Wayward Traveler

How exciting! Looks like you've been reading up. :-) I would also suggest a Protein drink that you know you like, some sort of stool softener (like Miralax or Colace ... and start taking it a few days before the procedure), and a wedge pillow (or just plan to prop yourself up). Are you getting an anti-nausea patch? If not, ask for one. Are you getting painkillers? If not, Tylenol seems to be the painkiller of choice (you can even take the children's liquid version if you are struggling with pills). Other than that, all you need is patience to get through the first few days. Speaking of, I even purchased barf bags from Amazon, and I was glad to have them - even when I didn't need them (just knowing they were in my purse was a comfort). Once you're ready for food, applesauce, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and eggs are all helpful. I hope that helps. Wishing you well on the 28th and throughout your journey. Cheers!

@@buckleysmom - congrats on your weight loss - that's great!! And thanks for the tip - the more helpful hints like that, the better. :-) @@michelleg46 - I actually used Miralax and milk of magnesia together for about 4 days before I had relief. Since then I take Colace every couple/few days to keep things moving.

@@michelleg46 - ah ... you're not the first one here to have that problem. In fact, it's very common (must be all the Protein and lack of fiber). A combination of Miralax and Milk of Magnesia seems to work well. Once things are moving, either/or should be sufficient, or colace. I also find that fiber one bars/cereals are helpful. Of course, I would recommend bouncing all of that off of your doctor. fwiw, my doctor said that I could take anything with the balloon that I took without it. But that's just my experience - again, you should consult your doctor to see what s/he recommends. (In other words, I'm not a doctor, I just play one on the Internet. ) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@michelleg46 - please keep us posted ... I hope you're all better soon! :-)

@@michelleg46 - I am so sorry to hear that - it all sounds terrible! You are not the first person who has developed spasms well after getting the balloon. I have not experienced that and I don't know what causes it, so I won't be much help there, but hopefully someone else can chime in. Were you given any anti-spasm medicine? If not, I would request it ASAP - that might give you some relief. I would also have the doctor check it out for sure, just in case something shifted. Does your balloon have blue dye? If so, you will know if you have a leak. If not, your doctor should be able to tell you if it deflated. In terms of the migraines, I know that they advise against Advil, Aspirin and the like, but Tylenol is supposed to be OK. Have you tried that? Also, were you prescribed any painkillers post-procedure? If so, you might want to give that a whirl. I was given Tylenol 3 and I know that has helped me with severe headaches before. Other than that, lots of Water and darkness might help. Beyond that, I have been trying to eat more anti-inflammatory foods to help with pain and discomfort (since I am not supposed to take anti-inflammatories anymore). Tart cherries, ginger, turmeric, etc. - all are good for inflammation. It's a long-shot, but that might help, too. Good luck - I hope you feel better soon!!

At least two weeks - more like a month. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

No regrets and would do it again, but I'm only a couple of months in ... who knows what I will think several months (and years) from now. :-) So far I've lost almost 30 pounds. I hope to lose 50+ by the time I'm done (key word is hope ). My first month was not as difficult as some that I've read about, but also not as easy as some others (makes me wonder if I'm the norm/average?). My first 2-3 days were not a lot of fun, but I was fine to go back to work after less than a week, and two weeks in I felt pretty normal. I would recommend it to others only if they were a good candidate, if they were really informed about the possibilities (good and bad) and if they were willing to commit to the process. It's still a lot of work ... it's not a cure - it's a tool. And, frankly, it just may not be the right fit for everyone. But I think it was the right decision for me and I'm glad that I did it. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@anewmee - I'm traveling right now so I can't tell you exactly, but the last time I weighed I was down 28.4 (since the balloon was inserted). Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So sorry you're not feeling well. :-( The timing is unfortunate because it really is best to ask your doctor (unless they have an emergency line that you can call?). Do you have any prescription meds for nausea, anxiety or pain left? If so, that might help. FWIW I did a quick search on some of the resources that I previously posted (http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/367596-gastric-balloon-resources/) but none referenced TUMS. I did find references to antacids here (but not TUMS specifically): http://www.coloradoweightlosssurgery.com/files/2014/10/Rose-Intragastric-Balloon-Handbook_pgs.pdf Also, whoever this person is apparently took TUMS with the balloon: https://www.realself.com/review/connecticut-ct-orbera-intragastric-balloon-weight-blood-pressure-cholesterol Good luck - I hope you feel better soon!!

