Hi, I'm seriously considering having a gastric balloon fitted. Its non-surgical, done under local anasthetic and light sedation. A deflated balloon is put down your throat, into your stomach then filled with saline.
It only lasts for 6 months and then you have it removed.
Weight loss can be anything between 1.5 and 5 stone. (I need to lose about 4.5 but would be happy with 3)
I have tried most diets, always lose a bit, then put it back on plus another few pounds. I try to eat healthily, but running round after DCs means I either skip meals or snack on the go.
The balloon is supposed to be much safer than gastric bands or bypasses, its often used for seriously obese people to bring their weight down before surgery.
I've just started reseaching this, and wondered if anyone had any experience.
Thanks

BTW, I will be funding this myself and not sponging off the NHS.

at the not sponging of the NHS comment

Why ? I know a woman who eats chips with everything, dozens of cans of pop, sweets and crisps all day and hardly moves from her chair.
She put weights in her pockets when she went to the drs, so she could get a bypass, boob job and tummy tuck for free.
Just didnt want people to think I was a freeloader, sorry if I offended anyone.

I know plenty of people who do that - doesn't mean I would make a comment that encompasses everyone though. As for weights in pockets to get surgery for free - crap and b*ll&cks - they do weigh you in your undies (or even less) at the hospital. I wasn't offended, just surprised at the attitude.

What's your BMI? I think our local NHS does it for BMI of 45 or above.

And it is NOT sponging - if you don't die on teh table then you can avoid serious health issues in teh future. It is a last resort to avoid other illnesses.

3 stones to lose is NOT VERY MUCH, I would be surprised if you can get a doctor to do it for that small amount of weight loss to be honest (have you already enquired?)

Ah sorry I am thinking of STAPLING

don't know about balloons

A gastric balloon doesn't tackle the reason you are overweight though (but can give you a kick start to get you going).

I have nursed people who have had bariatric surgery and they had a lot more than 3 stone to lose.

My friend has lost 6.5 stone with a combination of medication and Slimming World - have you tried something like that?

My Mum had a gastric balloon (BIB) fitted at the beginning of April. You need a BMI of over 30, so presuming you are over that. For the first few days after the op she couldn't go out or eat at all (bed bound she felt so ill and couldn't keep down water even), on day 5 she managed a bit of yoghurt.

She can now eat whatever she wants just small quantities or she vomits - she is sick most days. Has lost almost 2 stone because of it though!

You will not be able to eat out/have family meals and if you are averse to throwing up then I would strongly advise against it. Also bear in mind that you have to pay to have it taken out - all in all the cost is 6k.

Personally I would spend the 6k on a bloody good personal trainer and do it that way.

doesn't it RUIN your teeth?

that you had to justify the fact that youd be paying it yourself

i understand why you did that though - to stop people making hrrid comments

do they offer you support for whenits taken out? so you dont just put all the weight back on again...

I have a tummy problem that makes me sick a fair bit and I have a few probs with my back teeth wearing away and yes I think it's probably likely with a balloon.

They do offer support throughout - the idea is that you re train your mind and body to have smaller amounts of food/less calories. You do need to be disciplined when it comes out or it will all go back on.

BMI is 37, I actually need to lose about 4.5 stones. I found a clinic in prague that does it for £2000 including removal. My mum had a facelift in portugal, and I know other people who have had various surgeries abroad. Could not afford 6k, thats why I'm thinking of going there.
I know it doesnt tackle the reason I'm overweight, but just want a kick start really. Ive failed at every diet going.... weightwatchers, atkins, slim fast etc.
I still have problems from having bad SPD in pg, so exercising is really painful, can only walk for approx 20 mins before I start to sieze [sp] up.
I thought if I had this done, it would be easier to exercise if I can drop 3 stone or so, it might also ease SPD probs, as not so much weight on pelvis.

I wouldn;t consider this type of surgery abroad - you need good aftercare.

Is your GP any good? Could you ask to try Orlistat or Reductil (medications) first? Orlistat blocks fat absorption, so you follow a low fat diet and the tablets block some of the fat that you do eat. Reductil works centrally by suppressing the appetite.

I think you should try a healty diet first. I lost over 3 stone in 6 months doing Slimming world. If you want to do it you can do it.

I have nursed people who have had bariatric surgery.

IM(limited)E and from speaking to other staff, most seem largely unprepared for the huge lifestyle change it has. A lot of people at pre-assessment found the jelly and soup diet really hard and the nurse did ask how they felt they would cope post-op being on the same sort of diet and they all sort of glossed over it.
Post-op most seemed to find the endless vomiting very difficult and were frustrated by not being able to eat. It did put me off the surgery for myself.

A friend had it done and she did lose weight on it, but she did not change her lifestyle at all, she still ate mars bars and crisps, she just ate less and slower. But the result was that she was quite malnourished and had to take vitamins. Now that was a bit extreme, but her hair was falling out

But you do lose weight on it, and if you eat the right way you should be ok. I think the hard thing is that if you can eat very little only chosing the very healthy stuff would be hard sometimes. Like its nice sometimes to have a salad and then a cake or something but after banding you would only have the salad.

I can see the appeal (i am v.fat) but I am back on WW again...

The aftercare package continues for 6 months after you have balloon removed, uk based.
GP reluctant to give me meds.
I eat heathily most of the time, but quite erratically, and like big portions. I often skip meals and just pick at things then have large evening meal. Dont eat after 9pm, hardly ever eat biscuits/sweets except when have PMT then have a weakness for dark choc, but limit the amount I have.

JBi think the problem is that you are saying you can't control your current habits, BUT the surgery will require a LOT of changes to your lifestyle, including making you vomit regularly

I know you are desperate but this doesn't seem the right approach

How long do you stay in Prague for> What anaesethic do they use? My Mum had it done under general - as recommended by the consultant - and was on a concotion of drugs for several days after.

