Watch me shrink, Diary of a Ballooner

S

Shrinker

New member
I’ve decided to start a diary so that I can capture all my thoughts

After a lot of thinking and ups and downs over the last few weeks I have decided that I am going to get myself a gastric balloon.

A little weight history from me, I am 160cm and weigh 83kg’s, Hi, my name is Shrinker and I am obese ? I have a BMI of 31. I have 2 small kids and just have not been able to shift the extra weight after my 2nd child. I gained an impressive 30kg’s during my first pregnancy and then managed to lose it all after the birth, took about 8 months. My second pregnancy I gained 30kg again (yes, 30) and have only managed to lose about 10kg’s in 2.5 years.

Like many dieters I have tried numerous weight loss methods, spent thousands of dollars and joined a bunch of clubs etc. I am a walking text book on the subject of weight loss yet I am still fat. With each weight loss failure I have started to feel less and less confident about my ability to lose the weight, I feel so angry with myself, after all, all I need to do is eat and move more right?! This is what my gp keeps telling me… sigh…

A final trigger for me was really only a small thing. A friend sent me an sms to say that she just bought a pair of size 10 jeans “yipeeeee”, I felt so sorry for myself, phone in hand staring at the message, my size 18 jeans bulging under the strain of my impressive “bouncy bum” as my 4year old calls it.

After seeing the balloon advertised on our local tv station in Sydney about a month ago I decided to look into it. After a lot of careful consideration, a lot of reading and a list of questions as long as my arm, I booked myself in for a visit at the clinic. I met with the doctor last Friday and he answered all my questions, I feel comfortable that this procedure will help me. He sent me off for some blood tests and scans of a few of my organs which I did this morning. I had to have a little giggle when the sonographer told me that I had a beautiful spleen! Bless her, it did make me feel good you know, hehe

I am booked in for a second visit on Friday and I will have to take along the results from the tests today. It looks like I will be able to book the date for the procedure by this Friday, that is of course if all my tests came back ok. The program offered by this clinic really appeals to me, they have ongoing support for the 6 months after the placement, a team of psychologists, nutritionists and personal trainers to coach you through your time with your new balloon. I look forward to developing a healthy relationship with food. I am hoping to book the procedure for 9 November.

Anyway, that’s where I’m up to


Shrinker
 
Just want to say good luck with getting the op, it sound like you have been doing some research.

good luck
 
Booking a date tomorrow....

Thanks Truslyver, I see your are in Aus too. Had a quick look at your diary and WOW, you are an amazing lady!! And the weights you're lifting....remind me not to mess with you :D

So, I have booked my 2nd appointment with the Doc tomorrow and I'm getting quite excited about the balloon. I was a bit anxious at first about getting the balloon but am feeling confident that this is the right thing for me, it's all about portion size control for me.

I have spent the last 10 weeks working with my naturopath on cleaning up my diet. She has eliminated Wheat as I have an intolerance to it and also all refined sugars. I've also been on a host of herbs and powders to support liver detox etc. I am hoping that this has all been good preparation for the balloon. Now a person would think that with all this strict eating I would have lost weight I cant seem to control my portion size :(

I saw at the top of the Diary section that there was a list of questions so I thought I;d fill some in