I "think" I was told that I had to have someone with me to drive me home? Regardless, I would not recommend going by yourself. While you are walking on your own when you leave (and I actually felt better at the hospital than I did at home), you have just been through a major procedure that includes anesthesia and (in most cases?) pain killers. Therefore, you really should not be driving. Besides, being in the car made me feel worse ... and I've heard other people say they threw up on the way home. Given all of that, it's not a good idea to drive yourself. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Abdominal binder? No way ... I would not have been able to stand that at all. Even now - just the thought of it makes me kinda queasy. :-| No thank you. I had the procedure on a Wednesday am and went back to work on Monday. If I had to I could have take care of myself the first day or two, but it was nice having someone there to help. After 48 hours I felt like I was on the mend, but I was still a bit tentative on that third day. I had notable progress on days 4 and 5 (fwiw I am counting the procedure day as day 1). So based on my experiences, I would guess that you will be fine, especially if you have help with the kids. But each person reacts differently. Some are just fine from the get-go and others are miserable for weeks. Having said that, most seem to turn the corner in three days. Oh and yes - I often can still tell that there's something in my belly. Not as often as I used to, and it's not as uncomfortable when I do. But there's definitely a sense that somethings different. Having said that, if I just shift a bit, the sensation usually goes away. Regardless, it's not miserable, it's just different. Good luck!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@Sailor Doom - Guess what I tried the other day? :-) I will give you a hint - my beau and I went together and I almost wondered why I asked him if he wanted to give it a shot in the first place - lol! He spent the evening smacking me on the arm, putting me in choke holds and jumping me from behind - yikes!! (I think it is the most fun that he's had exercising in a long time. :-D) We have two more classes in our intro package before we render a verdict, but so far so good. In the meantime, I'm still going to yoga and am restarting Pilates. So I'm getting back into the swing of things and will keep augmenting my plan in an attempt to optimize my activity. hopefully my body - and the scale - will thank me for it. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@michelleg46 - yes, I have thought about discontinuing (or lessening) my PPIs, as well, since I have not had any reflux. But I'm afraid that they are the reason that I have not had it, and that I will regret it if I stop one or both doses. Not sure ... we shall see. But glad to hear you're doing so well - that's great! Just stay the course and the weight will follow. :-)

@@Sailor Doom - that's what I'm afraid of, since I have not had reflux at all. Really don't need anything to "look forward to" ...

Did you have reflux earlier in the process too, or did it not start until month 2?

Hmm ... I suppose around week 2 or 3? By week 4 I was able to eat just about anything. So how ya feelin'? Sounds like you're doing well? :-)

Two months in and I am both happy and disappointed to report that I've lost ~ 25 pounds. Reason being is that I've been "here" for almost two weeks now (+/- less than a pound). To make matters worse, I have been pretty darn diligent with my diet, so my efforts are not being rewarded ... which is pretty darn frustrating. This breeds moments of "why bother?" and, since I can eat just about anything, temptation to eat things that I should not. For example, the other day I went to a meeting with nothing but pizza and cake on the menu. And I had ... none. Could I have had a slice of cheese or veggie pizza without doing much harm? Sure. But that's a slippery slope and, given my plateau, I am trying to be as good as possible in the hopes of breaking through. Nonetheless, I have what I would call diet fatigue (i.e. it's easy to stay on track when the needle is moving in right direction, but hard when it's not). So where do I go from here? I know I need to increase my activity. If I commit to that, then hopefully that will help. And maybe if I just stick to my diet things will start to move, but I'm not feeling optimistic at the moment. In fact, I'm feeling discouraged. Any suggestions regarding how to break through this plateau, other than to just stay the course? How do you manage plateaus? Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

@@MarciaN - yes, I get changing the mindset, and the journey towards maintenance, but it's still hard. :-) I've actually lost close to 100 pounds at this point (total - since my all time high 10 years ago, not just since I got the balloon). I maintained a 100+ pound weight loss for 6-7 years until I suffered a major injury and started re-gaining. I did the balloon to help me get back on track, to lose what I gained and to then lose some more. So I know it's a process - and a marathon, not a sprint - but plateaus still frustrate the heck out of me. Hence my plea for management strategies. I love all of the info, ideas and support from this forum. I knew I would get some great insight, and that I have. And, FWIW, I finally passed the 26 pound mark this morning. Maybe I just needed to exercise my demons by putting it in writing - lol!! Thanks again - to you and everyone else - for the responses. I really appreciate it!

So far I have lost over 25 pounds, but I've only just begun. @@Recycled - Please note that some people do get the balloon to only lose 36 pounds ... or maybe to only lose that much while they have the balloon (and to continue losing more after). This makes more sense when you consider the following: - the balloon is temporary (you only have it for six months) - the balloon is intended for people with lower BMIs than those who have more traditional WLSs - the balloon is much less invasive that WLS (i.e. it is an outpatient procedure that does not involve any cutting) - the balloon is a beginning, not an end (i.e. a tool and not a solution), so many strive to lose more after it's removed When you consider those factors and the risk/reward spectrum in general, 36 pounds makes more sense, however I heard heard of a lot of people losing 50-77 pounds during their six month balloon periods. I hope that helps! :-)

