Surgeon just tried to talk me out of balloon

[anewmee 16]

I just had an appointment with the bariatric surgeon who said he thinks the balloon is a waste of money, weight loss is slow and at times people lose no weight. He said recovery is very very hard and they often need to be removed.

I have seen this guy before and he was much ore positive the first time. I'm really at a loss now. Really had my heart set on the procedure.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

First of all, let me say that what has worked for me isn't necessarily everyone else's best solution.

In your shoes, I'd hope to hear from those who've had the balloon inserted, lost their weight, had the balloon removed, and have gone on to either lose more weight and/or maintain their weight loss.

However, a balloon would not have been my choice. It's not permanent, so to me it seems like another temporary diet aid.

I've lost and gained weight innumerable times prior to WLS and never been able to sustain my weight loss.

Therefore, I chose the sleeve because I needed a permanent tool.

Two years ago I started out at 235 pounds. I had the sleeve in August 2014, have since lost 100 pounds, and am now maintaining well at 135 pounds.

After all, our goals are losing our excess weight and maintaining our weight loss permanently. That's what I've (so far) achieved with the help of my sleeve.

Caveat: Achieving our goals are only possible, of course, with a lot of behavioral changes for the rest of our lives. Ultimately, it comes down to our permanent lifestyle change. Only you can judge which tools will help you make those permanent changes.

[jansluv 47]

I am having my balloon removed TODAY, after 6 3/4 months. It DID work for me. Not as great as I wanted. I lost 31 pounds, 2 pant sizes, brought my cholesterol and blood pressure down to normal and got my sleep apnea under control. My BMI went from 35 to 30. The balloon was challenging from Day 1. Lots of nausea, acid reflux, and gas the first 2-3 months. AND yes, the weight loss stalled, big time month 4-5 - no weight loss at all. But then I dropped 5 pounds in month 6 for some reason. Its not perfect. Its not the magic pill. But if you need a kick start and/or have medical issues that you need to get under control it does work...but you have to really want it, because you still have to work for the weight loss. I keep my calories under 1200 most days and worked out several times a week. But the balloon kept me feeling full the first few months, then just satisfied the rest of the time (my stomach adjusted, I think, to having the balloon in and I stopped having the full feeling after a few months, but I never really felt very hungry.) Could I have lost 30 pounds on my own? Yes, but I didn't have that motivation and my medical issues were building up. Now, I have the motivation, because I have had success. I am more than half way to my ultimate goal. I look good and feel great. So, hopefully, I can keep this momentum going on my own. Good luck with your decision.

[KristenLe 5,979]

@@anewmee How much weight do you need to lose? I agree with #VSGAnn2014 - the balloon is another temporary fix - similar to taking a diet pill. If you are sure you want the balloon - get a second opinion. Good luck.

[anewmee 16]

Thanks for the advice. I don't really qualify for Sleeve or band (i could with one surgeon but I feel my BMi is just too low).

I have 20 -24 kilos to lose. Around 50 pounds.

jansluv how was the first week and the rest if the time when you struggled, was it managable?

[jansluv 47]

I had 50-60 pounds to lose. 60 to get to a 24 BMI, but 50 to be where I am comfortable and happy. So we are in the same ballpark. The first week was not bad. I vomited once the night I had it put in and then one more time about 6 days later. The first week really wasn't bad when I stuck to a very soft, liquid type diet. My biggest complaint week 1 was I felt nausea in the morning and so couldn't drink my coffee! But the discomfort built as I ate more solid foods. Most mornings the first 3 weeks I had that nausea. Once that went away, I started working out and my days were fine. But the evenings were rough, I am not going to lie. Even when I stuck to the rule of eating before 6pm, I would still have acid reflux in bed. My doctor doubled the dose of omneprazole from 20 mg to 40 mg per day and that helped tremendously. After that, my only other major discomfort was gas, and I still have it. But I can live with a few loud belches a day!

