Physical complications following gastric balloon insertion

[kimlou]

Hi!
I had a gastric balloon inserted in feb 2013 and my experience was pretty horrific.
Non-stop vomiting for 6 weeks, hair loss, back pain and a feeling that my stomach was far too heavy for my frame to carry.
I endured the balloon for the full 6 month period and my weight loss was minimal, despite being unable to consume or digest any food for 6 weeks.
I have since been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis and i cannot help but think that this is a result of having a gastric balloon inserted as i had, previously no pain or mobility problems.
I also discovered that my insertion was rushed in order to facilitate a tv crew whom were filming the surgeons at that time and therefore, my balloon was actually over filled.
Has anyone else had an experience like this?
Thanks

 

[femfrankie]

Vomiting yes, terrible reflux for the full 6 months yes. Hair loss yes but that usually comes with the rapid weight loss that I had ..just under 5 stone in fact. Permanent damage done nil. I don't think your spondylosis would be caused by the balloon in all honesty. Possibly aggravate it as a pre existing condition..maybe I don't know. I have a severely crumbling spine and joints which I had before the op and yes I hurt more while the weight came off but this was down to my posture changing etc I would say my pain level has returned to a few par below what it was pre op (now bypassed) but I can cope with that level. In saying all this I am no doctor or expert and this is purely my experience.
Good luck x

 

[kimlou]

Thank you so much for your reply!
The consultant thinks that I may have been born with a congenital condition of the spine and that the weight of the balloon has forced it to fracture.
I'm on the waiting list for a gastric bypass at the moment and I just felt that not enough info is given regarding some peoples reactions to having the balloon in situ

Its nice to know that I wasn't alone in my experience of the vomiting and hair loss xx