How do they do your follow up and counselling? Plus your consultations before? It's not suitable for quite a few people and it's more effective on certain body shapes etc, they can't do these things without seeing you surely.

jellybelly2007, I know how you feel, I really do, about being overweight.

In 16 months I have lost 7 and a half stone. I am still overweight too, so yes, I was morbidly obese and far fatter than you are.

I think for anyone to successfully lose weight their head has to be in the right place. I know you have tried diets before but healthy eating works if you stick at it.

Have you asked for help from your doctor? There are tablets available to help reduce your appetite and also to ensure that your body doesn't process over fatty foods. I haven't had personal experience of them, but I bet some other Mumsnetters have.

You are still going to have the same busy life after the surgery - so how will it actually really help you if you can't take time out now to prepare healthy food for yourself?

Of course it is your decision, but I really think there are far healthily and less invasive alternatives out there for you.

Why is your GP reluctant to give you meds?

I am aware of the huge lifestyle choice I will have to make as far as having as much nutrition packed into tiny meals goes. I do hate being sick though (who doesnt) so that would be a big downside.
I need to re-educate my body about food. I hardly ever eat out, but if I did, I could just have a starter (cheaper too LOL). As for family meals, it's only me in the house that does any cooking, and am fine carrying on with that. Ive heard that after the adjustmant period you can eat pretty much what you like, only much less of it.

You can eat whatever you like but they suggest you avoid fatty food as it sits on top of the balloon and doesn't digest and because of this creats incredibly bad acid reflux - be prepared for the mother of all heartburn!

With the being sick it is pretty much everyday for my Mum - how old are your DCs? If you have very little ones it won't be very nice for them as they won't understand why you are ill.

Is your DP supportive?

Honestly jellybelly I think you need to at least look at the reasons you overeat before you can make a decision about whether this will work for you or not.

What will this operation do for you that a healthy lifestyle won't? Is it because you want to see immediate results? Want to feel full up quicker?

yes, basically, I want to see results quickly, as well as learning to eat less.
I just want a quick start i suppose.
DCs 10 and 8 months, DH supportive.
Have to run, DS2 awake

I think most uk surgeons require you to loose a bit of weight prior to the surgery anyway just to see if you can stick at a reduced diet.

WW is v.good, very flexible and really makes you think about portion sizes. Can save up points too so you can have a take away. Loads of 0 points food too which is fab if you like to snack.

Would you maybe consider setting yourself smaller goals, such as 7lb or a stone and see how you do with it. I thinking about losing 4/5 stone is such a mental hurdle, but a stone is not, and it makes a HUGE difference. I lost 1.5 stone last year and people were convinced I had lost more.

Why is your GP reluctant to give you medication? If I were you I would see a different GP! Most people can take the meds, and with a good diet it can do wonders.

Please please try other things before having a balloon fitted - IME it doesn't tackle the real problem which as you've admitted is a lifestyle problem. Most people I have worked with have an unhealthy psychological relationship with food and when that is tackled they lose weight. Have you thought about psychotherapy or hypnosis?

Will go back to see GP and ask again about meds. He was reluctant to give them as he thought my bmi wasnt high enough, also he said the side effects can be awful (obv balloon side effects re: vomiting bad too).
Missingmyheels; is your mum glad she had it done>how much weight did she have to lose>how many times a day is she sick?

Sidge, I hadnt thought about hypnotherepy, so thats also something to look into.

Thanks for everyones opinions and support, you've certainly given me food for thought...........Boom boom!

jellybelly - I asked my Mum about Prague and she knows someone, from an online community thing who went the Prague route. Here is her account of it...

We found it very easy to arrange using "prague beauty". They sorted out the flights for you, from the airport of your choice, had a very nice english speaking driver to pick you up and take you back and the staff all spoke very good english. The clinic was a small (eight bedded) unit, very clean and I guess quite basic. The area it was in was bland and resembled some of uk,s council estates. However we felt so vile the first day we didnt even venture out so it didnt affect us that much. The staff were very proffesional and did seem to know their jobs but were a little humourless. I dont think English humour always crosses the language barrier! You can take a partner for an additional £350 (includes both ways). I wouldnt have wanted to be there on my own and was very glad I had my daughter to share a sick bowl with.
We arrived on the tuesday at 1600hrs and had the balloon inserted by 1700hrs! Within 3 minutes of arriving we had an intravenous cannula attached, blood taken and put in a gown. No time for getting nerveous!! The procedure took around twenty minutes. We were given some IV valium which made us a bit whoozy but in no way did it make us not know what was going on. They insert a micoscope down your throat, check your stomach for ulcers and then push the balloon down. It is then inflated with a blue die and the microscope is then taken out. You feel everything and it is uncomfortable and makes you gag. We spent the next day attached to a drip with various different pain and anti sickness meds going through and gaily threw up for most of the day. We did manage soups, some biscuits and a very pleasant pudding. We flew home on the Thursday and did actually start to feel better by then.
We are three months into the balloon now - I have lost 2 stone 2lb and my daughter has lost 1 stone 12lb. Life does feel normal now but we eat far less and if we do eat anything with a high fat content or very spicy we suffer for it the next day ( guts ache and indigestion).
The clinic have been very good about keeping in touch and all e-mails are answered within a day.
I hope this helps with your decision.

Not sure of what site my Mum is using but I can find out if you are def wanting to go ahead.

Missingmyheels: Thanks, that has been SOOOO helpful, still not sure whether to go ahead, want to do lots more research first, but would love to know the site your mum used.
Can I ask how much they paid?

Link here - not sure about how much paid - you will probably see the post my Mum emailed me and can contact them direct. Good luck whatever you choose!