Fernando B. Bonanni, MD

I had my balloon place on April 21st. The first day was so awful. I was in excruciating pain and felt so sick to my stomach. I was barely able to get water in. The next morning I started feeling better, not great, just not as sick. I was able to drink more and even ate a Popsicle. Third and fourth days were another step to feeling better. I was able to get more liquid in, including Popsicle, but not food or even thick consistency liquids. By the 5th I woke up a new woman! I feel much better, about 85% and was able to drink more and started some protein drinks.
I stayed on the full liquid diet for a couple of weeks, occasionally adding soft foods (pudding, yogurt, cottage cheese). It's been a month and I still am not eating 'real food' exclusively. I'm only doing ground meat on occasion and keeping veggies and fruits on the soft side, or over cooking the vegetables. I still do quite a bit of protein shakes to ensure that I'm getting protein and nutrition.
I have always been an exerciser. I run, spin, do yoga and lift weights. I always called myself fit-fat. I wasn't able to exercise until about 2 weeks after placement. The balloon was just too heavy in my stomach and I had too much stomach spasm. I'm not running yet, but I am doing all of my other activities.
I'm down to 144 - that's 20 pounds in one month! I'm thrilled about it and I'm looking forward to loosing the remaining 14 to get to my goal weight. I do contribute my exercise to my weight loss accomplishments. Even if you can't run, spin, etc. Do walk!! Start slow and build up. You can do it!
I recommend this procedure to anyone hoping to jump start their weight loss to regain their footing to their healthiest self!

Updated on 23 Jun 2017:
I'm 2 months in now. I'm down just over 25 pounds. Weight is definitely slow to come off now. I'm exercising again, 3-5 days a week, plus trying to get my 10K steps in each day. I think for me then next 4 months will be slow moving the weight off.
My doctor recommended that I follow a strict full liquid to a puree diet for the first 6 weeks. I did eat 'regular' food sometimes, and paid the price (vomiting). I strongly recommend anyone who is still in the first 2 months to take it easy with what you're eating. I'm still not doing raw vegetables, I'm scared they'll upset my stomach. All of my veggies are steamed. I chew my meat very thoroughly, and take small bites. I still get full quite fast and it does take quite a bit more time for my food to digest.
I'm seeing a CBT therapist to help with my compulsive eating habits and I've joined weight watchers for some extra help with healthy eating and the support there is great! Once this balloon comes out, I'm hoping that I've transformed my relationship with food and have made the forever change that I needed so badly!