Help please - Balloon

[mum24]

Hello there I am new to this forum but have been really interested in reading all your posts. Having tried every diet going and always ending up weighing more afterwards than when I started I am now considering looking into having a gastric balloon inserted. Can anyone help me with any advice about this. I have read that some people have gone to Prague to have this done - what are your thoughts on this. I have about 4 stone to loose. Any advice would be helpful. Thank you.

 

[Cowgirl]

Hi Mum24

I am having a gastric band fitted on 28th oct. I did look into the balloon at first but its such a temporary thing, it's only in for 6 months and then it's removed, allowing you to fill your full stomach capacity with food again and I knew this wouldnt work for me. The last thing I'd want is to lose all that weight only to start putting it on as soon as the balloon was removed again.

People obviously have them fitted but having always been big and struggling to keep weight off everytime I have been successful in shedding a few stones, I wouldn't want to go through that again. I know that with the band, it can be fully adjusted if I need it to be and it is perminant and so will the weight loss be.

I dont' know if this waffle has helped but if you'd like anymore info then let me know!xx

 

[charliegirl]

Hi mum24 welcome to minis, there has been a recent post on here where somewhere is getting the sleeve but I cannot remember who it is...I am sure someone will be along soon to point you in the right direction. Can I ask what made you consider that and not the banding due to it only being temporary....Linda x

 

[mum24]

Hi there - thanks for your quick reply. The reason I have thought about the balloon is mainly that the procedure isn't quite as invasive as a band or as expensive. I don't know what bmi you have to have in order to be considered for a band but I suppose if your paying privately for it then it's not as high as if you were being considered on the NHS.

 

[mum24]

Thanks Cowgirl,
Good luck for the op. Will keep an eye out for your posts to see how you get on.
Mum24

 

[charliegirl]

Hi there - thanks for your quick reply. The reason I have thought about the balloon is mainly that the procedure isn't quite as invasive as a band or as expensive. I don't know what bmi you have to have in order to be considered for a band but I suppose if your paying privately for it then it's not as high as if you were being considered on the NHS.

Hi I have applied for funding from PCT, my BMI is just over 35 with high blood pressure etc. I was orginally looking at banding and when I spoke to the Consultant he mentioned bypass, something I had never thought of. He is undecided and has therefore referred me to the surgeon to see what he thinks. They take into account your individial needs and the best way to help achieve your goal. Linda x

 

[Cowgirl]

Hi there - thanks for your quick reply. The reason I have thought about the balloon is mainly that the procedure isn't quite as invasive as a band or as expensive. I don't know what bmi you have to have in order to be considered for a band but I suppose if your paying privately for it then it's not as high as if you were being considered on the NHS.

My GP is the obesity specialist for my borough and I asked if I could be refered for a GB op and she said yes. If your BMI is 40+ then you are eligable for the operation on the NHS. I decided to go private so that I could get it done asap, I just didnt want to wait once I had made the decision!

As for which is more invasive, I believe the band is the less invasive. The band is a ring that is placed around the top of the stomach, making a little stomach. The balloon go inside your stomach and is blown up to create little space in your stomach for food. If I had the choice of something inside my stomach or outside, I'd opt for the foreign body being on the outside of the organ.

I choose the band because I didnt want my stomach and intestine cut, stapled and reattached. I was offered the sleeve but even this involves stapling doen the stomach and then taking the bulk of the stomach away. I'm just not up for that! But obviously its complete personal choice!

I hope this has helped Hun!xxx

 

[tammy]

Hi mum24 welcome to minis. can't really advise you on the balloon I'm afraid I'm a bypasser on the NHS. The criteria for funding was a BMI over 40 and other health issues such as diabetes or high BP. of which i had both!!!!) Each PCT is different but i know that Manchester do not offer the balloon they only offer the band or bypass. Have you tried your GP to see if you would be eligible?

Hope some others on here will be able to answer your questions about the balloon. Take care x

 

[e.green69]

hi mum24
just like to say hi and welcome
emma

 

[georgina]

hi mum24 welcome to minis the best forum in the world, i cant help with the balloon hun im 15 months post bypass, and that worked for me but im sure someone will know as u get more info on here than the who net lol, take care xxx

 

[Gaggle]

Hi and welcome

I had a balloon fitted 8 days ago and have lost over a stone already,although i have to say my monthly cycle was timed well unluckly and so I think I did have water retension maybe?? But still 1stone 4 lb is not bad.

I was going to go to Prague because of the cheap prices but decided against it to be closer to home.

I have to say for me personally I made the right decision to go local in the end due to the sickness and was glad to be sick at home, and was back the same night.

24hrs of none stop vomiting, no pain just a bit heart burn and colic but after 4 days was feeling great. 3 days clear fluid which is all you want,then soft food,then day 5 started to eat different foods.

For me just 8 days has made a difference and I now feel more confident, but the hard work will be maintaining the loss after the balloon is extracted. For me I needed a boost to kick start me into changing. Because you feel normal after a week i ate too much today but ended up bloated uncomfortable and felt like I had eaten two chinese takeaways when all I had really eaten was half a bowel of soup and half a steak and salad all day.

I hope this helps you.I prepared for the worst but only half came. You have to do whats right for you.

I know Twinladyuk has done very well and has had her balloon fitted before me.

I went with the hospital group but you have to do your research to all groups as I have now discovered the national obesity centre maybe better long term.

Good luk with your journey and I will answer any questions you may have.

 

[mum24]

Many thanks Gaggle, glad to hear that all went well for you. I too would prefer to have it done here but it is quite expensive. Mind you when I think of all the money that I have spent over the years at slimming clubs etc lol. Maybe I could get another part-time job and then I wouldn't have time to eat ....

 

[twinladyuk]

Hello and welcome!

I had my balloon fitted 3 months ago. In that time I have lost 3stone 3lb. I have a further 3 1/2 stone to loose. My reasons for choosing the balloon is that as you say it was less invasive and non permanent. For me, this was the right way to go. I am so happy with the results so far and as for keeping it off - yes it will be hard but every solution to a weight problem has a degree of will power and determination. My eating habits have changed dramatically in the last 3 months. I eat for fuel now - not for comfort. I had my balloon fitted with the Obesity Centre in London and was home within 4 hours of having it fitted.

Good luck with your decision.

Kxxx

 

[natashayannis]

Hi,

I have been looking into this balloon surgery, but I really can't afford it, I have a bmi of over 35 and just wondered how you found out if you were eligible on the NHS and if anyone knows what postcodes this is available, I live Kent !!

thanks
Natasha

 

[shelbell]

Hi Natasha,

See if your PCT is listed here as a first step.

HTH

Shel

 

[natashayannis]

Hi,

Thanks Ive just had a look and it says bexley on there, don't quite understand what it means, I actually don't know what a PCT is either !!! Sorry !!

 

[shelbell]

PCT = primary care trust, the people who run your health service locally. If you're not sure which PCT you come under ring your GP and ask the secretary. Then you can check on the BOSPA site and make sure you're looking at the right one. If it's not on there, or says 'awaiting information' then you'll need to either go and see your GP or ring the PCT directly to find out what their criteria is.

Most follow NICE guidelines (listed on the bospa site too) but some have much harsher criteria.

Shel