Gastric Balloon Journey

The journey here has been hell. My dad arrived at the airport with my mam’s Passport instead of his. I sat and cried on the airport floor while he raced home to find his passport. We did make it back and we were rushed through security and had time before our flight. We arrived in the airport and our transfer (which was included in the price of the balloon) didn’t show up. No one answered the phone/email/Facebook messages. We stood around for about an hour and as we were getting into a taxi I got a callback- and was told to get the taxi and it would be reimbursed. Our taxi dropped us at the wrong apartment so I was convinced the entire country was out to scam me.... But eventually we got settled in late last night. The excitement of the day meant I didn’t sleep well at all, and I woke up with a huge headache. Not wanting to cause any balloon issues I ploughed on without painkillers and did a bit of sightseeing with my dad. I’m now back in my apartment and it’s 8,30pm. I get p...

Today is the day! I'm flying to Prague at 16:10 today.  It dawned on me that I've never stayed overnight in a hospital in my life. I've never been more than an outpatient for a scan. I've never worn a hospital gown - will everyone see my butt in it?  I'm not going to lie- the nerves are creeping in. I'm not sleeping properly. I'm not worried about the procedure so much (I've never been under anesthetic before), but the afterwoulds is scaring me. I hate nothing more than being sick, I cry and gag and sweat and I think there's no worse feeling.  Then there's the potential stomach cramps... I cry when I pluck my eyebrows which is an indication to my pain threshold.  I've packed some protein water, some ice lolly moulds, some vomit bags.... and I'm just hoping everything is alright. I plan to update my blog daily while I'm away. I might even record a video from the clinic.  Wish me luck! 

I don’t consider myself a “drinker”.  I started drinking alcohol at around 16, in pubs and bars (back when Challenge25 wasn’t even a thought in someone’s head. I would go to the pub on a Tuesday, drink cherry alcopops or double vodka and redbull. But now, at the age of 28, I’d say I go out mostly when there’s a reason - birthday, wedding, family get together. However, I do enjoy a few glasses of red wine on a Friday night after work. It has become such a habit, in the lead up to the balloon I have found myself feeling sad about not being able to wine on a Friday. Maybe I am a drinker after all.  I drink like I eat - quickly in large volumes. I am usually the first one to suggest tequila shots, or staying out late and getting a taxi. I like beer (especially having lived in Germany for 10 months) I feel a lot of my social interactions happen around food and drink. I don’t know when to stop- either I have a small drink or I don’t know my limit and I’m hungover to death the ne...

I’ve been having some issues with communication with the clinic in Prague. It was one thing I was worried about with booking it abroad. I’ve been the Prague twice before, and both times I’ve noticed that customer service isn’t really something they pride themselves on, so I shouldn’t be surprised. Initially, I didn’t get the email reply to my enquiry, but then when Vojta, my contact resent it, I could see he had sent it before...But I’ve had to chase them down for almost a week for a booking confirmation. I even sent an email to them threatening to look for another clinic, then BAM! Reply instantly.  I’ve seen numerous people have traveled to Prague, but now it’s filling my head with doubts.  Today I had to make the decision- do I trust this place? I had already booked flights and accommodation.... But I could live with that loss. However, today I was asked for my deposit.  I decided to trust it. I know a few people have said online that they used this clinic, so ...

I decided to start preparing what I’ll need to take to Prague for my gastric balloon procedure 1 month prior to leaving the country. After all, one of the life changing aims of this is to become more prepared.  In the months leading up to the procedure, I’ve read reviews, personal accounts, FAQs from doctors, and all kinds of tales about the few days following the procedure. It’s grim.  Basically, sticking a foreign object down your throat and into your stomach does not make it happy. Pretty much every patient who gets the 1 year balloon suffers a cocktail of nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps while your body tries to get rid of the balloon. Some people end up on a drip due to dehydration. Getting the procedure in a foreign country adds extra need for preparation. If I need something, I can’t just nip to Holland and Barrett and translation apps aren’t always the best, so I figured becat to take things with me which I can. The procedure does include anti nasea, indiges...

A week of difference  Since booking my appointment for gastric balloon insertion, I’ve been trying to be more Mindful about what I eat and how much I move. My friends and I are doing a step challenge which is really helping. I got the least amount of steps in the whole group last week, so this week, even if I was the worst I’d make a big improvement.  I’m working on a target of 10,000 steps per day. It sounds easier than t is! I’ve been to the gym most days and on the day I didn’t go to the gym I had to do an hour walk to get my steps!  It’s going well though! I’ve lost 1.9kg in a week! And I’m super happy that my friends are supporting me. I’ve been slowly telling people about the procedure and feeling more confident to mention it to people.  1 month and 2 days until insertion.  I’m only on 9165 steps, off I go.....