Erica: lost 6 stone with a Gastric Balloon

* All patient reviews on our website are based on that individual’s experience and may vary from person to person.

Approaching my fiftieth birthday I realized that I was a long way from where I wanted to be in relation to my weight. I had struggled since my children were born twenty years ago and was disheartened with dieting after trying many times to get my weight down.

I liked the idea of the 12 month balloon because surgery seemed too drastic for me. I contacted NOSC and was impressed immediately by the friendly, straightforward attitude of the staff. I decided to have the 12 month Balloon and within 2 weeks I had the balloon inserted. I have not looked back since. The Balloon helped me get in the right mindset for weight loss. I felt full a lot quicker and if I was tempted to overeat I felt very sick. I was brought up to always clear my plate but now I know I don’t have to, I stop eating when I feel full and make better choices with my food. I eat three meals a day – I used to skip breakfast – so the Balloon really does encourage good eating habits.

I look and feel so much better. The support team at NOSC have been in regular contact which has proven invaluable and continues after balloon removal. Carol, from NOSC, contacted me regularly to check how things were going and to discuss any problems, always giving great advice. Carol took an interest in me as a person too, rather than just ‘doing her job’. I committed to working with the Balloon and am delighted with the results. I needed to put an exercise plan in place that was manageable and fitted around working full time and family life. My preference was to join a female only gym. I passed it on my way to work every day, so no excuses for not going! I attend the gym regularly and my joints no longer ache. My mindset has completely changed with my “little friend” ( my Balloon!) to help keep me on track.

In total, I have lost over 6 stone and dropped from a dress size 22-24 to a size 14-16. My work colleagues cannot believe the change and my husband is really pleased for me. The balloon was something that I felt I needed to do for me and I celebrated my 50th birthday six stones lighter!