Ballooners: what have you learned so far ?

[buckleysmom 45]

I have learned that I eat for just about any reason, none of them the right reason; actual hunger.

Also, I sure can see how a person can become bulimic. Having a balloon makes vomiting almost commonplace . What say you?

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[Wayward Traveler 135]

That's interesting ... and a good question. I have not had the exact same lessons. I do eat for hunger, but I also want to eat for comfort. I have to force myself to think of food a fuel and make eating decisions based on what's the best fuel for my body. It's not as fun but making it clinical like that somehow makes it easier. Also, I have not thrown up since the first 48 hours, so I have not learned the latter lesson either.

But I have learned (as I suspected) that losing weight is work no matter how you do it. I am very cognizant of what I put into my mouth. If I ate mindlessly, I think it would be easy to gain weight, despite the balloon. So while the balloon definitely helps, it's just a tool - not a solution. And what does that mean post-balloon? That the work will continue. Six months does not fix a battle that has lasted decades ... it just helps to keep you hyper-focused for a few months while you (hopefully) develop better habits.

Granted, I assumed this would all be the case going into the procedure, but now that's been confirmed. I'm still glad I did it - it was exactly what I needed, and was the best option for me.

Cheers! :-)

[buckleysmom 45]

Waywardtraveler. Eloquently stated as always

[jansluv 47]

I am having mine removed in 2 weeks. Lost 27lbs. Not what I had hoped and very disappointed that the weight loss completely stopped after the 3rd month. (had a small loss last week, but I really focussed hard on keeping calories very low.) I too am an emotional eater, looking for comfort as I live with 4 teenagers! I also eat just for the sake of eating without really caring if I am hungry or not. I knew those things before the balloon, but the balloon did break those habits. Now, I just don't care if I eat or not. I have very few cravings and I am certainly not hungry ever (although I can eat way more than I should with this thing in my stomach.) I pray that when its removed I will be more aware of when and why I put food in my mouth.

I have actually asked my doctor to insert a NEW balloon when he takes this one out but he said all results point to the fact that weight loss slows down substantially after the first few months and I would be better off waiting a few months and then getting a new one. Not sure what I will do...but he also offered me appetite control meds for when the balloon is removed. I am really nervous about gaining the weight back, especially since it is still summer time and there are so many opportunities to eat poorly!

[Wayward Traveler 135]

@@jansluv - Sorry to hear that you're disappointed - that must be very frustrating. Did you do Orbera or Reshape (or something else)? In any case, would you consider a different type of balloon? I wonder if that would make a difference? Best wishes to you with your upcoming removal - I hope all goes well.

[jansluv 47]

I am not totally disappointed! Thrilled I lost what I did. And happy that my head is back on straight, when it comes to eating and nutrition!! Just surprised, and disappointed, that this was really a 3 month gig, and not a 6 month one. I used orbera. And he filled it to the max. That feeling of fullness went away after 3 months, but I can count on one hand the number of times I felt hungry. SO it still is working, just not enough to curb my eating, as it once did.

Doctor is working with the company that makes the balloon to see if they can get me good pricing on a second one in a few months. But I don't think it will be worth the surgery center's fees.

If I have to consider weight loss surgery again, I think I will do the more extreme gastric sleeve. I am in my low 50's and am very tired of always focusing on losing weight.

[Wayward Traveler 135]

I hear ya. Just be careful if you do a more extreme procedure. I unfortunately know more people who were unsuccessful with bypasses, bands, etc. than were successful, many of who gained some, all or even more of the weight back. :-( And yet I know some people who were wildly successful. I think any procedure is a crap shoot ... and it's never easy ... ugh.

I also had Orbera and am doing well. I have heard mixed reviews about Reshape. Some people say it's better because it takes up more space in your stomach, but others say it's less effective because it does not get as wide around, and it's the pressure on the stomach walls that actually tells your brain that you don't need to eat anything. Who knows! :-) But a whole new procedure with a different balloon would mean a whole new set of fees so you're right - that's probably too much to swallow (no pun intended).

Glad to hear that you're happy with the outcome nonetheless. Hopefully you can continue your success on your own and a new balloon will be a moot point. Please keep us posted on how the removal goes - we are all curious what we should expect!! :-) Best wishes to you ... cheers!

[athenean 33]

This is my first week with the Orbera so I have not learnt much. But I can say so far that I have learnt that wants and needs are two very different things!! I see what can fuel my body and it is scary that it doesn't include chocolate! Big life lesson here!

