Wayward Traveler

I must admit that my primary reason for choosing Orbera was proximity. The closest place offering ReShape was a couple/few hours away. That was not just an issue for the procedure, but also follow up appointments (none of which they would do over the phone - not even with the nutritionist). I also would have had to stay in a hotel for a few days after the procedure, and would not have had a doctor nearby longterm in case of an issue. Furthermore, I met with two Orbera doctors and really liked the second one, so it made the decision easy. (I also liked the idea that the doctor I selected did the procedure in a hospital, while most others do it at an outpatient facility ... it's very unlikely that there will be issues with the procedure, but I figured it would be better to be in a hospital, just in case.) Having said that, I also liked that Orbera had been around longer and seemed to have better results with fewer complications. Just thinking about size/capacity, I thought ReShape might work better, but one of the doctors whom I met with (different practice than I selected) said Orbera was better since it was bigger in the middle and had more contact with the stomach wall, causing a greater sensation of fullness (not sure if that's true or not, but it made sense to me). What I liked better about ReShape was that due to the double balloon and blue dye, I felt like it was safer (i.e. less likely to fully deflate and cause a blockage). However, my surgeon agreed to use blue dye with my Orbera (something that's common in other parts of the world ... can't imagine why it's not here). I've been told that chances of deflation/blockage are very very slim, but I feel better knowing that I've got this extra safely mechanism, just in case. Lastly, I only know two people (via these forums) who had ReShape - one over six months ago and one fairly recently. The former already had it removed and he lost 77 pounds (wow!). The other is having a tough time ... she was sicker than I was at first, has had other nagging side effects and is struggling to lose (so frustrating ... I'm hoping she turns a corner soon). Just based on those two, it's hard to tell if it's a good choice (and I've certainly heard both good and bad about Orbera ... at the end of the day I think it's more of an individual reaction thing than due to which balloon). But since I'm "closer" to the person who is having a negative experience, I'd be less likely to endorse ReShape (which is probably not a fair assessment at all). Whichever you choose, just make sure that you take time to do your research in advance, that you prepare for the procedure and that you take enough time off to recuperate. Keep in mind - it still takes a lot of work to lose weight with a balloon. The balloon is just a tool to help the process. But so far I've found it to be effective, and I'm still cautiously optimistic that it will help me to get to my goal. Fingers crossed. Good luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Wow - that's fantastic - good for you! Keep up the great work!! If you can do it on your own, that's definitely the way to go. I was always too chicken for surgery so I did it on my own too. But, long story short, I hit some snags along the way and no longer could do it myself. Down 65 with another 50- 70 to go, I decided to get a gastric balloon. It was not as scary to me as surgery since it does not permanently alter your anatomy, so I thought maybe that was the happy medium that I needed to lose the rest. So far so good, 2.5 weeks in. Everyone's journey is their own ... glad you're doing what's best for you. Best of luck with your continued success!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thanks, everyone - that's helpful. My situation is a little different in that I have a balloon – not a sleeve – but I was told the same thing about not having liquids and solids together. I didn't think to ask why at the time but will be inquiring the next time I go in. :-) Thanks again! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thanks. So the liquid does not pass through quickly? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Does anyone know why you are not supposed to have liquids with solids? I have made some assumptions but I do not know for sure… Has anyone been told by their doctor? Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Just my two cents. Zofran gives me a terrible headache. I'd rather feel nausea than the headache I got when I took that. Oh my ... I don't know what I would have done without zofran. But it didn't give me headaches. Apparently it can cause neurological issues in some people (I had asked my doctor about it - he said it was rare), so that might explain the headaches that you've experienced. :-/ Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi - just checking in. How did it go? Feeling ok? I had my procedure the week before you. :-) Hope all is well!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@myrlmn - first and foremost, don't fret. :-) It's not a cakewalk, but it's not a nightmare, either. I had the Orbera procedure two weeks ago today and all is well. I have also been talking to two other people who had balloon procedures that week, and one who had it the week before. Our experiences have been similar but different, ranging from getting really sick to not sick at all, and massive weight loss to very little (I fall somewhere in the middle). You are right to be most concerned about the first three days. They were not fun for any of us, but some more than others. Of the four people that I mentioned (myself included), I think two of us got sick (although ironically another one started having trouble keeping food down later). I got sick at around midnight the day that I had the procedure, 8am the day after then again at 10am. That was it. (One of the folks sounded like she was really sick for at least three days.) I was not absolutely miserable ... I was more uncomfortable than anything. I was basically nauseous with a belly ache. By day three I started feeling better, and continued to every day for the next week to 10 days. I feel relatively normal now. I went back to work on day 6. I could have probably done so on day 5, but not before. If possible, I would recommend taking a week off. It is important to keep hydrated. Those first few days I had Water, ice, Popsicles and eventually Jello. I had purchased Isopure Zero Carb RTD (which is a clear liquid) so that I could get some Protein and calories, but I just couldn't stomach it. I also tried broth but I could not stomach that, either. After that, regular Protein drinks will be helpful (I'm still using them). Find some now that you like and stock up. It sounds like constipation is an issue for lots of folks. Some of the materials that I have read even recommend taking a stool softener regularly starting a few days before the procedure. You might want to talk to your doctor about that because it can be pretty miserable when you're trying to recuperate. In terms of headaches, does Tylenol work for you? (My doctor even recommended children's Tylenol if liquids were easier after the procedure.) If not, you might want to ask your doctor about Tylenol 3. Just be aware that some people don't tolerate it well. It can make you queasy if you take it on an empty stomach, and it can contribute to constipation. I have not had any trouble with it, and it has worked well for pain in the absence of NASIDs (I used to take Advil often). Regarding protein, I was told to get 60-80 grams. Apparently 60 is relatively typical for most women, I was just advised to try for more because of my height/size. In terms of meal planning, can anyone in your family help with that? It sure would be nice if you didn't have to worry about it for awhile. But if it falls on you, for the first few weeks you might want to rely on ready-made meals for your family so that you don't have to fuss much. Pre-packaged salads, frozen vegetables (some come with seasoning/sauces and/or other ingredients), frozen lasagna, etc.. The less you have to worry about, the better. You could also start cooking/freezing dinners now. If you are going to eventually eat with them, homemade soups are a great option. Also, recipes that include nutritional information so that you can track your calories and protein would be good. For example, Weight Watchers crock-pot meals that require little prep on your part. Start looking for recipes that sound yummy, healthy and easy to prepare now. In the beginning, softer foods that are easier to digest would be better. I hope that helps. Best of luck to you on your new journey! Please keep us posted and feel free to reach out via a private message if you would like to chat further. :-) Cheers!

