I too had the balloon and it worked well in the beginning I lost weight and felt full. I had to have it removed by 5 months due to an ulcer forming and I also noticed as time wore on I could eat more so the restriction really wasn't there anymore. It was also worrisome to me that I could always feel the balloon and move it when laying down, it just felt unnatural to me. That was last year $8000 out of pocket, failed weight loss and BMI went right back up to 35.
This year I went and had the sleeve done, so far no such issue, there is a permanent restriction and I don't have to worry about ulcers forming or trying to eat around the balloon. My BMI is now down to 30. I don't have problems with reflux, sleeping or getting in enough protein. I know how to truly think before I eat as eating a piece of cake as opposed to a protein rich snack will affect my weight loss . For me the sleeve was the better option, if I had known what I knew now...