My Gastric Balloon Journey

7

7stars

New member
Hello,

Never done this before but have really appreciated those who have so hoping this will help others.

vital statistics
31
1m 66cm
BMI: 30.1
Want to lose 2 1/2 to 3 stone
target 35lb loss

I have my wedding in November 2013 so 5 months time, means if I get the balloon I need to lose 35lb by September so that I can buy/alter dress. Would also mean I would have the balloon during wedding and honeymoon which isn't ideal but neither is being this size.

I have 10 clinics in UK mainly London to call tomorrow to narrow down choice and get quotes. I'm expecting to pay between £3,500 - £4000 for the 6 month balloon. I'm also not sure whether to fill with saline or air?

I would LOVE a balloon buddy to share this journey, I've only told my Boyfriend and he's not very happy with decision. I'm not planning on telling anybody else so it might be a lonely journey especially through the rough patches.

hope everybody meets their goal :grouphug:
 
Not many of us on here have balloons honey but I'm sure someone that does will post--I'm just curious, why do you feel you can't do it without the balloon? 2 1/2 stone may feel like a huge amount but loosing 1-2lbs a week is a sensible weight and would have you at goal relatively quickly in the scheme of things.
 
I have to say that I would do it without the balloon and spend the £3,500 on something you really want... There is often a load of expense associated with getting married - and you would have that much more money to play with.

Lots of balloon people seem to report feeling ill at first - and they do not lose any more weight than the people without a balloon that get into their groove... There is no magic linked to having a balloon - the weight loss is simply linked to the calorie deficit. Eat less calories and exercise more and you will create a deficit and the weight will come off.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that a balloon would save you the effort of exercising... it doesn't because the exercise does not just burn calories but it makes you look more toned so you look thinner at a higher weight.
 
Thanks for your reply guys

@Sunflower, I know it's not a huge amount but I've been over weight for over 10 years I have like most people tried and failed at varies diets etc. I'm an emotional eater and work out in the field (as in meeting clients throughout the day) so no fixed place of work. It's difficult to take a packed lunch when you have no where but your car to keep it and even then on most days I'd have to eat at around 3pm and by then I am starving.
With my wedding deadline coming up I just have no confidence I can do it with willpower alone also I can't afford time wise not losing for a couple of weeks which is bound to happen. I understand that it will still take willpower but I'm hoping that the balloon will take out the portion of food element and I can concentrate on making what I do eat count (healthy) and change my relationship with food

@Omega, have you had the balloon? I don't think it will take away any effort apart from forcing a restriction. I plan to exercise and tone but previously the slow change is demotivating. And yes it is a lot of money but if it gets me to where I want to be it will be worth it.
 
Prices and packages:

Parkside Hospital: £4250, saline filled no other info

Obesity surgey company: £5k, saline filled, overnight stay, 1 week meds, no 1-1 calls ongoing but there is someone for you to call

Harley st bariatics: £5k, day case, saline, 6-9 mths balloon, sedation, 1 week meds

Healthier weight: £3990' hospital in Birmingham, 1 week meds, daycare, 12 mth support,

Tonic cosmetic surgery AND WE HAVE A WINNER! £3650, London, pick up and drop off, overnight stay, 1-1 calls everyday

Going to speak to the consultant today with a face to face on 6th July hoping for procedure on 10th July but don't know yet
 
No - I havent had a balloon - but I did spend over 20 years at 21 stone and had loads of failed attempts in that time - but finally managed with forum advice and encouragement to drop down to 9 stone in 2007... I've rejoined the forum this year as my weight went up to about 12 stone in a really stressful couple of years (husband had 5 operations and I had to become a carer for my parents)...

You havent had the surgery yet so you might as well start trying to lose weight today. It is not like the clock has not started ticking in the run up to November. If you say what you are doing - other people may be able to suggest things which you have not tried.

My standard breakfast and lunch of Total 0% Greek yoghurt and tinned fruit is fairly easily transportable. My husband prefers to take a lunchbox filled with chopped salad (tomatoes, cucumber, cerely, peppers, spring onion and a lean protein).
 
I'm being 100% honest when I say I know nothing about gastric surgery, but it does scare me. Any type of surgery that's not necessary scares me. I can understand your frustration about it just seeming like an out of reach goal when trying to lose weight. I've been over weight for most of my life and spent years not even trying to lose because it just seemed to be impossible. At my heaviest, I was 250lb and at 5' that was a LOT weight for my frame to be carrying around. When I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis earlier this year I knew I HAD to make a change. Not just for the sake of losing weight and looking better, but to try to protect my joints from further damage or at least to try to slow it down. Since starting my most recent journey in Feb this year I've lost a lot of inches (went from a size 26 size jean to a size 16 now). The number on the scale hasn't been as productive as I'm still over 200lb, but as I said losing the inches and seeing the changes, it's a true reward! I did it by eating healthier (I admit there were several screw up days in there) and exercising. I'm an emotional, stress, boredom, angry, etc. eater. Basically, whenever I'm not happy I turn to food. I'm working on curbing that. So, I completely understand where you're coming from.

