Wayward Traveler

@@Sai - thank you so much! And congratulations on your weight loss!! :-D That's impressive. It's a journey ... we all may take different paths to get there, but the destination is the same. :-) Cheers!

@DHurd35: The two are really unrelated ... and I can say that with some level of authority because I have had both. :-) The balloon is a weight loss tool. A tummy tuck removes excess skin (and some fat), and it tightens the underlying muscles. I had the latter done after losing over 100 pounds because I had excess skin that needed to be removed. While I did lose a few pounds in the process, I never considered it a weight loss surgery. I had the balloon for six months and lost almost 50 pounds during that time, despite extensive travel and a number of special events. I have continued to lose weight since the balloon was removed. So despite what @OutsideMatchInside said, the balloon and how it's used in the US is not a waste. But the balloon alone is not the answer - it requires changing your eating, exercise and other lifestyle habits in order for it to be successful. The balloon can help you - not fix you. Can you gain weight after the balloon? Sure. Fortunately I have not. BUT you can also gain weight after a tummy tuck ... and after suffering from a major injury, I did. Hence the reason I got the balloon. Furthermore, results for both procedures vary greatly depending on the individual. Some people have more success than others. Some wish they had never done it at all. For that reason, neither decision should be made lightly. I highly recommend doing your homework and meeting with more than one doctor before deciding how to proceed. That's all a long way of saying that I would consider these two procedures separately. If you need to lose weight then you might want to consider the balloon. But you might not - it's not for everyone. You could also try more traditional means of weight loss, and save your money for the tummy tuck once you achieve your weight loss goals. Because the more you lose, the looser your skin and muscles will be. In any case, I caution you not to consider either procedure as a magic bullet. They are just the beginning and more work will be required on your part to achieve AND maintain optimal results. I hope that helps. Best wishes to you, whichever direction you may go!

@@Dixie_Amazon - that's fantastic - congratulations!! I just (finally) passed the 50 pound mark and couldn't be happier!! :-D I'd like to lose another 20-40 but for now I am thrilled with the results ... the balloon was definitely the right decision for me. Good luck with your removal - I hope all goes well. Cheers!

Sorry to hear that your husband is struggling. It's never easy, is it? No - I did not have any other surgeries or procedures before the balloon. In fact, I don't think people who have had other surgeries are eligible for the balloon, but don't quote me on that. It might be good to talk to his doctor about alternatives, or to contact a balloon surgeon near you to see if it's even an option. I would say that the balloon is a way to get back on track with general weight loss, and a way to lose weight. It may be all someone needs or it may just be a part of their process ... it all depends on how much they need to lose and how much they actually lose with the balloon. Please note that in the US their is a max BMI for the balloon. Conversely, in some other countries they primarily use it in morbidly obese patients who are preparing for weight loss surgery. So it's been used in a variety of circumstances, but is only permissible in certain circumstances depending on where you live. Good luck to you and your husband both on your continued journeys.

Hi @Greenmay: Are you referring to Orbera vs. Re-Shape? If so, that's a tough one ... Orbera has been around longer so it has been tested more and has more research behind it (there is some comfort in 20 years of "tried and true"). Re-Shape uses blue dye so you know if you have a leak (which provides another kind of comfort) ... Orbera typically does not, but some doctors will do it. Some say the double balloon takes up more space so it makes you feel more full, however others say it's not the space that it takes up but the pushing on the stomach walls that makes you feel full - and Orbera is bigger in the middle so it touches more. Who knows what is truth! :-) For some people the answer may be as simple as which is offered closest to them, since both have limited availability in the US. (That factored into my decision as well as how I felt about the doctor I selected - I was just more comfortable with him and his facilities.) Similarly, some people choose based on which doctor has the most experience, and they go with whichever balloon s/he offers. Some people focus on cost (Re-Shape tends to cost more than Orbera), and some people on post-insertion support (each doctor's office is a bit different). So there is a lot that goes into the decision. Unfortunately I cannot tell you much about Re-Shape since most of the ballooners I know got Orbera. I know one person who got Re-Shape and was miserably sick for a long time, and then barely lost any weight, if any. Although I think the person on these boards who posted the greatest balloon weight loss was a Re-Shaper? Not sure. Regardless, the information comparing the two is limited, so you may end up using other factors (such as those above) to make your decision. In the meantime you might want to try YouTube for more info - there are lots of balloon vloggers there. Good luck!

