actually lost another 3 pounds since removal - fab!

Tina

I have been trying to find out what happens after the balloon is removed. thanks for your post. i will have mine out next month and was really afraid my stomach was really stretched out and I would eat too much and regain the weight quickly.

Hi everyone dont reall no how to post a new thread i having balloon fitted in the prague new you clinic on friday.........im really anxious, can people share there sucess stories pls xxx

Hi everyone

Just joined the forum. I had the gastric balloon fitted exactly one month ago. Have lost 10lbs.24lbs to go! Yes first few days were rough. Felt very tired and wanted to sleep all the time in the first 2-3 weeks. Energy levels back to normal now and have just started s gentle excercise program.

Heartburn is bad first thing in the morning but fine during the day.
I have a real problem... I constantly have huge amount of wind.. wanting out.. both ends!! and WORSE... its smelly... I feel like a freak!

Has anyone had this problem and if so, please let me know if anything can be done!!

So nice to be able to share.

Thank you all

Bonny