My point in saying this is that some hard work and dedication would go a LONG way. As already noted, if you opted not to get the surgery not only would you be saving a lot on money that you could save or spend elsewhere, but you'd also be avoiding surgery which really isn't necessary. By working hard to get to your goal, you'll feel a much bigger and better sense of pride and accomplishment. :)

Just my opinion. If you're set on getting this done, then I wish you the best.
 
If my wedding was next year and not in 5 months then I would try diet and exercise alone but with such a tight deadline I feel I need something more drastic which will restrict me while I'm making the psychological changes necessary to main the loss.

Congratulations on your weight loss so far you must feel amazing!
 
The balloon will not help with the portion size at all. The only thing that will happen is that you will make yourself sick if eating too much (or at all, depending on how the balloon does or does not agree with you), and you'll most likely spend time in quite a bit of pain. Your daily routine is not going to change with the balloon (so you still won't be able to eat), and the balloon will not make you feel less hungry. Also, if you're working with clients then the balloon is probably not a good choice - I haven't had one, but from everything I read and hear, the 'rotten egg burps' seem quite common.

Also - do you really want the balloon during your wedding and honeymoon? Something that possibly wouldn't even allow you a piece of your wedding cake? Something that might make you feel utterly miserable during your honeymoon? I would think very seriously about this.

The amount you need to lose is not much. I have lost 4 stone since February just with proper diet and exercise. There are plenty of people around here who have lost what you want to lose in the amount of time you have. What makes me wonder though - did you suddenly decide to get married? Otherwise, why didn't you start earlier?
 
Hey,
I also do not have balloon experience, it would not be an option for me (albeit I am also trying to lose about 30 pounds, I don't feel it is enough to really go for any medical help), but I am not you and I am not in your position. I don't judge, to each their own, I wouldn't do a lot of things others do, and I do some things others think are crazy. But we are all individuals on our own roads through life.

I think the most important thing is to be well informed. I know information is scary, because you don't want to read about the bad and the sad and the ugly, but I think information is power. If you know how it may be, then you can make a well informed choice regarding the balloon. I have read some people's balloon journeys and because I just cannot deal with vomiting or nausea, it would not be for me, but I have some friends who are perfectly capable of throwing up without having half a heart attack in the process. However if I ever needed some help losing weight I know this is not the option for me (since most surgeries have that side effect, no surgery is really gonna work for me, i have also lost these 30 pounds before and it was fine and doable for me, so I am not stressed about it, the way you seem to be).

There are forums for band and balloon people (I think there is a subforum here about it!), I think that, while you will get help and encouragement here, you might get a different kind of help and especially information from there, so I'd say have a look, talk to someone who has done it and if you are definitely set on doing it, do it knowing what to expect and little tips and tricks to deal with the balloon.

I do wish you the best and will continue reading here, we can "race" since we both have similar goals and similar time frames (I want to join a team in October and would like to be thinner by then) and give each other support.

All the best, Joey
 
7stars said:
If my wedding was next year and not in 5 months then I would try diet and exercise alone but with such a tight deadline I feel I need something more drastic which will restrict me while I'm making the psychological changes necessary to main the loss.

Congratulations on your weight loss so far you must feel amazing!
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That's exactly why I shared my story. I've only been at this for about 5 months and I look and feel so much better than before. As I said, the number on the scale isn't a reflection of what I look like. I am still over 200lb, but honestly if I were to get married today I'd be pretty happy and proud of how I looked in my dress.

You still have 5 months until your wedding and it's recommended that you keep your weight loss to 1-2lb a week tops. So, 5 months is equal to 20 weeks. At losing the 1-2lb a week rule you could lose anywhere from 20-40lb just by dieting and exercising. You said you wanted to lose 2.5 - 3 stones which if the Google converter is right that comes out to 35-42lb. It's VERY possible with determination and hard work. :)

Again, I'm not trying to make any judgements or anything. I just wanted to throw these numbers out there to show what you're aiming for is not unrealistic and safer than surgery. Still, as I said if you want to go forward with the surgery I hope it all goes well and I hope you have a beautiful wedding. :)
 
MandyH said:
That's exactly why I shared my story. I've only been at this for about 5 months and I look and feel so much better than before. As I said, the number on the scale isn't a reflection of what I look like. I am still over 200lb, but honestly if I were to get married today I'd be pretty happy and proud of how I looked in my dress.

You still have 5 months until your wedding and it's recommended that you keep your weight loss to 1-2lb a week tops. So, 5 months is equal to 20 weeks. At losing the 1-2lb a week rule you could lose anywhere from 20-40lb just by dieting and exercising. You said you wanted to lose 2.5 - 3 stones which if the Google converter is right that comes out to 35-42lb. It's VERY possible with determination and hard work. :)

Again, I'm not trying to make any judgements or anything. I just wanted to throw these numbers out there to show what you're aiming for is not unrealistic and safer than surgery. Still, as I said if you want to go forward with the surgery I hope it all goes well and I hope you have a beautiful wedding. :)
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I don't have 5 months, I can't buy my wedding outfits in November. If I felt I could do it with willpower diet and exercise alone then I would but I don't have that belief and I can't afford the time if when you don't live anything.

