Guillermo Higa, MD

I had about 50 extra pounds that dribbled on over the past 10 years. Am turning 60 in 9 mos. and decided to lose it by then. I do swim 4 days a week and lift weights, but I decided I needed a better plan.
First three days after procedure were a bear; nausea and some vomiting with pressure, even taking prescribed meds. 4th day much better. Day 7 resumed swimming. Still doing tiny meals and using the fatsecret app in my phone to track protein and calories. 3 weeks later have lost 20 pounds and reduced blood pressure meds. Dr. says I should completely off of them in 3 months. This takes some work, but I have a great nutritionist as part of the team, so it's fun. I'd say if I hit my target weight, it's worth the price and effort!!

Updated on 6 Jul 2017:
It's now been 6 weeks and for the first time am starting to feel hungry. I eat every two hours and keep to high protein; nonfat cottage cheese, greek yogurt, chicken and fish. Pounds list so far: 28lbs.

Updated on 31 Jul 2017:
So far so good with a good meal plan and 800 calories a day. About 3 pounds each week. Key is swimming and weights at least 5 times a week. Also tracking everything that goes in my mouth. Still working on getting 90 grams of protein in each day!

Updated on 19 Sep 2017:
Well weight loss has stabilized a bit. Still, happy to be 50 lbs lighter and 1 size down. I'd like to lose another 15 pounds in the next 2 months, so adding an extra aqua arobics class to the 3 a week I do already. That should drop me another size by November. This was the best investment ever! Off Metformin and blood pressure meds. Woohoo!

Updated on 28 Oct 2017:
Well it has been 5 months and I have lost 57 pounds. Key is tracking calories, carbs under 80 grams a day, protein at about 90 grams. I could keep up swimming laps almost everday on about 1000 calories. Working with the nutritionist to figure out the maintenance plan once the balloon is out.

Updated on 30 Nov 2017:
Well the balloon comes out next week, and of course the hard work comes at keeping weight off. I have 6 more months with a nutritionist, so I'll concentrate on 1400 calories a day to keep off the 60 pounds I lost. I am taking a plastic bag so I can keep the balloon when it comes out. It'll be a conversation starter, later....

Updated on 11 Dec 2017:
The balloon removal took 9 minutes. It was easier to breathe and so my exercise program can go a bit harder and longer now. Still not hungry and very careful to not fall back into old habits. We leave on a walking tour of Germany soon, so that will be much easier 60 pounds lighter! I'll still be seeing nutricianist for 6 months.