What is your current height and weight? 160cm and 83kg's, (183 pounds)
If you were at an ideal weight now, what would that weight be? 60kg (132 pounds)
At what weight would you like to be at four months from now? 71kg, 156 pounds
Why do you want to lose weight? Many many reasons but the 2 most important are health and happiness
Do you want to lose weight for a specific life event such as wedding or reunion? If so, when is that event? No event, it's just time and I've had enough
What obstacles could get between you and your weight loss goals? Not sure as Im getting a balloon, Im sure there will be obstacles like overeating or getting ill while the balloon is in, I guess I'll see along the way
Why do you think that you now have a weight problem? 2 x Pregnancies quite close together followed by a few stressful years just beyond birth of 2nd child has kept me in an emotional eating cycle
What lifestyle changes do you think would help you lose weight? Some food counseling for one!
Have you lost weight in the past? If so, what has worked in the past to help you lose weight? Yes, I lost all my weight after my first pregnancy 20kgs or 44pounds using a few different diets, Weight watchers, sureslim, general low carb eating.
Why do you believe that you did not lose weight or you gained the weight back? Massive weigh gain during 2nd pregnancy (30kg) followed by high stress levels
What, if anything, has not worked for you in the past in helping you to lose weight? Why do you think it did not work? Appetite suppressant pills, I would barely be eating a thing while on them and then play "catch up" when off them, resulting in gaining the weight back with interest.
Would you try writing down all food and drink consumed for a given period of time? Absolutely, this is also a must on the program for the balloon
Do you cook at home often? If so, what do you cook? Yes everyday, mostly cook quite plain food to suit the tastes of little kids, Food is pretty much mostly healthy, I just eat too much of it!
How often do you go out to eat? Where do you go? About once a week, normally a breakfast at the local beach cafe
What are your three favorite foods? Red meat and chocolate
What are your three favorite restaurants? No favourites
What are three things you can do differently when it comes to food? Eat smaller portions and more often
If you woke up tomorrow and your body was exactly the way you want it, what would be different? I would have no sore back and feel good about the way I look
Do you eat when you are not hungry? Yes
Do you binge eat (large amounts at a time)? Yes
Do you hide your food or eat in secret? Rarely
Do you eat when you are sad, nervous, or depressed? Yes
Do you eat as a reward? Yes
Do you eat while watching TV or using the computer? Yes, eeeek this is not looking good:leaving:
What do you normally eat for a meal? Anything, not fussy
What type of snacks do you eat? See above :coolgleamA:
In terms of exercise, what, if anything, are you currently doing? A bit of walking and looking after 2 pre-schoolers - thats exercise isnt it??
Where do you go for exercise? A local public gym? School/work gym? Home? I am a memebr at a local gym but have not been going for a while
What, if anything, are your three favorite types of exercise? Yoga,Dancing and a normal gym session of cardio and weights)
What is your daily/weekly/monthly/yearly motivation to move towards your goals? A mountain of gorgeous smaller clothes that are waiting to be worn, and overseas holiday late next year. Shopping for clothes I really WANT and NOT buying clothes because I think they will disguise my weight.
Do you have rewards for certain goals? Not yet, will have to think about this one


Hope you are all having a fantastic week :seeya:
 
Last edited:
Date booked, 13 sleeps to go...

But then whose counting anyway?!?

Well Im back from my appointment today, and I have a date, 10 days earlier than I thought so I need to get a few things organised!

I had to take the kids with me to my appointment today which was about as fun as running on hot beach sand……naked. It’s about an hour drive there and then he was running about an hour late. My 2 year old was completely feral by the time we got into the docs office, and then as if to show his disgust he promptly stood in the corner and dirtied his nappy – charming :ack2:

Anyway, I had originally marked the 9th of November as the procedure date but he can only do it on the 29th of Oct or late Nov so I decided to book the earlier date, that way by Christmas I will hopefully have settled in with the balloon.

He has given me a script for a gastric acid inhibitor that I need to take 10 days prior, I tried to “Dr Google” it but for the life of me cant read his handwriting, noxillin, noxillim, mxium?? Uurgh, I don’t know, I’ll get the script filled tomorrow and see.

Hope you’re all having a lovely Friday, see ya :blush5:
 
Nexium!

Nexium, aaah so it read Nexium! Filled the script today and started the meds, 12 more sleeps to go and I must say I am feeling just a tad excited :)

Like most ballooners I haven't told many people that I am going ahead with the balloon. Only my best friend and husband know. My husband thankfully is very supportive but for some reason thinks that he now needs to lose weight, he seems a little uncomfortable that I will go through such a big change, Im guessing this is quite normal for partners, he even joked about me running off with some hot male model - as if :svengo:

I've spent a lovely afternoon in the garden with my 2 little ones planting some petunias into pots, such gorgeous colours, you can help but smile when you look at such pretty flowers

Hope you are all have a fabulous weekend. :seeya:
 
8 sleeps

8 Sleeps left to go before I get the ballon and it cant come soon enough :coolgleamA:

I have a booking with the dietician in the morning so will be interesting to see what they recommend here in Aus compared to other diets I've seen.

Does anyone know if you can drive yourself home after the procedure, I know you get sedated but I was thinking it may be like the dentist? I know the clinic monitor you for a few hours after but I am guessing driving will be a no go.

