Orbera balloon surgery

[aelwillmann 9]

I just got the orbera balloon on Wednesday. 3 days ago. I didn't experience the side effects of nausea or vomiting. A little stomach cramping. I've already been able to incorporate some semi solid foods back. Haven't lost any weight yet. I'm wondering if this is really going to work? I started at 183 and want to lose like 30lbs. Anyone else have this happen? Thanks!

[ThinnerRivers 20]

I didn't have the Orbera Balloon, but the Obalon Balloon... I experienced lots of cramping because of the acid inside.. It did make me question if it would work, but after like two months I lost up to 5 or 8 pounds, which I didn't notice on myself but I was told by relatives and friends. I had it removed though...

[Sleeve_Sistah85 193]

I didn't have the Orbera Balloon, but the Obalon Balloon... I experienced lots of cramping because of the acid inside.. It did make me question if it would work, but after like two months I lost up to 5 or 8 pounds, which I didn't notice on myself but I was told by relatives and friends. I had it removed though...

I considered the balloon at one point and backed out because research was lacking. Plus I could use 8lbs in 2 months by myself.

Why did you remove yours?

[Kindle 8,667]

Just curious about the balloon for long term maintenance. Are you going through counseling or therapy or any other psychiatric program in conjunction with the balloon procedure? If not, what is the consensus of how to keep the weight off once the balloon is removed? Without some sort of behavior modification aren't you right back where you started?

I've read a bunch about the balloon. My surgeon was actually highlighted on NBC Dateline when the Obalon was going through the approval stage. A nearby bariatric clinic is advertising the heck out of it on tv. But I've never seen any followup with patients after the balloon is removed.

Edited January 2, 2016 by Kindle

[aelwillmann 9]

Yes you have a program with a dietician, behavior coach, and group meetings every month. Lots of therapy with the balloon. It goes on for a year, so 6 months after you get it removed. It's a tool to help jumpstart a lifestyle

[Stevehud 1,790]

i suppose if you cant lose that 30 pounds, but that result is not something I would have any surgical procedure for. Seems a lot like a band in that it is temporary and offers a way out. I know in mu mind if i had to change my lifestyle for 6 months only, it would be easy to do, then go right back to eating whatever i want. seems problematic to me. and most obese people have a hell of a lot more to lose than 5 to 30 pounds.

[aelwillmann 9]

Thank you for your input, but you obviously don't know me or my medical reasoning behind doing this balloon. I have exhausted everything throughout the last 15 years and just like everyone else, I made the choice to do something about making a lifestyle change.

[Kindle 8,667]

. and most obese people have a hell of a lot more to lose than 5 to 30 pounds.

That's why the balloon is a good option for those that don't qualify for, or don't necessarily need surgery. Very noninvasive and with the appropriate counseling, could potentially be a good tool. Overweight people don't tend to have the same psychological issues related to food as the obese and super obese do.

I actually was able to track down one of the girls featured in that news report that my surgeon was in. She has a blog and Facebook page. It is over a year and a half later and the balloon has been out for a year. She lost 70 pounds and has maintained with a healthier lifestyle and excercise. Basically just like if she'd had surgery.

Edited January 3, 2016 by Kindle

[mrsto 2,925]

i suppose if you cant lose that 30 pounds, but that result is not something I would have any surgical procedure for. Seems a lot like a band in that it is temporary and offers a way out. I know in mu mind if i had to change my lifestyle for 6 months only, it would be easy to do, then go right back to eating whatever i want. seems problematic to me. and most obese people have a hell of a lot more to lose than 5 to 30 pounds.

FYI, the band is not temporary. It is permanent, but there is the option of removal....if any issues occur..

[aelwillmann 9]

Everyone has their own unique battles. Instead of going against eachother, we should support one another. We all have the same thing in common, trying to lose weight and making a lifestyle change.