I am not the typical overweight person. I work out pretty regularly and stay active. As I approach my 50's it has become increasingly difficult to lose weight. It is my hope that the balloon will inhibit food intake so that I can retrain myself and get educated about how much is enough. Since this procedure requires no cutting I was willing to give it a try. Updated on 16 Oct 2016: Days 1 and 2 have been pretty miserable. Nothing stays down, no water, ice chips, Popsicles, medication all comes up. My stomach is empty and I'm thirsty. Tiny sips of ice cold water helps for a short while. Sleeping, if you can,must be done on your left side. I feel very weak. Updated on 18 Oct 2016: I know its just water, but I do see a jawline again. Updated on 20 Oct 2016: I am NOT HUNGRY ???? I sincerely have to remind myself to eat. Had a follow up with the Dr. today Says all looks good. I finally feel like myself again. 13.5 lbs.lost Breakfast 1/4 cup coffee, 1/4 cup grits. Water 3:30 less than half a cup of pureed beef stew. I have a feeling the pot I made is going to last a while. Very hearty. Gives me everything. Makes me feel full Water 6:05 the best poop EVERRRRR Feeling lighter than ever I took a walk to the tennis courts. I got ahead of myself, was a puddle by the time I got home but feeling optimistic. Not today. But soon Rewarded myself with a sugarfree green jello, *YUCK!!! Water Cleaned up my house until 9:00, took vitamins supplements and meds. Bath. I got this! Updated on 24 Oct 2016: First day in the gym feels awkward. You won't feel the balloon inside but there will be a faint sense of tension in your chest. Take it easy. Elliptical. Muscle toning. I need new gym clothes I sincerely see the difference. Will try swimming tomorrow. Updated on 6 Nov 2016: Been able to do three days in the gym per week consistently. Of course some days are better than others. Bought a pedometer for $5. My arch nemesis: GERD. Acid reflux is getting my nerves!! I am able to eat VERY small meals, but when I do it seems like they aren't digesting. In the middle of the night I get a horrible burning, sour stomach feeling. Just awful. Water just dilutes it. Makes more. Texted my Dr. and good news I can use Alka Seltzer!! It worked Stock up on chews when you're on the go, they even have an added benefit of Calcium, the old school fizzy works great! Day of Balloon weight, 238, weight today 214!! Updated on 14 Dec 2016: What more can I say other than it works! I had a few setbacks during Thanksgiving, but it's still working! That's the good news. The bad: you always feel a little "green around the gills", sort of ill, but not so bad that you can't function, just a little "off". Another downside, you don't feel "sexy" when you're sick even though you look fabulous, hard to get excited when nausea strikes. Relationship advice, "do *it* ANYWAY". You look good! Fashion advice, throw away the lame sweats, flats and moo moos, buy GOOD clothes because dammit you deserve it! Going on a cruise to the Bahamas Christmas thru NYE, will keep you updated, how am I going to deal with nausea and AYCE buffets? Hopefully with a smile???? Updated on 8 Jan 2017: After an 8 day Christmas cruise that ended with New Years eve in Las Vegas I can still say with confidence that the baloon works. Cruises are all ABOUT THE FOOD! Did I eat more than I should have? Of course, there were so many amazing options, late nights, cocktails and treats, it was Christmas, but I DID NOT OVEREAT! It was amazing to be able to sample and walk away. Most people gain an average of 6-15lbs on a cruise vacation, I still managed to lose! Today I am at 203 from 238! Rich foods in small portiobs wont hurt you. Now back to shakes and discipline! Updated on 9 Jan 2017: Updated on 19 Feb 2017: I don't know, I guess I expected trumpets or fanfare, but there was none. Can I tell the difference? Yes. Is it as dramatic as in my dreams? Not really. Damn I was fat as hell! How come nobody said anything? 50lbs barely made a dent! I need new clothes, but I can still wear some of the old ones! Lord have mercy. I have lost weight and my curves dictate that I am heavy, but I'm no longer *unhealthy fat. The positive: Jeans, 12/14 with stretch St. John Knits Dress 8/10 Rings 6 Shoes 8.5 from 9.5, over knee boots fit. I have more energy but the balloon makes me feel a little bit of sickly every day. Have dramatically reduced meal sizes and I work on training myself to make better choices every day. The balloon is helping, but it does not feel *normal* it's a *thing...

I'm so excited to say that my gastric sleeve surgery will be covered by my insurance but I am bummed that I have to wait 6 months first. In order for me to qualify for surgery, my insurance requires me to be on a nutrition plan & I have to meet with my nutritionist monthly for the next six months. What is interesting is that I am not suppose to lose any weight but instead maintain my current weight while making healthier food choices. I truly wish I could have the surgery sooner but I understand it is a process & all in all meeting with a nutritionist & trying to fix my bad eating habits will set me up for success after surgery. Updated on 16 May 2018: I’m feeling so excited for the future! I have been staying consistent & working toward becoming a better me. I set daily goals for myself & haven’t missed a day yet! I have a Fitbit & make sure I walk a minimum of 15,000 steps per day & have at least 45min “active” minutes per day also. It’s not always easy but, if it means staying up after all the kids & my husband are sleep & pacing back & forth around our house just to hit my goal, then that’s what I do. No one’s in my way but myself so I have no excuses. 2018, I’m going to make you my year! Updated on 13 Jul 2018: 17 Week Post-Op today!!! Time is flying by. I weighed in at 208lbs this morning, which is 54lbs down from my start weight & roughly 46lbs down since surgery! Though the scale is continually dropping, I have noticed my appetite starting to grow. I mean I’m nowhere near eating as much as I could pre-op but I definitely am not full off of just one piece of whole wheat toast. Also, I’ve noticed the scale starting to slow down too. I know it’s because I need to workout more. I am pretty active on a regular basis but not to where I should be to get the results I want. So hopefully, by my next update, I’ll be out of he 200’s working out a little harder. Love to all the RS Queens out there trying to find their happy place & god bless!