Balloon placement on Friday!

myrlmn · April 28, 2016

I am getting my balloon placed on Friday and I'm N-E-R-V-O-U-S. I've stocked my fridge with Premier Protein drinks, Isopure drinks, gatorade , Jello and yogurt drinks. Even though I feel like I've prepared the best I can, I've got a few questions and would love any feedback.

How long did you stay at the hospital after the placement? I'm thinking the sooner I can leave the hospital the more comfortable I can get at home.

The nurse told me between her and the NP they will be calling me every day for the first week. Is this typical with everyone else?

I'm really hoping I can drink fluids afterward and avoid getting dehydrated. How soon did everyone start drinking fluids? I'm confused about sipping on drinks versus normal drinking. My nurse told me that I should be able to drink normally once I get home. I've read that you should sip on drinks... I have the patch and zofran and really hoping to avoid nausea and vomiting so I can tolerate drinking.

I can't believe I'm going in about 6 days after for a postop. How did everyone do with those first couple of postop visits? Could you drive yourself?

Am I forgetting anything? Wish me luck!!!

jansluv · April 28, 2016

HI there! I was nervous too the days leading up. But honestly, I felt pretty darn good when I came out of the procedure, except for a strong, although brief case of hiccups! I felt totally fine and was released within 1 hour. They had me on a saline drip while I was at the facility so I was plenty hydrated. I only sipped Water that night. And yes, I was nauseas later that evening and did throw up that night once. And then again a few days later. I was able to drink Protein Drinks and warm broth the next day. And by the third day was feeling good enough for a little solid food - although the doctor recommended only soft, liquid foods for a week. Try to not have anything on the calendar those first few days so you can take care of yourself. Sounds like your kitchen is fully prepared - Bone Broth is a good source of Protein, too. Good luck.

Wayward Traveler · April 28, 2016

I am getting my balloon placed on Friday and I'm N-E-R-V-O-U-S. I've stocked my fridge with premier Protein drinks, Isopure drinks, gatorade , Jello and yogurt drinks. Even though I feel like I've prepared the best I can, I've got a few questions and would love any feedback.

How long did you stay at the hospital after the placement? I'm thinking the sooner I can leave the hospital the more comfortable I can get at home.

The nurse told me between her and the NP they will be calling me every day for the first week. Is this typical with everyone else?

I'm really hoping I can drink fluids afterward and avoid getting dehydrated. How soon did everyone start drinking fluids? I'm confused about sipping on drinks versus normal drinking. My nurse told me that I should be able to drink normally once I get home. I've read that you should sip on drinks... I have the patch and zofran and really hoping to avoid nausea and vomiting so I can tolerate drinking.

I can't believe I'm going in about 6 days after for a postop. How did everyone do with those first couple of postop visits? Could you drive yourself?

Am I forgetting anything? Wish me luck!!!

How exciting!! Sounds like you're doing all of the right things. I was only in the hospital for a couple of hours and needed a ride home (but I felt pretty good!). I was drinking Water right away but couldn't stomach Protein Drinks the first three days (just the thought made me queasy). I actually preferred ice chips and Popsicles at first. I then added Jello. Bone/sipping broth is a great option too (it's clear but has protein), however I couldn't stomach it either. After a few days I was good with yogurt and clear Soups.

The hospital called me the day after and my doctor called the day after that, but that's it. Sounds like you're getting great support! I was able to drive myself to a doctor's appointment (unrelated to the procedure) two days later and to my post-op appointment a week later, but I'm sure everyone is different and I was not on narcotics.

I had my procedure on a Wednesday and went back to work on Monday. I was fine but, again, everyone is different.

Which type of balloon are you getting? What part of the country are you in?

Just remember, while you may feel crummy for a few days after, it will probably pass sooner than later. Rest up and slowly introduce new foods. Hydrate and get Protein in as soon as you can. A lot of the protein drinks are too thick and sweet for me. My endocrinologist recommends Orgain, which is nutritionally complete and tastes good (thin like milk and lightly flavored), but it does not have as much protein as I would like. I discovered Organic Fuel by Organic Valley which I also like - not as many Vitamins but more protein. My endocrinologist gave it a thumbs up as long as it is not the only form of nutrition that I'm getting (i.e. I need more vitamins). The two don't have as much "stuff" in them as some of the other options, but at least I can get them down (and they're organic without a lot of garbage in them) ... so they're certainly better than nothing. :-)

One more thing - I bought barf bags on Amazon - lol! I didn't need them like I thought I would, but they gave me great peace of mind. I kept them in my purse, car and office. The thought of being in a public place and having to run to the bathroom freaked me out. Fortunately that never happened (although I got sick at home at midnight the first day and twice in the morning of the second day), but I was still glad I bought them. And seeing as some people get sicker than others, I would still recommend them, just in case.

Good luck - please keep us posted and let me know if you need any more tips or tricks. If so I'm happy to help. :-) Cheers!

Edited April 28, 2016 by Wayward Traveler

myrlmn · April 28, 2016

Which type of balloon are you getting? What part of the country are you in?

I'm getting the Orbera balloon and I live in the Pacific Northwest. Thanks for the feedback. I'll be sure to check in the next couple of days.

Wayward Traveler · April 28, 2016

Which type of balloon are you getting? What part of the country are you in?
I'm getting the Orbera balloon and I live in the Pacific Northwest. Thanks for the feedback. I'll be sure to check in the next couple of days.

That's what I have too. It's seems that people struggle with Re-Shape more, but that's an unscientific opinion - I don't know that for a fact.

I'm on the opposite coast so it's safe to say that we don't have the same Doctor. ;-)