@@Sailor Doom - glad to hear you're doing so well! I think, just like with food, it makes sense to ease into activity, especially when your calories are so low. It's not surprising that you're getting dizzy, and I think it's a fair assumption that activity would make it worse. I, unfortunately, am struggling with activity. Not because I can't do it, but because I'm having a hard time getting motivated. :-/ (That may explain my plateau!) I actually feel pretty good, but so far all I have done is yoga and walking. I am fine with those, but am confident that I am capable of more. However, please note that it took me 2-4 weeks before I felt capable of pushing myself hard physically like I had previously (and I have heard other people say it took even longer). I know someone who returned to the gym two weeks post-balloon insertion and while he felt fine, he said it was uncomfortable to run. I could see that as I still very much felt the balloon for the first four weeks, and something as jarring as running would have been uncomfortable at best (and may have even made me nauseous). FWIW I have had NO trouble with reflux, which surprises me because I have a hiatal hernia. I does not matter what or when I eat, how soon I sleep after eating, whether or not I sleep elevated, etc.. I also have not had trouble with it when I walk or do yoga. For that reason I don't suspect that it will be an issue when I exercise vigorously (famous last words). In fact, I am half tempted to stop taking the second dose of PPIs each day ... but that just may be a little crazy. I have never heard of Krav Maga but I'm intrigued! I googled it after I read your post - there's actually a studio near me. Please tell me more! What's it like? How hard is it? What do you love and hate about it? Is it hard on bad knees or backs? I must confess, I am tempted to check it out ... but I also don't want to make a fool out of myself - lol!! :-) Thanks!!

@@Esq123 - you might want to try Protein drinks before jumping in to soft foods. After that, it might be best to ease into it with smooth Soups, yogurt, etc.. After a week I was fine with scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, etc.. In the meantime, to ensure that you're getting more fluids, I highly recommend ice (chips) and Popsicles. I lived on both the first couple of days (the thought of anything else made me queasy). BTW, if you feel up to soft foods you're probably ok, but better to be safe than sorry, especially if you're cramping (i.e. having to digest solid foods might make that worse?). I fortunately have not had any cramping but I know a lot of people have. Hopefully they can give you better insight regarding how they progressed on the diet front. :-) Best wishes and I hope you're feeling 100% soon!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Ya - I was surprisingly jazzed about a scrambled egg - lol! I talked to someone who had the procedure the week before by the same doctor and he felt the same way - lol! I still feel that way about Popsicles ... Who knew after not having one for decades that I would find so much pleasure in a simple Popsicle?!? :-) Shrimp cocktail is something else that, while I've had it in recent years, I've never eaten it regularly. It's surprising how delicious and satisfying it can be, and what a fantastic option from a low cal / high Protein perspective. I've had that with a very small side salad and been more than satisfied. Some people really struggle with food after the procedure. I did at first (the thought of everything made me nauseous), but after a week or two my appetite came back. Hopefully it will for you too, and you will be able to find healthy ways to satisfy it. :-) It's still work for me, but it's easier with the balloon, and I'm hoping that after six months my new healthy habits will be firmly established. Fingers crossed!!

@@Sailor Doom - sounds like you're right on track! :-) I started with a lot of Protein drinks, Soups, Greek yogurt, string cheese, scrambled eggs, hummus, and frozen Pasta Entrees (although I have not heard a lot of people say the latter, it worked for me). I actually still do a lot of all of them - they are easy to make, easy to track nutritionally and packed with protein. Since then I have added a lot of Cereal, chicken, and nut butter or turkey sandwiches. But I really do not restrict types of foods since I tolerate just about anything - I am more concerned with its nutritional content than what it is. I had my procedure on Wednesday and I had to go out to eat that Sunday! I stuck with Soup and I was fine. I actually did that the first several times I went out. Now I eat out a few times a week and, again, am less concerned about specifically what I eat than how many calories it has and how much protein. I try to stick to restaurants that post nutritional information so that I can determine my meals in advance, but if that's not an option I gravitate to things that I know are pretty safe nutritionally, and/or I order off of the children's or appetizer menus (ex: filet mignon without sauce/sides, children's portion of spaghetti or shrimp cocktail ... I've had a lot of shrimp cocktail :-)). Glad to hear things are progressing. Hang in there - it will only get better!!

I've heard/read that you are not supposed to drink while you eat when you have a balloon. However, I am having a hard time finding out why (or at least in getting a consistent answer as to why). Does anyone know definitively? If you have a balloon, do you eat and drink at the same time or keep it separate? I've done both, and I'm not sure that I've noticed much of a difference. I don't know if the concern is that you will get too full and not have enough room to consume enough calories/nutrients, or if there is a concern that it will stretch your stomach or ... ? I hope someone can enlighten me. :-) Thanks!

I was also given liquid Tylenol 3 for pain, but I didn't need it (is that what Emend is for? I didn't get that, but I had the others). I was given prescription Prilosec (not sure why - it's the same dose as OTC) and was told to take it twice a day. Two thumbs up for the patch!! :-) And make sure that you get plenty if IV fluids before you head home. The emend is for nausea. It looks like he's giving me quite a few different meds for nausea. It's only one pill and I'll be taking it 3 hours before the procedure WHICH IS TOMORROW MORNING. I can't wait! Good luck!! We'll be thinking about you ... please let us know how it goes. :-)