Hi San
I noticed you keep posting negative comments about the balloon in this thread, I wondered why...have you had this procedure done to know 'you'll pile the pounds back on' or first hand know multiple people who have had this done? I doubt it. It doesnt sound like you know much about the balloon at all from your comment that it 'is not going to control your appetite' so wondered why you feel the need to keep posting in this thread. Most of us are looking for personal experiences about the balloon from people who have experienced it, not general comments from people who just are against it. Theres a few negative comments from people who have tried it in here, those I respect a lot more than your comments.

Ive heard some horror stories about the first few days, is it that bad? on a scale of 1-10 how bad was the sickness/nausea?

Funnily enough, you're wrong on pretty much every account....I had a balloon, and I know several people who had one. But more importantly, I use common sense - the balloon does not teach you how to control your eating, it doesn't teach you healthy eating habits. It's as simple as that.

Why am I so against it? Because I know exactly what I am talking about. Sorry to disappoint, but my posts are much more than just 'general negativity'. And if I can keep only one person from going through all the things I went through with the balloon (amongst other things), then I can live with some people not liking what I have to say.

If you are looking for personal experience then you have to live with the fact that some people are negative about it - from personal experience. As for you respecting my comments or not, that is up to you. I am not bothered one way or the other. If you don't like them, simply ignore them and make your own mistakes. It's your money, life and health that's ultimately at stake, not mine.

Is the gastric balloon available in the U.S.?

Just curious

I think overall people have lost weight and as the saying goes you have to find out for yourself. I believe i will succeed with the balloon thats why i have made the decision to have it done. Well done to everyone for their honest postings.

I had the balloon almost 3 monthes ago now, at first i was quiet sick, but with the ranitidine that was prescribed i have not vomitted now for at least a month and a half, ive lost 2 stones now, and am very happy, im also having hypnotherapy and counselling for my food issues, i can now honestly say that i nonger crave food, and i have no interest in chocolate anymore?? i dont know why, but im totally not interested, even through im surrounded by it at work!! i would reccomend counselling and hypnotherapy to everyone who is considering the balloon, the balloon has been catalyst for change for me, i dont think i could have got this far without it, im slightly concerned about what happens when it comes out, but I know its up to me to carry on?
fitting into a goegous dress at my xmas party and dropping 3 bra sizes was the best xmas present ive ever gotten, and one i can take full credit for, to all those struggling with the balloon, keep the faith its worth the hardship!!

three bra sizes...that's something was vomiting the only complication with the ballooon? Congrats on your success btw....

After 4 and a half months, i finally had my balloon removed today, and i feel nothing but relief. It was a horrible experience as far as i am concerned. Yes, i lost 2 stone, but i consider it an awful lot of money to spend for such a small loss. I lost all of that 2 stone in the first 2 and a half months, so i decided to have the balloon out before the 6 month deadline as i was loosing no more weight. However, i was burping for England, foul-smelling burps which were sooo embarassing. And i always felt awful in the mornings with bad heartburn.

At least now i can socialise over xmas without the embarassment of continual, disgusting burps.

It's over, thank GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey All

I had my balloon fitted in Australia on 10th December, 2008 - its now the 28th Dec. My experience so far has been difficult, but I am not going to give up. Within 1 hour of the procedure I was vomiting and then it continued on the hour for about the next 15 hours. After that it stretched out for 2 hours, then 3 and then an overnight and so on. Unfortunately I am still being sick and it is so much worse now becasue it is real food coming up, not liquids. I am finding that I am being sick a good 5-6 hours after eating - not sure why yet, hoping it will pass. In any case I am learning that the mornings are the best time for taking vitamins, acid tabs etc - better chance of them staying down. Constipation is a bit of a prob too - I guess it is becasue there is just not enough food inside to make things work properly - but getting on top of that one.
I started at 95kgs and am now around 88kgs - so pretty happy so far - but a bit worried about how it will be when food does start staying down. I am working hard to eat right, but often the good food just comes back up! But I am perservering.
I have been doing very light exercise since day 4 - just taking the dog around the block (about 1km) and yesterday had the energy for 1/2 hour bike ride. Very keen to get back into my usual exercise regime whick includes kickboxing training and boxing training (no fighting though!). The exercise was something I really had on my side before I started as I was doing alot each week. Hoping I can go as hard as I used to - but the way my tummy feels its hard to imagine at the moment. I am remaining positive that this will change - even if I have to puke at training!! Be interested to hear from others on this score - how they find their tummy during exercise and if anyone started hard exercise while still puking?