I have found myself treating myself to a few last favourites over the past few days which I must stop now, otherwise I will have an extra few kg's to lose that I hadn't planned on. I am so looking forward to the food counseling part of this program, I really look forward to having a better relationship with food and not using food as a reward system!

Hope you are all having a great day, it;s 35 degrees in Sydney today, so nice! :hurray:
 
Hot hot hot

Uurgh, I take that last comment about it being a lovely day back, I feel like my face is going to melt off :ack2: 95 Fahrenheit is a tad too hot for the likes of me.
 
Hey Shrinker

Just wanted to wish you good luck with your procedure next week. Sounds like you are in a good mind place to go with it. Sounds also like a good idea to be consulting with a nutritionist.

Re the driving, I think whenever you have those sedative things you aren't meant to drive for a day? Best to ask the doc I guess.

best wishes

Ana
 
1 more sleep

Hey anna.banana thank you for the well wishes.

So I am booked in for tomorrow and am feeling a little nervous and excited all at once.

I had to start on the clear fluid diet this morning so as to make sure there is nothing in my stomach when I arrive at the hospital tomorrow. The nerves are keeping my appetite away so I think I'll manage just fine :blush5:

I've loaded the cupboards with clear fluids like light cordials, consomme, stock, chewable vitamins etc so hopefully I will be nicely prepared.

I also plan to clean the house, change linens and cook a few dinners for the family to freeze - all very exciting!!

I'll be updating again after the balloon has been fitted, OH! I must also remember to take some before shots!
 
Good luck!

Hey Shrinker, just like to wish you good luck in your procedure :) & to let you know we are here for you! :hurray:

Good luck!

:seeya:
 
3 days post balloon and sick sick sick

Just a quick one from me today. I had the nasty little critter fitted last week and am still feeling sick as a dog. I cant keep anything down and am currently regretting this little balloon very much :( I pray that I will start to fell better soon.
 
Hang in there!

Hi Shrinker, very sorry to hear about your side effects! It took me 5 days to get over it...also if I could I would have ripped the damm thing out myself!! But once you get passed this stage, it'll settle down and you'll feel great...I know this is the last thing on your mind at present, but hang in there!! It will pass!!!

We are here, thinking off you!

Upimongo

:hug2:
 
PHEW..... She's baaaack, sort of, 4 days post balloon

Ok so I am feeling a lot better and the pity party is almost over here :nopity:

Thanks Upimongo for your words, they were very well received when I managed to drag my sorry behind to the machine to have a little look.

Wow, those first few days were much harder than I could have imagined, I started getting sick in recovery already which had me a bit nervy. They put 3 bags of IV Fluids in me before I left the clinic so that was at least a good thing, otherwise I am pretty sure I would have ended up back in hospital. I could keep nothing down for more than a half hour hour till today, I've managed to keep liquid down for the last 7 hours. :cheers2:

I must say that I think the medication was actually making me feel a lot worse so I stopped taking it, but by midnight last night the reflux was so bad I though I might spontaneously combust! I quickly swallowed the Nexium and managed to sleep till 5am, but was very sick on waking up, nothing like a good dose of chemicals coming back up to start your day :ack2: Not sure sure what I'll do tonight, if I can keep some soup down I'll take the reflux meds, I just don't think meds on an empty stomach work for me, or anyone really! I grabbed some over the counter Mylanta which seems to be working nicely today.

On a happier note I am already 3kg's down, I realize this is all fluid but none the less still motivating!!
 
Great to hear you're tad better!

Hi Shrinker, great to hear you're a tad better...though sounds like you're really going through it!...3 bags of IV fluid!! :willy_nilly:

I agree with you about medication and empty stomach...though looks difficult to have anything in your stomach! I think acid reflux will probably be there anyway, whether you eat or not.

Congratulations on your 3kgs loss :party:....bet you could think of better ways to lose 3kgs than this! :doh:....I remember contemplating going to A&E to have the balloon out and promising myself I would lose weight another way. Then I remembered I had already tried other ways to lose weight, which was why I had a balloon in my belly!

Let us know how your getting on, you will get passed this! :smash:

:seeya:
 
1 Week post Balloon, and I have lived to tell the tale

Wow, what a rough week, I am deliriously happy that I will NEVER have to go through that again. I came to the conclusion this week that I don't do nausea well lol, seriously I'd rather have another 2 caesers than that!!

