Has anyone out there had obesity surgery? (Or know someone who has?)

[jellybelly2007]

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

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!