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AMA
Original poster

I lost 30Kg with a Gastric Balloon AMA

42 replies

IHadAGastricBalloon · 22/03/2024 09:39

Starting weight in Jan 2023 106kg size 18

Finishing weight in Jan 2024 75kg size 12

I'm tall. (5'9")

Paid privately in the UK for the 12 month balloon.

Happy to give insights and experiences if anyone is interested or considering having same procedure done.

Ask away. Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
IHadAGastricBalloon · 22/03/2024 10:44

Menomeno · 22/03/2024 10:18

Have you regained any weight since removal? Do you think your eating habits changed now for good?

This sounds much healthier than the usual surgeries. My ExMIL died after a gastric band. She just kept losing and losing and eventually became so weak that she died of an infection that a normal person would have overcome. My DSSis had a bypass in Turkey and she seems to be going the same way. I think a temporary solution is much safer.

I'm sorry about your MIL. You do hear some horror stories.

OP posts:
Menomeno · 22/03/2024 10:52

IHadAGastricBalloon · 22/03/2024 10:43

I haven't regained but I weigh myself every week. So sometimes I'm 500g heavier sometimes a bit lighter but I'm hovering at the 75kg mark. But it is early days so I'm not smug about it. I know the chance is that I could regain but will do my best not to. Yes, I'm aware I might fail.

I wasn't heavy enough to have more permanent weight loss surgery so the balloon was my only option.

Show quote history

You’re doing fantastically well, that really is amazing. As someone who has yo-yoed massively, I know the key for me is keeping a close eye on the scales and putting the brakes on the second I start to creep back up. You sound very determined and I’m sure you’ll keep it up.

MalcolmTuckersSwearBox · 22/03/2024 11:00

Have you used the 12 months to address any psychological issues relating to your weight gain? Did the medical team discuss this with you at all?

Overeating is so often about more than just 'bad habits', so having a year off physically being able to perform the snacking behaviours or 'bad habits' you formed over a lifetime isn't necessarily going to undo the psychological motivation underlying them.

poppym12 · 22/03/2024 11:10

I hope you can continue to maintain your lower weight.

Can I ask if you had any side effects from rapid weight loss such as hair loss? Or skin sagging?

MalcolmTuckersSwearBox · 22/03/2024 11:15

What's the long term success rate of 12 month bands?

Lifebeganat50 · 22/03/2024 11:19

Hey well done, that’s a great result!

How do you feel about how you’ll be following the balloon removal?

I had massive issues with overeating and have had a very successful gastric sleeve done a couple of years ago, because I know I need the permanent restriction

EasterBunnny · 22/03/2024 11:21

Congratulations on your weight loss, you must feel fantastic.

Last summer I lost 20kg by cutting carbs and love the feeling of being lighter.

Original poster
IHadAGastricBalloon · 22/03/2024 13:46

MalcolmTuckersSwearBox · 22/03/2024 11:00

Have you used the 12 months to address any psychological issues relating to your weight gain? Did the medical team discuss this with you at all?

Overeating is so often about more than just 'bad habits', so having a year off physically being able to perform the snacking behaviours or 'bad habits' you formed over a lifetime isn't necessarily going to undo the psychological motivation underlying them.

Edited

No is the honest answer. But it is something I'm aware of. The hospital do not offer any psychological help. We'd be here all day if I examined why I overeat 😢

OP posts:
Original poster
IHadAGastricBalloon · 22/03/2024 13:48

poppym12 · 22/03/2024 11:10

I hope you can continue to maintain your lower weight.

Can I ask if you had any side effects from rapid weight loss such as hair loss? Or skin sagging?

Well certainly my stomach isn't what is was and my boobs are awful. But I'm in my 50s so I'm less bothered than I might have been in my 20s.I'm just happy to fit in the nice clothes and feel healthier.

OP posts:
Original poster
IHadAGastricBalloon · 22/03/2024 13:48

MalcolmTuckersSwearBox · 22/03/2024 11:15

What's the long term success rate of 12 month bands?

Honestly? I don't know.

OP posts:
Original poster
IHadAGastricBalloon · 22/03/2024 13:51

Lifebeganat50 · 22/03/2024 11:19

Hey well done, that’s a great result!

How do you feel about how you’ll be following the balloon removal?

I had massive issues with overeating and have had a very successful gastric sleeve done a couple of years ago, because I know I need the permanent restriction

My surgeon wouldn't give me the gastric sleeve as my BMI wasn't high enough. Otherwise I would've done it. I loved having my balloon in, it felt like bad decisions were being taken away from me.

OP posts:
MalcolmTuckersSwearBox · 22/03/2024 13:53

Thanks for your responses, OP. Good luck for the future.

Lifebeganat50 · 22/03/2024 13:53

@IHadAGastricBalloon that’s really good to hear, and well done on taking control before you got to the stage I was at-I hope it’s as positive and life changing for you as it has been for me

Original poster
IHadAGastricBalloon · 22/03/2024 15:23

Lifebeganat50 · 22/03/2024 13:53

@IHadAGastricBalloon that’s really good to hear, and well done on taking control before you got to the stage I was at-I hope it’s as positive and life changing for you as it has been for me

I hope so too. Thank you all.

OP posts:
myboyandmee · 27/03/2024 06:59

Well done on your weight loss!

I would love something like this but I only have 2 stone to lose. Do you have to have a minimum BMI to be eligible?

Nopoppinginplease · 30/03/2024 11:06

A colleague went to Egypt for this, she swallowed a capsule so it was completely non surgical. She lost a lot of weight but once the balloon deflated she's putting it all back on.

Lifebeganat50 · 30/03/2024 12:09

Nopoppinginplease · 30/03/2024 11:06

A colleague went to Egypt for this, she swallowed a capsule so it was completely non surgical. She lost a lot of weight but once the balloon deflated she's putting it all back on.

That was why I had to go for the nuclear option-I need the ongoing physical restriction, fingers crossed OP will be good without it

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