Im now exactly a week down the track, Im 3.4kg's (7.5 pounds) lighter and I havent been sick for 24 hours, a massive accomplishment :party:

I've moved onto Puree foods now, so managed a small amount of pureed chicken and corn soup for dinner which was lovely, I was actually hungry last night for the first time since the fitting. The soup was geat, I huddled around that little bowl very protectively :drool5:

I have my first session back at the clinic today, I meet with the dietician, the counsellor and then lastly the surgeon.

Hope you are all having a lovely day, it looks like it's going to be a great day in Sydney.

Shrinker
 
Hi Shrinker,

Thanks for doing this diary & congrats on making it through & ur loss so far. Im in Perth and have an appointment with the surgeon for a balloon on 27th Nov. So its been great reading wot ur experience has been like so far.

I would love to know wot sort of a diet program they gave you coz Im thinking that yours would probably be more similar to wot mine is going to be than those of the overseas members.

Hope all went well with ur session at the clinic - cant wait to read more :)

Nursesuz
 
Great to hear you're tad better!

Hi Shrinker, great to hear from you, was getting worried...Sorry to hear you were still not over the procedure:ack2:...Hope the surgeon gave you some good news!....about time you had some! Keep us posted!

:seeya:
 
2.5 weeks in and 4kgs done

Thought I'd pop in quickly with an update. So I've had the balloon for 18 days now and have lost 4kg's so far which I am happy with. The big loss in the first week I am guessing was mostly water so it slowed right down after I started eating food again.

I moved onto solid food very quickly and was a little alarmed that I could eat almost anything straight away. I also learned very quickly that it is going to take a lot of effort on my part to make this work. One thing I can tell for sure is that there is no way this balloon is going to allow me to over eat, and if you do you pay! I'm still getting sick around one a day in the morning and strongly feel that its the meds they have me on doing it, I'll try taking them at a different time of day and see how I go, if I still get sick they will try another type on me. Apart from that once a day in the morning the only time I get ill is if overeat or I drink liquids to soon after a meal, fizzy diet drinks after a meal are the worst for me, I feel sick within minutes!

The clinic has been very good with their follow up, I have been in to meet with the Dietician once and spoke with the nurse that day who is my go-between, she herself has lost over 40kg's and is very motivational, she's also on call 24 hours a day which is wonderful.

I have my next meeting with the dietician on Friday and will also have my first session with the personal trainer and psychologist which I am really looking forward to, it will be good to nut out a plan of attack to stop my emotional eating with someone. I so look forward to having a normal relationship with food :banghead:

Hope you are all traveling well and losing nicely :)
 
addition

Hi Nursesuz, sorry I just saw your reply then :)

I'll send youa private message of what my diet sheet was but in a nut shell 24 hours pre-op was clear fluids like stocks, consomme's, Bonox and diluted apple juice, then 3 to 5 days post op was the same. Lemonade icy poles and pedialyte ice blocks were my saviour in those first few days, also fruit chupa chups :drool5: I really needed the sugar hit to help with energy and nausea. Phase 2 was anything you could suck up through a thick straw (like a maccas straw) low fat custards, drinking yoghurt etc. Phase 3 was pureed anything really, I moved from phase 2 to 3 within a day, your body quickly tells you what you cant have and you almost sense what you can handle. When you are on normal foods the trick is to take very small (10 cent piece bites) and really chew that food like no mans business, till it's a paste, they tell you to push it into your palette to check for lumps before swallowing.

Also my advice to any mums with young kids considering the balloon should arrange for full time care for your kids for at least 4 days after the procedure. I really felt it was down played as to how bad I was going to feel. I pretty much spent my time in bed asleep or hanging over the toilet bowl in those first few days. Your energy levels are also very low so hardly an easy task when you have toddlers or pre-schoolers, or both like me :leaving:

Keep well :)
 
Newbie

Hello Shrinker. Wow, very interesting reading. Very happy to hear you are doing much better. I had mine put in almost 2.5 weeks ago now. I too am feeling much better. We're out of the woods now... I think. Let the shedding begin. So far 12 lbs. Best of luck to you.
 
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