Anyway will stop raving now - probably bored everyone stupid!

Rafikigirl

Thanks Rafikgirl your posting was very informative i have mine fitted on 19th Jan really nervous. I also used to be very active 4 times a week in the gym so i hoping to get back into it. Keep posting its useful for everyone to compare notes and offer advice. Keep up the good work x Colly x

HI Colly

Please don't be nervous. I am not sure how normal my experience was. The Doc told me that another girl he did, had no side effects whatsoever. But a few extra tips that have helped me:
* make sure you take ALL the medication given to you to stop the nausea cramping etc and take it at the right time, it definitely helps. There was one my dr gave me called Zofran Wafers and they were fantastic.
* if you start solids and still vomiting alot, pull back towards the liquids again, for a while.
* eating small amounts regularly helps more than 3 square meals (for me anyway). Otherwise you get hungry and put too much on the plate.
* have a friend with you (or partner) for the 1st 24hrs of recovery
* have some nightwear which hardly touches your stomach or can be adjusted or pulled below the belly
* don't plan to be anywhere or do anything for at least the first 4 days - stress doesn't help recovery
* take 2 weeks off work if you can (you can always go back early if you are ready)
* just keep thinking about your goal when it gets tough or u are sick of feeling sick, imagine yourself at your goal weight and what you will be able to do that you don't do now
* sleep as much as possible

I am sure you will be fine, and the success I have had so far makes me feel really good within myself. After only a few kgs I have already adjusted what I am wearing. Keep me posted and any more questions don't hesitate to post, if I can't help I am sure someone else can!

Take care and good luck

Rafiki

hey,,, dont worry, keep on keeping on, it settles down i promise... keep taking the meds and you will be OK, after the sickenss settles and you are eating again, thats when the real work begins,,, you really have to work with your brain to start a new way of eating, and what you think about food. ive just got over xmas, and although i eat what i wanted, i was sensible and managed not to put any weight on!! im went back to my normal schedule of weight lifting classes and thai boxing almost immediatly, at first i struggled with energy levels, i went a bit dizzy now and then, and getting enough fluid in was an issue, it was either fluid or food at one point, but honestly once your body gets used to functioning on less fuel and liquid its OK, and now without the extra weight i find im fitter, more agile and stamina has been much improved, im always careful about abdo contact, as im paranoid about the balloon bursting, but really, keep the faith as it does all get better!!

Well said re the negative or one sided comments.
No complains so far from myself.
Yes comments on both side are useful, ultimately after research and investigation its up to individuals.
I am sorry that some people even after surgery have lapsed into prior behaviour i am seeing this 6 months as a retraining / behaviour program by restriction and looking at the bigger picture of Why ?

Thank you for reading Gloria uk

HI Gloria and others

I do hope my comments weren't percieved as negative - they were merely MY reality and unfortunately for me, the 1st weeks HAVE been difficult - that is my experience. I don't even wish my experience was different - because for me it has given me a big jolt that this is serious stuff and not just the next step along the line in a series of weight loss attempts - indeed I am planning this to be my last major weight loss experience, as I certainly don't want to put myself through this again.
In any case this forum is about sharing experiences, whatever they may be - not about glossing over the negative ones and highlighting only the positive. I think it is fantastic that others have had few side effects - just means their bodies are different - nothing more, nothing less. Information about the effects of GB are very thin on the ground and I felt that it was worthwhile to share my thoughts about MY reality - people can choose to take or leave my comments.

Anyway since my last posting things have improved somewhat for me - after 3.5 weeks. I am feeling more energised and although still tired, my food is staying down and I am finally getting and retaining the nutrients I need to have energy. YAY!!

Keep on everyone - don't lose heart because it is worthwhile, to feel better about yourself, to love yourself more, to have better health, to do all those things you have avoided while overweight and to live a longer life!

RafikiGirl

Hi no, was referring to S who has had every procedure done according to his posts but seems to still seems to be stuggling and need to lose tons of weight,so i guess its sour grapes on his part. I hope he finds his long term solutions as i hope we all do.

Anyway 6wks and 24 1bs off,i agree re very small meals no way can i eat 3 meals with enough vits and cals or have 4 or 5 small(i mean a small side plate)
and cant eat high fats like chesse or fats as feel so ill after them .
Good Luck to us all in this search for a healthy sane life.
Gloria