[jansluv 47]

Regarding foods - there are some that cause trouble (for me - green vegetables like broccoli, salad, asparagus) and some, unfortunately that sooth (like bread and pudding!) You have to be very careful not to over indulge in the soothing carbs. I switched to whole grain everything so if I were to want bread, it was the nutty kind and bought sugar free pudding and ate lots of yogurt with fruit. And yes, after the 2nd month, it was manageable. But month 2 was rough - the acid reflux was very uncomfortable and concerning.

Edited July 26, 2016 by jansluv

[anewmee 16]

Thanks. That's really helpful. I'm pretty determined at times and I've made my mind up that I'm having it. I'm just going to do exactly what I'm told by orbera to eat and follow it to the t. I've booked in with a new surgeon for next week because quite honestly, the other guy gave me the sh**s.

I can deal with reflux as I had that badly when pregnant. I am scared of uncontrollable vomiting though. Fingers crossed it wont come to that though.

Yoghurt is good, I'm happy that's a good food as i do enjoy it.

[jansluv 47]

there is also several closed/private Facebook groups you can join. Its really helpful to have another person or two going through the same issues for advice. I have read two stories of people whose body just rejected the balloon - constant vomiting, leading to dehydration and hospitalization. They did everything they were supposed to, but their stomachs could not adjust. Both had it removed early. So...there are horror stories out there too.

[ocgirl15 667]

First of all, let me say that what has worked for me isn't necessarily everyone else's best solution.

In your shoes, I'd hope to hear from those who've had the balloon inserted, lost their weight, had the balloon removed, and have gone on to either lose more weight and/or maintain their weight loss.

However, a balloon would not have been my choice. It's not permanent, so to me it seems like another temporary diet aid.

I've lost and gained weight innumerable times prior to WLS and never been able to sustain my weight loss.

Therefore, I chose the sleeve because I needed a permanent tool.

Two years ago I started out at 235 pounds. I had the sleeve in August 2014, have since lost 100 pounds, and am now maintaining well at 135 pounds.

After all, our goals are losing our excess weight and maintaining our weight loss permanently. That's what I've (so far) achieved with the help of my sleeve.

Caveat: Achieving our goals are only possible, of course, with a lot of behavioral changes for the rest of our lives. Ultimately, it comes down to our permanent lifestyle change. Only you can judge which tools will help you make those permanent changes.

I agree with Ann 100%. I started at a BMI of 42...low end of what insurance will approve. BMI of 37 the day I got my sleeve. At 43 yo yo dieting was taking a toll and health issues were getting more serious. I needed a permanent solution. I think balloon is similar to the band..... Great on paper but doctors are not getting the results and happy patients so it is loosing its popularity quickly. My doc will no longer do bands and never started doing balloons at all.

[anewmee 16]

there is also several closed/private Facebook groups you can join. Its really helpful to have another person or two going through the same issues for advice. I have read two stories of people whose body just rejected the balloon - constant vomiting, leading to dehydration and hospitalization. They did everything they were supposed to, but their stomachs could not adjust. Both had it removed early. So...there are horror stories out there too.

really about the facebook pages? I'm desperate to find a private one. Could you PM me how i can join this please?

[anewmee 16]

First of all, let me say that what has worked for me isn't necessarily everyone else's best solution.

In your shoes, I'd hope to hear from those who've had the balloon inserted, lost their weight, had the balloon removed, and have gone on to either lose more weight and/or maintain their weight loss.

However, a balloon would not have been my choice. It's not permanent, so to me it seems like another temporary diet aid.

I've lost and gained weight innumerable times prior to WLS and never been able to sustain my weight loss.

Therefore, I chose the sleeve because I needed a permanent tool.

Two years ago I started out at 235 pounds. I had the sleeve in August 2014, have since lost 100 pounds, and am now maintaining well at 135 pounds.

After all, our goals are losing our excess weight and maintaining our weight loss permanently. That's what I've (so far) achieved with the help of my sleeve.

Caveat: Achieving our goals are only possible, of course, with a lot of behavioral changes for the rest of our lives. Ultimately, it comes down to our permanent lifestyle change. Only you can judge which tools will help you make those permanent changes.