@@dedegold - wow, that's terrible ... I'm so sorry to hear that. I have a mild hiatal hernia, but I have not had those issues (maybe because it's only mild?). I think chewing A LOT does make a difference, as does eating well before bedtime. Do you do drink Water ~ 30 minutes before and after eating? If not, maybe that would help flush food through? Regardless, I wish you the best of luck, whether you decide to keep the balloon or not.

Based on the studies that I've read, on average there is some weight gain, but not as much as in the control group (and those with the balloon lost more in the first place). It's just like anything else - it requires behavior modification for the long haul in order to be successful. So patients need to use the six months with the balloon to prepare for life without it. In other words, it's not a magic bullet, it's just a tool to help you to adopt better habits. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Good luck to you! :-) I just got mine on Wednesday, and two other folks here for it this week as well. As I suspected (based on what I've heard from others), the first few days were pretty crummy, but I'm starting to feel better and looking forward to the coming months. Best wishes!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@SLSH - thank you ... I hope you're right. Sometimes being mildly OCD comes in handy ... if only that's all it took - lol! @@ophelia150 - good luck! I will keep an eye out for you tomorrow and will send lots of happy thoughts your way. I am definitely feeling all of the same things (gulp), so I understand what you're going through. I'm glad that my summary helped - lol!! :-D But I've never done this before either, so it's probably better to defer to everyone else here. Hopefully we can support each other through this ... I certainly wish you great success and hope that our journeys are fruitful. Cheers!!

@@SLSH - thanks for the insight and perspective ... that's helpful. I had read the same thing about three months. It makes me wonder if it is worth it to keep it for much longer? I am curious to see how I will be doing/feeling at that point. @@aelwillmann - the blue dye is standard for ReShape but not Orbera in the US (although it is seemingly common outside of the States) - which one did you get? Regardless, good luck with your removal. Please let us know how it goes and if the new meds help. I hope things start moving for you soon. :-) @@monniet50 - I don't know whether to say congratulations or I'm sorry to hear that. The weight loss sounds great, but otherwise it sounds like your experience has not been a walk in the park. :-/ If you had it to do over again, would you? @@ophelia150 - are you still on for tomorrow? If so, best of luck to you! I will only be a day behind ... I hope all goes well for both of us. We should definitely keep in touch. :-) The countdown has begun. I am definitely getting nervous, but pleased that my doctor has a bunch of prescriptions ready for me when we met on Friday - including an anti-nausea patch (yay!). What has everyone taken for nausea? What's worked and what has not? Does anyone have experience with Zofran? Thanks again and best wishes to you all!

@@aelwillmann and @@SLSH - I'm so sorry to hear that you guys are struggling. :-( I can only imagine how frustrating that must be. It makes me wonder if I'm wise to move forward - I am supposed to get mine this week. :-/ May I ask how full your balloons are? Do you wonder if they've deflated at all? Do they have blue dye in them? Regardless, best of luck to you both in your continued efforts!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Has anyone tried the Vitamin Patches? If so, what do you think? I am afraid that Vitamins will upset my stomach post-insertion (and that I won't be able to keep them down), and yet I am sure I will be in dire need of nutrients. Are the patches truly effective? If so, they seem like a great solution ...