[Linkballoon 3]

I have learned that the first few weeks were easy. I followed Dr and dietitian instructions to the letter and had almost no side effects apart from the odd cramp and constant tiredness.

I am now at week 9 and the last three weeks have been a mess. I continue to follow dietary instructions however have been unable to keep anything down.... Landed in hospital with extremely low blood pressure and dehydration!

Since then it has been hit and miss with what stays in and what doesn't. I am managing to keep the blood pressure under control, following diet guides from professionals is easy however again, my system seems to be hit and miss with everything. One day fish / tuna is ok ... The next i am vomiting it all up. Same with most other foods.

I keep reminding myself I had this procedure so I could learn about food, nutrition, healthier options for lifestyle etc: the last few weeks have taught me there is no simple answer.

Life is full of options, I just have to learn to choose the ones that don't churn my stomach. I have to take it one day at a time and find out what my body enjoys and what it rejects. I am sure the more I tell myself I can learn all this, the easier it will be to eliminate the foods that upset the apple cart.

I must admit, as much as the vomiting is awful, the learning I am getting about my body, its requirements and my mental attitudes has been incredible and very rewarding. What doesn't kill you makes you strong and I am mentally stronger (and somewhat wiser?) each day

I had lost 20kg on my own before the balloon and have lost about 12 since and have to say, although its been a struggle not to cry all day some days.... The struggle has been well worth it. My family and friends say I have never looked better, I believe each day brings a new challenge and its up to me to face it head on and gain some kind of positive.

The last couple of days have been a joy, no vomiting, no cramps, happy blood pressure, happy moods, happy partner.... Maybe I'm on the turn around.... I certainly hope so.

All in all I feel the balloon is helping me get 'me' back, I feel like a new person who is keen to learn as much as possible and be a sponge as far as nutrition and healthy lifestyle is concerned and for that I will be forever grateful.

My new mantra: If it's going to be ...... It's up to me.

Good luck to everyone.

[Wayward Traveler 135]

@@Linkballoon - your post has me feeling a multitude of emotions. I am so sorry that your journey has been a roller coaster. My heart breaks for you and your suffering, sorrow and frustration. And yet I am lifted up by your spirit, elated for your success, humbled by your outlook and encouraged by your attitude. What an amazing person you are ... what a tremendous example for all of us. I truly hope that you have turned a corner and that it's all good from here, as your efforts, suffering and attitude deserve to be richly rewarded. Please keep us posted. Regardless, best wishes to you.

[Linkballoon 3]

Thanks for your kind words Wayward.

This last week has been much easier. I am currently travelling outback Qld and NT and thought maybe its the different Water in each town that was upsetting me. Since then i have used only filtered Water and.... Voila.... I am pretty much fine. Haven't had spews near as much, though have had a few bouts of the runs.

Blood pressure slowly climbing, blood glucose levels steady and I have much more energy, though couldn't stride out yet but it's on the cards in the next week or so if BP remains good.

One other thing I have learned is that the human body is an incredible machine, its ability to keep on keeping on in adverse conditions is amazing. Each time I think maybe i'm not coping, I remember what my body is doing without instruction, it makes me realise if my body can do this.... then the least I can do is use my brain, set my limits, set my goals for the day and cope which also makes feel stronger mentally.

if it is to be..... it's up to me.

[brezzytime678 3]

I had my balloon placed Tuesday 8/16 and it has been an emotional roller coaster. The anxiety and depression are the hardest parts for me. I hope that all lifts soon. I want to be physically and mentally healthy. I learned that the balloon is not to be taken lightly.

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[Wayward Traveler 135]

I had my balloon placed Tuesday 8/16 and it has been an emotional roller coaster. The anxiety and depression are the hardest parts for me. I hope that all lifts soon. I want to be physically and mentally healthy. I learned that the balloon is not to be taken lightly.

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The first few days are definitely the hardest ... it will get better. Just listen to your body and don't rush the progression of food (better to be safe than sorry). Hang in there!!

[brezzytime678 3]

Thank you, I'm trying really hard to stay strong mentally. It's weird cuz I have adjusted for the most part physically, my doctor has even mentioned that I'm ahead of schedule physically. But the mental aspect of it all I think is what is going to take some real time for me... I just want to feel like me again. Thank you for the support. It really helps.

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