I agree with Ann 100%. I started at a BMI of 42...low end of what insurance will approve. BMI of 37 the day I got my sleeve. At 43 yo yo dieting was taking a toll and health issues were getting more serious. I needed a permanent solution. I think balloon is similar to the band..... Great on paper but doctors are not getting the results and happy patients so it is loosing its popularity quickly. My doc will no longer do bands and never started doing balloons at all.

yeah but you guys with higher BMIs have options that we dont so it's very difficult to compare and poo poo one treatment when really, it's the only tool that's on offer.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

First of all, let me say that what has worked for me isn't necessarily everyone else's best solution.

In your shoes, I'd hope to hear from those who've had the balloon inserted, lost their weight, had the balloon removed, and have gone on to either lose more weight and/or maintain their weight loss.

However, a balloon would not have been my choice. It's not permanent, so to me it seems like another temporary diet aid.

I've lost and gained weight innumerable times prior to WLS and never been able to sustain my weight loss.

Therefore, I chose the sleeve because I needed a permanent tool.

Two years ago I started out at 235 pounds. I had the sleeve in August 2014, have since lost 100 pounds, and am now maintaining well at 135 pounds.

After all, our goals are losing our excess weight and maintaining our weight loss permanently. That's what I've (so far) achieved with the help of my sleeve.

Caveat: Achieving our goals are only possible, of course, with a lot of behavioral changes for the rest of our lives. Ultimately, it comes down to our permanent lifestyle change. Only you can judge which tools will help you make those permanent changes.

I agree with Ann 100%. I started at a BMI of 42...low end of what insurance will approve. BMI of 37 the day I got my sleeve. At 43 yo yo dieting was taking a toll and health issues were getting more serious. I needed a permanent solution. I think balloon is similar to the band..... Great on paper but doctors are not getting the results and happy patients so it is loosing its popularity quickly. My doc will no longer do bands and never started doing balloons at all.

yeah but you guys with higher BMIs have options that we dont so it's very difficult to compare and poo poo one treatment when really, it's the only tool that's on offer.

The OP didn't mention her weight / BMI in her initial post.

As she later explained, her BMI is too low to qualify her for actual WLS.

If I'd known that initially I'd not have bothered to respond.

Again, good luck to the OP.

[anewmee 16]

First of all, let me say that what has worked for me isn't necessarily everyone else's best solution.

In your shoes, I'd hope to hear from those who've had the balloon inserted, lost their weight, had the balloon removed, and have gone on to either lose more weight and/or maintain their weight loss.

However, a balloon would not have been my choice. It's not permanent, so to me it seems like another temporary diet aid.

I've lost and gained weight innumerable times prior to WLS and never been able to sustain my weight loss.

Therefore, I chose the sleeve because I needed a permanent tool.

Two years ago I started out at 235 pounds. I had the sleeve in August 2014, have since lost 100 pounds, and am now maintaining well at 135 pounds.

After all, our goals are losing our excess weight and maintaining our weight loss permanently. That's what I've (so far) achieved with the help of my sleeve.

Caveat: Achieving our goals are only possible, of course, with a lot of behavioral changes for the rest of our lives. Ultimately, it comes down to our permanent lifestyle change. Only you can judge which tools will help you make those permanent changes.

I agree with Ann 100%. I started at a BMI of 42...low end of what insurance will approve. BMI of 37 the day I got my sleeve. At 43 yo yo dieting was taking a toll and health issues were getting more serious. I needed a permanent solution. I think balloon is similar to the band..... Great on paper but doctors are not getting the results and happy patients so it is loosing its popularity quickly. My doc will no longer do bands and never started doing balloons at all.

yeah but you guys with higher BMIs have options that we dont so it's very difficult to compare and poo poo one treatment when really, it's the only tool that's on offer.

The OP didn't mention her weight / BMI in her initial post.

As she later explained, her BMI is too low to qualify her for actual WLS.

If I'd known that initially I'd not have bothered to respond.

Again, good luck to the OP.

it's on the side next to my posts. I don't think the balloon is offered for obese and plus or BMi over 35 because the loss is lower (unless as in the UK were they use it to safely lower extremely obese people's BMIs ready for surgery)

[anewmee 16]

My BMi is 31 and I'd like to get to 24/25