WOW!! This thread had been incredibly helpful. Thank you all for sharing your experiences. After reading this and various things elsewhere, I have come up with the following list to help me prepare for my alien insertion next week: 1. Ask for an anti-nausea patch. One person got it before they were even knocked out, others immediately after and others days later. In all cases it sounds like it helped ... a lot. (Actually, except for one, which resulted in hives ... talk about adding insult to injury!) 2. Take your meds. Even before your procedure and/or if you're feeling better, take them (at least the first few days) to prevent getting sick. 3. Follow the 20x4 rule. No liquids 20 minutes before eating or for at least 20 minutes after, chew each bite 20 times and take 20 minutes to complete a meal. 4. 20-30 minutes after a meal, drink Water to rinse the balloon and prevent bad breath. (I've heard/read mixed reviews about carbonated beverages - some people say they cleanse the balloon better, but most seem to say that they make you feel miserable.) 5. Protein and hydration are essential to being/feeling healthy. 6. Stay with liquids only for at least a week or two to help with the adjustment and to prevent getting sick. 7. Eat dinner early and, ideally, stick with a liquid dinner to prevent all sorts of discomfort. 8. Invest in barf bags (done!). :-) Hopefully you won't need them, but they are worth it for the peace of mind alone. 9. When the balloon feels uncomfortable, sleep on your left side and/or try downward dog to get it re-positioned. 10. Sleep with your head elevated? I have not read much about that, but assume it might help with the reflux. Just to be safe, I ordered a wedge pillow. 11. It ain't over until it's over. Even when you start feeling better, you still may have bad days. So never take it for granted, stay on the food program and continue to take your meds. 12. And last but not least, prepare. Stock the kitchen with Protein drinks and soft foods, invest in the items mentioned above early so that you have them if you need them, make sure you have Vitamins (and tum?) on hand, etc.. Do you agree? Have I missed anything? Any feedback would be most appreciated. BTW has anyone tried Yonanas? It's a machine that instantly makes sorbet out of just fruit. A friend of mine has it (she got it after several of her friends got it) and she loves it ... says it is delicious! She usually just uses bananas and berries, but you can also use yogurt and other ingredients. I was wondering if that might not be a good way to get in some healthy carbs that are nice and soft. :-) One last thing - do your balloons have the blue dye in them? If so, what type of balloon do you have? Some people get it and some don't ... I'm curious about your thoughts on that, too. Thanks again and best of luck to you all!!

@@SLSH and @@jaydee68 - thanks for that! :-) @@jaydee68 - congratulations on your success!! That is very exciting and encouraging. Keep up the great work!! @@SLSH - have you had any more luck? I think I read elsewhere that you were struggling. That's so frustrating. I hate it when you you try your best and don't get the results that you want. Has this forum helped you to find effective strategies? I sure hope so ... best of luck to you. :-) Thank you both again ... your posts are very helpful and most appreciated. Cheers!!

@@AnnCade - a bucket?!? Yikes!! How have you been doing otherwise? I've been wondering how bad the vomiting really is for folks. I've gotten the impression that a lot of people vomit frequently at first ... sounds like a messy situation. :-/ Is everyone constantly dashing to the bathroom?!?

@@AnnCade - thanks for the reply. Your experience is encouraging. I can deal with being miserable for 4 days. I just hope that's all it is (or, even better, like you said - that I get lucky with only a day or two ... or none at all!). Having said that, I'm so freaked out by all of the vomiting stories that I ordered barf bags today - lol! I just have this fear that I won't make it to the bathroom in time, especially if I'm in a public place. Oy, Hopefully the bags will be nothing more than a security blanket ... I will definitely feel better having them at the ready, whether I need them or not. I will be very happy if it was a waste of $17. Thanks again and keep up the great work!

@@jaydee68 - you're making me feel better already. :-) Thanks so much!!

@@islesdriveforfive - that's fantastic. Congratulations!! Your story gives me hope ... I just hope that I survive - lol! Happy thoughts, happy thoughts, happy thoughts ... Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work!!

@@jansluv - thanks so much - that's very helpful. Guess all I can do at this point is hope for the best and prepare for the worst ... fingers crossed!! :-) In the meantime, thanks again, congratulations and keep up the great work. Cheers!

Thanks for everyone for sharing their journeys. I go in next week. I've read such a wide variety of experiences (from really good to really bad) that I don't know what to think ... so I am nervous as heck. Does anyone have a sense of how long people are sick on average after insertion? I think I could deal with it for 3 days ... but 3 weeks? Ugh ...