@@brezzytime678 - you might want to consider Vitamin Patches. They sell them here and on Amazon. In terms of Protein, I love chocolate Organic Fuel (26g for 260 calories). I also do a lot of Greek yogurt, Protein Bars, lean meat, cottage cheese and nut butters. In a pinch I've also found frozen spaghetti with meat sauce to be satisfying, easy to digest and relatively high in protein. There are also some great Soups out there, like Progresso Chickarina. @@Shirleyd90 - feeling any better? I hope all is well! :-)

I felt much better by day 11, but not everyone does. Ironically I know someone who felt great days 1-3 (didn't throw up at all), but felt miserable weeks 2-4. Every "body" is different ... no two journeys are the same. I would give it at least month if you can - most people seem to feel a lot better by then. But keep talking to your doctor - the last thing that you want is to get so dehydrated that you end up in the hospital. I know of someone who did that and ended up with kidney failure. FWIW Popsicles might make you feel a little better (and the regular ones at that - sounds like you need the calories). Also, have you tried Organic Fuel or Orgain? I find them much easier to stomach than most other Protein drinks. Best wishes! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My time with the balloon is almost up. I'm curious how those of you who had the balloon are doing now. How was the removal? Were you happy with your overall results and experience? How is life post-balloon? How you lost, maintained or gained since then? Now that you've concluded your time with the balloon, would you recommend it to others? In general, do you have any advice for those of us who are approaching removal? Your perspective would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Oh no! Well thanks for trying. I look forward to hearing your thoughts when you're up to it. :-) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@NPR - the first few days are miserable for sure, but it does not get 100% better immediately after that. Each day is better than the last, and things progress at a different pace for different people. I felt dramatically better after the first few days, but still felt a bit off for about a month (not miserable, but I could feel the balloon, my appetite went through various changes, etc.). Now I barely notice it. With only a few weeks to go I am down about 45 pounds and that is with A LOT of indulgences, events and travel along the way. So no regrets for me ... if I had it to do over again, I certainly would. Hang in there - hopefully things will get better soon. In the meantime, make sure that you're getting enough Water and Protein - those two things alone can make you feel better. Also, make sure you're getting enough calories (per whatever your doctor advises). Some people drop way too low and end up feeling miserable, plus they stop losing because their bodies go into starvation mode. Lastly, focus on which foods agree with you and which do not. For example, some people struggle with Pasta. If you find foods that you like and are tolerable, you can limit yourself to them until you are able to stomach more. Take it one step and one day at a time ... and be gentle with yourself. :-) Hopefully you will turn a corner soon. Best wishes!!

