Another newbie getting ready for Orbera

jaydee68 · February 16, 2016

How is everyone doing. It has gone really quiet. I had my weekly weigh in on Monday and after 2 weeks have lost 15lbs. So pleased. I am back at work and doing really well with my food portions. Hope to hear from you all.

Edited February 16, 2016 by jaydee68

Wayward Traveler · March 16, 2016

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 ...

jansluv · March 16, 2016

Hi @@Wayward Traveler. I am 10 weeks in. Lost 17 pounds. The thing I have learned from reading the few blogs I have been able to find, is everybody's body reacts in its own way to the balloon. I have read some people who throw up daily for a month. I only threw up twice. Some people lost 10 pounds the first week, I didn't lose anything that week. Some people can't stomach solid food for a week after insertion, I was able to eat solids after 48 hours. So, unfortunately, I think its up to your body and how well you listen to your doctor. I was very uncomfortable the first night (threw up and very bloated tummy) but felt ok the next day, except for being tired from lack of food, I think. You will find through trial and error what you can eat, how much you can eat and when you should and shouldn't eat. My first week was not bad at all. And I was able to get back to the gym by end of 3rd week. The balloon is not easy, nor is a magic diet pill. You may not feel 100% for the next 6 months. I generally feel at about 80%, always a little off, generally first thing in the morning and almost always in the evening. And your weight loss will plateau at some point. You will have to alter what you eat and you will have to add some form of exercise to get past those plateaus. I have had some really rough days, but its totally worth it in my opinion. My blood pressure has gone way done, my cholesterol is back to normal and my sleep apnea has corrected itself in just 2 months. So power through the rough days and keep your eye on the prize! Good luck!

Wayward Traveler · March 16, 2016

@@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!

jaydee68 · March 16, 2016

@@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!

Totally agree with @jansluv. Everyone is different. I had my balloon inserted 1st feb, was sick for two days but don't worry. I was determined not to be sick as I hate it. But I felt okay after it, it's not like being ill. Be prepared on your first day for wind being around your shoulders and back but it will pass. I stuck to 4 days before more substantial foods and 7 days before I went to solids. Have lost 19lbs but haven't lost anything for two weeks. Keep talking on here. People are really supportive and you realise you are not alone ????

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Wayward Traveler · March 16, 2016

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

AnnCade · March 16, 2016

I've had my balloon for 6 weeks and have lost 18lbs. I'm very happy! I was pretty sick for about 4 days after...I couldn't keep much down, but after 4 days I haven't gotten sick again. I was very weak and had some IV fluids on day 6. I remember on about day 3 it crossed my mind "what have I done". It does get better and your body does adjust. Hang in there that first week. Maybe you will be a lucky one and only have a day or two of throwing up! [emoji4]

Wayward Traveler · March 17, 2016

@@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!

AnnCade · March 17, 2016

Good plan! I carried a bucket with me those first few days and needed it as I couldn't make it to the bathroom fast enough! When I was better and started leaving the house, I kept a barf bag in my purse...just invade. I never needed it. Good luck!

Wayward Traveler · March 17, 2016

@@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?!?

SLSH · March 17, 2016

I never threw up. Just felt terrible.

jaydee68 · March 17, 2016

I felt it was a different type of sickness. I threw up ... I was fine. I got a gurgling feeling and new I needed to be sick quickly. Bags will be good even for peace of mind. I have just been for my official hospital weigh in and have lost 10.3kg. I am over the moon. That's in 6 and half weeks. Yay

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Wayward Traveler · March 17, 2016

@@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!!