I know the balloon is a risk but I think it's my best chance
 
7stars said:
I don't have 5 months, I can't buy my wedding outfits in November. If I felt I could do it with willpower diet and exercise alone then I would but I don't have that belief and I can't afford the time if when you don't live anything.

I know the balloon is a risk but I think it's my best chance
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You do have five months. You can buy the dress now and have it adjusted when the time comes - exactly the same as you would with the balloon. To be perfectly blunt, you don't sound as if you're willing to put any effort into even trying to lose weight naturally. If you don't have willpower, you will struggle with the balloon - and you are destined to put the weight back on as soon as it comes out. From your posts, it comes across as what you want is a quick-fix, something that does the work for you so you can fit into whatever dress you want to wear for your wedding, and as soon as that's over, that's it.

Well, good luck with that.
 
I think that you should be able to hire wedding outfits with a much smaller lead time...

When I was losing weight - I changed clothing size at least once a month for a year - going from size 32 to size 12 in the first year. If you are losing weight well - you will not be the same size in September and November. I suggest that you hire an outfit and choose your outfit much nearer the big day. I would think about which styles that I liked - but leave the final decision as late as the hire companies could deal with. I am much smaller now on a much smaller project - but not wearing the same clothes that I was wearing last month. You want something to fit you and fit you well... There is nothing worse than ill fitting clothes - particularly if it masks a great new figure.

I would do this - however you choose to loose weight.
 
hi 7star
me again :) I know I've replied on the other thread you updated but when I read the comments on here and the unfair negativity. People who have not experienced the balloon do not understand. People seem to think the balloon is a quick fix and it isn't, you still have to work hard, you still crave the unhealthy foods and you still have to exercise so the people on here that think it's a quick and easy fix and think it's the easy way out are deluded. It's just an aid to help you lose weight. It helps you to realise when you are full and stops you from over eating...but don't worry you will still be able to enjoy your wedding dinner and your wedding cake. For me it gives me the motivation to stick to the diet...I've paid a lot of money for it, it's going to damn well work.
San - I recall seeing some of your other comments on another thread...all of course negative. I also recall someone telling you the forum was for support for people experiencing or wanting to experience the balloon...not for people who know jack sh** about it but think they have the right to pass negative, condescending comments. you seem to be a very negative, righteous, condescending and bitter ... your profile photo says it all really...i think it really is a photo of you. Don't understand why you feel it necessary to pi** of everyones parade. you need to step back and not judge people and their decisions, it's there life not yours! your comments are neither helpful or appreciated!
Sorry 7stars...and good luck xx
 
sacha1977 said:
hi 7star
me again :) I know I've replied on the other thread you updated but when I read the comments on here and the unfair negativity. People who have not experienced the balloon do not understand. People seem to think the balloon is a quick fix and it isn't, you still have to work hard, you still crave the unhealthy foods and you still have to exercise so the people on here that think it's a quick and easy fix and think it's the easy way out are deluded. It's just an aid to help you lose weight. It helps you to realise when you are full and stops you from over eating...but don't worry you will still be able to enjoy your wedding dinner and your wedding cake. For me it gives me the motivation to stick to the diet...I've paid a lot of money for it, it's going to damn well work.
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I made this same point at the start of the thread. That it most defintitely is not a quick fix and that the weight lost is due to a calorie deficit so you still have to eat less and you still need to exercise. You seem to consider it negativity when I say it before the procedure takes place.


Omega said:
There is no magic linked to having a balloon - the weight loss is simply linked to the calorie deficit. Eat less calories and exercise more and you will create a deficit and the weight will come off.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that a balloon would save you the effort of exercising... it doesn't because the exercise does not just burn calories but it makes you look more toned so you look thinner at a higher weight.
Click to expand...


sacha1977 said:
San - I recall seeing some of your other comments on another thread...all of course negative. I also recall someone telling you the forum was for support for people experiencing or wanting to experience the balloon...not for people who know jack sh** about it but think they have the right to pass negative, condescending comments. you seem to be a very negative, righteous, condescending and bitter ... your profile photo says it all really...i think it really is a photo of you. Don't understand why you feel it necessary to pi** of everyones parade. you need to step back and not judge people and their decisions, it's there life not yours! your comments are neither helpful or appreciated!
Sorry 7stars...and good luck xx
Click to expand...

If you read this old thread you will probably understand why San gets concerned when people consider surgery especially if they are not at a particularly unhealthy weight to start with... Many of us have looked on a BMI of 30.1 in envy... I have! You will see that San almost died as a result of weight loss surgery going badly wrong.


http://weight-loss.fitness.com/threads/29581-Keep-away-from-surgery-if-you-can-avoid-it

An experience like that would tend to colour most people's views and make them want to be sure that people have considered all the risks.
Ensuring that they do consider all the risks up front is actually a supportive move. It is her attempt to save people from making her mistakes.

If she was not trying to support the person - she would ignore the thread.

I wonder how other people would feel about surgery - had they experienced weight loss surgery which had gone badly wrong.
 
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