anewmee

I have had one appointment with a bariatric surgeon here in wa. This consultation was for the gastric balloon (which I'm not having). The surgeon suggested the sleeve due to it being more long term. At the time, a sleeve was not on my radar so we didn't discuss further. Anyway, I'm going back in a few weeks because after thought, I believe this is the surgery for me (sleeve). What process do I go through after this next appointment? Can I book it in there and then or do they ask you to come back a few times? What tests will I need to have and what other professionals will I have to see? eg dietician,? Insurance isn't an issue as this is self funded and yes I have been given costs!

I believe I'm a better candidate for the band. I'm lower BMI and I like the idea of it being adjustable. Anyway, I hear SUCH bad stories about the band that I'm curious if this actually does work fine for some people?!

How much time would you leave between balloon insertion and going on an overseas holiday (4 hour flight).

How quickly has that weight come off?

Hi! My surgery was 11/22 at 183lbs; I'm 5'2 also and today I'm 160lbs. You are going to love your sleeve!!!!!! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using the BariatricPal App I'm a BMi of 30 and have been approved for the sleeve. What happens if the weight is lost too soon and i look ill or get too skinny?

So I have 50 pounds to lose. The same 50 pounds I've lost a handful of times but inevitably put back on.I have actually lost 18 pounds recently through a gastric balloon. My weight loss has stalled and I'm at the stage were I'm purposely stalling because I'm furious with myself for not going with the sleeve (it was offered to me). My main concern is becoming too skinny and looking ill/aged. I have severe psoriasis and research is looking good for this surgery and skin improving plus I believe I have some sleep disturbances which I'm getting checked out soon. Any thoughts?

How do you stop the weightloss though if one doesn't really feel like eating. That's what I'm worried about. So glad it's all worked out so well for you!

I'd love to ask some people with low BMI how the surgery has gone for you. I'm a BMI of 30 and my surgeon will do the sleeve. I'm happy as I'm going to use this as a tool to change my life FOREVER. I have some health complications too, and I hope to sort those out. BUT, I'm terrified of losing too much. Any more than 25 kilos (56 pounds) will make me look ill. I will be asking my surgeon about this but I do wonder if any of you can give me some advice?

HI Can i ask how you ended up having this done in mexico? What was your BMI? How is the recovery? Thanks so much!

I have a date for my balloon insertion. Next Wednesday! I'm very excited but nervous too. Hopefully I'll be able to manage the nausea and cramping. I held a balloon at the doctors and I must say, I was surprised how heavy it felt. Any hints or advice for me? Can;t wait to join you all on this journey and lose this weight and get my health back.

hello everyone! So I've lost 5 kilos or 11 pounds in 2.5 weeks and I've had to give my size 16 clothes away (Australian size 16) My BMI was 31.8 and now it 29.8. I still feel surprised by my hunger levels. I'm using a lot of willpower to move the weight, which is fine but I guess i thought the balloon would be a bit more helpful. However, I am extremely happy either way. Glimmer120, my doctors have been quite good but they aren't calling me or anything. I don't really need them to though as everything is under control. I see the dietician monthly and that is keeping me on track too. I have no nausea or vomiting. I did take this new anti nausea medication that the orbera company have recently recommend. It's taken 3 hours before the surgery and lasts 3 days. Apparently all the recent people through their rooms who have used the med prior to the balloon are all getting minimal side effects so that is great.

So I'm a week down and have lost 4 kilos (8.8 pounds). I'm very happy with that. It's been an interesting week. I can't feel my balloon, have no nausea, no reflux and I wouldn't know it was there! Strangely, I feel hungry. Not head hunger or cravings but hungry. I wasn't expecting that but I'm so determined to lose the weight that I'm sticking to the program anyway!!!!

Day 2- slept most the day. Felt MUCH better than I anticipated though. Managed a few tablespoons of broth and runny yoghurt throughout the day. I followed the plan my dietician gave me. No vomiting or nausea. At this stage I feel incredibly lucky but I am starting to feel weak. Early to bed and got a good nights sleep (thanks children!)

I think I'm going to use this as a little diary of my experiences with the orbera balloon. Day 1 - insertion. Lots of waiting around at the hospital which I didn't really mind (rare mum time!). I had a general for my insertion. All went well. They gave me some new anti nausea medication which apparently lasts 3 days. I felt no real nausea and vomited once minimally on the day of the insertion. My only real symptom was i felt gassy to the point of it feeling sore in my stomach. The surgeon said they use gas to open up for the endoscope. That gassy feeling stayed with me all night but I still managed to sleep. I drank my Water and that was pretty much it.

@@Shirleyd90 did you have much gas on the first day? I had mine inserted today (orbera) and I have had minimal nausea but i feel like I need to burp a lot to relieve the gas but i can only manage small burps!

I just had an appointment with the bariatric surgeon who said he thinks the balloon is a waste of money, weight loss is slow and at times people lose no weight. He said recovery is very very hard and they often need to be removed. I have seen this guy before and he was much ore positive the first time. I'm really at a loss now. Really had my heart set on the procedure.

My dietician has given me advice to eat protein rich low fat meals with veggies after 10 days of balloon placement. She said wet foods/meals are ideal. Any ideas? Spag bol is one and my low fat curry. Anyone know any websites with free recipes? EDIT: in terms of spag bol I mean the sauce on top of shredded veg.

I didnt think of pinterest! Thank you. Chicken cacciatore is a fantastic idea. I haven't had that for years but I love it.

sorry, I meant the sauce on top of veggies. Pasta is a no no here too!

that ia amazing work! well done!

Well I did wonder that. Things is he is one of the most respected surgeons where I am from so i would be surprised but the whole thing is rather odd.

it must be really frustrating for you. I wonder if 1200 cal is a tad too much? I also thought maybe ( and I really have no idea so this is just a thought) that does losing the 21 pounds prior have anything to do with it as in could your metabolism have dropped possibly? I suppose though that most sleevers and banders would lose quite a bit prior because of the shake diets?

ok so i have an update on this and I think it's all a little weird. I rang the clinic to book in a time and date to have the balloon placed as I'd had my first dietician appointment. They said they hadn't finalised 'surgery schedules' so the couldn't give me a date. I was to ring back in 5 days. They rang me back in 5 days saying the doctor is no longer operating or doing procedures at that hospital and is not accredited to do the balloon at the new hospital so they could refer me to a surgeon who does the balloon form the original hospital. I'm a bit grumpy about this because it's more money on consultations and it delays the whole thing!

thanks for sharing and I think you've done a brilliant job!

You are right. It doesn't stretch but surgeon explained over time and years the brain gets used to increases of food and therefore portions increase. One bite of pizza becomes a piece, then two which is why firstly food needs to be good quality and secondly these are tools. We need to work on the mind and the types and portions of food we consume.