I was going to say downward facing dog, too. :-) Or maybe just laying down on the opposite side?? Hope you feel better soon! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@anewmee - I was also hungry for the first couple of weeks, but it got better. Hopefully it will for you, too. @@brezzytime678 - life certainly can be depressing without comfort foods. So I've tried to find new comfort foods and I occasionally allow myself to indulge in old favorites (like pizza - but only a small slice and without high-fat meats). Sometimes it's just the "ceremony" of it all - why can't I go to DQ and get ice cream like everyone else? The answer is that I can - I just can't get a massive 1000 calorie dessert. Instead I get a little mini kid's cup of plain vanilla ice cream for around 100 calories. It's not as exciting, but it's fun to still be able to participate, if that makes sense. It's a trade off, but it's worth it. And it's sustainable, which may be the most important part. Hang in there, and best wishes to you both! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Sounds like you're doing all the right things! Still throwing up or has that passed? Hope you're feeling better every minute! FWIW I stocked up on bone broth in addition to regular broth because it has more Protein. Problem is that I couldn't stomach either - lol! The smell or something was making me nauseous. But if you can manage it, it's a good option. I was on my left side all of the time too, but after a month or so I could do either. I can even lay in my back without a problem now. So you're body really does adjust over time - some people more so than others. Also I was eating regular Popsicles at first rather than sugar free. They are only like 40 calories and they were the only calories I was getting for the first couple of days, so I figured it was just as well. When I was ready to move off clear liquids, I started eating Greek yogurt. It's low in calories but high in protein. I still eat it just about every day - sometimes twice a day. And the fancy ones with the toppings and what not are my go-to when I fancy a dessert (ex: key lime pie Greek yogurt with a graham crumble and white chocolate topping). Sure it's higher in calories and sugar than other yogurts, but it's still only ~ 200 calories and high in protein, so it's a great satisfying alternative to cake, pie or other indulgences (which are usually higher in fat, calories and sugar, but lower in protein). Keep up the great work and best wishes to you!! :-) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Are you getting enough protein? That could certainly help with fatigue. Iron and/or D3 supplements might help too. Hope you feel better soon! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@Glimmer120 - some people really struggle with acid reflux but I have not at all. In fact, I am supposed to take PPIs twice a day, but I backed it off to once a day and am still fine. Regardless, I would guess you are ok not having them a full week before - I bet a few days before is just as effective. I'm not a doctor, I just can't imagine a few days fewer will make much of a difference, so don't worry too much. I'd be more concerned about the anti-nausea medicine ... are they going to give you a patch and oral meds for that? Good luck!! :-) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you so much for the detailed information! Would you mind sharing with me how long you have had the balloon and how much weight you have lost so far? Are you happy with it? Thank you!! I have had it for about five months and have lost ~ 43 pounds, but I have gone off program quite a bit. I've had a lot of travel, special events with set menus, etc., so I am confident I would have lost even more if I had been 100% faithful. Given that, I'm happy with where I am. I am not sure if I will make it to 50 by six months (more travel between now and then) but I will give it my best shot! :-) Regardless, I am pleased with the procedure and the outcome. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I've stumbled on some interesting things lately ... both good and bad. I thought I would share them here and hope that others will do the same. :-) First, I found a recipe that looked decent enough (in terms of nutritional value, taste and ease), but it did not include the nutrition information so I was not sure. I then discovered a website that I will calculate the nutritional value of any recipe. Pretty cool! Check it out: https://www.caloriecount.com/cc/recipe_analysis.php That recipe was really begging to be served with rice or another grain, but I didn't want to add all of those calories. Trader Joe's to the rescue with Organic Riced Cauliflower - only 20 calories a serving: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsuc0S-HsB8/VXmclJbbQUI/AAAAAAAAVo4/zs9oUSbegTU/s1600/DSC03584.JPG Could I "rice" it myself? Sure, but boy was this ever quick and easy!! My last interesting find was not a good one. I decided to splurge last night with a flavored yogurt that was not non-fat (I know - crazy, right?). So I had a Noosa, which I've had before. As yogurt goes, it's quite decadent ... it's like dessert without being quite as bad, and the added benefit of lots of protein! I've only had it a couple of times before and enjoyed their berry flavors, but this time I opted for lemon. SO yummy!! The problem? I was reading the ingredients and it includes ... wait for it ... BUTTER!!! Who has ever heard of butter in yogurt?!? Blech. And it's only in the lemon flavor. How weird is that?!? So it's back to more tame fat-free yogurt for me. After all, if I'm going to indulge in butter, I wanna taste it, and I want it paired with something that makes a lot more sense than yogurt.

Yes - I got the patch moments before the procedure. From everything that I've read, it's a must. People who don't get it tend to be miserable. Even those of us who do usually need oral anti-nausea meds too. I felt pretty crummy for the first 48 hours, but after that I started to feel better quickly. Stock up now on clear fluids/food and make sure you find a Protein drink that you like. I'm partial to Organic Fuel by Organic Valley. Orgain is good too, but it does not have as much protein per calorie. There are others with a lot more protein in them, but I can't stand the taste/texture, so Organic Fuel is my happy medium. :-) I have not struggled with acid reflux but a lot of people do. Regardless, propping yourself up might help (especially those first few days). I actually bought a wedge pillow, which was great. Last but not least, Popsicles are your friend, especially the first few days. Good luck!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

How interesting! How does that differ from Orbera or reshape? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I don't believe so but I would confirm with your doctor. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The first few days are definitely the hardest ... it will get better. Just listen to your body and don't rush the progression of food (better to be safe than sorry). Hang in there!!

Those first few days are a bear, but I am glad to hear that you're feeling better. Best wishes!!

@@anewmee - I was really burpy at first. :-) Still kind of am, but they are not gross (like I have heard others describe) - just airy. Glad your insertion went well and that you're not nauseous. You're off to a great start!! Good luck! :-)

It took me around two weeks to get past it, so hopefully you're just about to turn a corner. :-) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I thought the same thing. I was not hungry until like day 5 but then I was famished until around day 14. Increasing my calories and Protein helped a lot. Do you think you're getting enough? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App