Swallowable Gastric Balloon (Ellipse Balloon) Procedure

I departed for my procedure on Friday night to have it done on Saturday morning 20th January. Up until the moment I booked my flight - the communication from Bookimed was on point, but straight after I sent them my booking confirmation, I didn't hear anything from anyone. So on the day of departing, I still had no confirmation for the hotel, transfer, etc. and had to keep chasing for the information. Not a good start obviously, for someone who is leaving their home for a medical procedure abroad! When I arrived in Istanbul airport around 5 am - I had to wait a good 40 minutes for my transfer, although sending all my flight information and being told that the driver was going to be there waiting for me. Incorrect. The hotel room was ok- no soap, shampoo or working phone, (which was not good at all, as I couldn't ring for any assistance after during my whole stay). Initially I was given a twin room, although being on my own so had to ask to change it to a double bedded room. The receptionist was hesitant, but then did it after I insisted. On the day of the procedure- it was really messy! I got to the hospital and wasn't sure where to go, because no instructions were given to me beforehand of what to expect, dos and don'ts... absolutely nothing! Then once they got someone to meet me, everything was all very rushed! Different individuals came by, which I did know who they were as they didn't really introduce themselves... to make me sign for different things, one of them being a disclosure for going through a general anesthetics, which I had no idea was going to take place as no one had ever mentioned! That was my first shock as I had travelled abroad, not knowing I would have been under sedation during the procedure. I didn't prepare myself mentally for that and was really annoyed I was not warned in advance, as that in itself carries its own risks. Anyway, the worst came afterwards, once the procedure had been done- I felt really weak, in severe pain (in my stomach) and extremely nauseous. Again, I couldn't understand why I was in so much pain as I was not warned nor given any information beforehand. So all an unpleasant surprise. The nursing staff were nice, but couldn't' speak English. I felt rushed out of my room as they made it clear it was time for me to go, by making signs and leaving the door open! But I was in no condition to go yet, as I wasn't well! The nutritionist came really quickly and rushed the information to me. She left without even leaving her contact details should I have any questions or for any aftercare. Then another guy came along to to give me the medication to take with me, which I had to pay for , again not expecting it as I thought all was included, I was told again to go. I asked if anyone was meeting me to go over the final things- he said no. Wow. I could not believe it. It was just like: okay, we have your money now, you've got your balloon- off you go! Ciao! I was just appalled, upset and really scared actually, because I felt really unwell and there was no one there to assist. To conclude, I walked back to the hotel alone with a lot of struggle. Went up to my room, with no working phone and stayed there for the rest of that day and the following day vomiting and with cramps in my stomach, alone. I have not once heard from the medical team/ hospital once or anyone other than the Bookimed booking team to leave my review, so here I am leaving my review. I don't normally write reviews at all as they are so time consuming... but on this instance I really felt I ought to on this occasion due to my awful experience and to warn people of the potential consequences. Maybe, I was just unlucky... but please think about it twice before giving your money away to these people and only go there if you really have no other alternative! My pain has subsided slightly, but the pain is still present almost two weeks after having the balloon inserted. and the vomiting also, so I will need to go to A&E over the weekend to get myself checked out properly as I have no medical team advising me or providing any form of after care. I am really scared. Would I recommend Bookimed/ Hisar Hospital ? Absolutely, 100%, No!

I am now a little over one month out. I am still nauseous and have discomfort and I vomit regularly (a few times a week). I have however lost a lot of weight already almost 20 pounds, I would have ever lost this weight without the balloon. Things they don't tell you is that you will look bloated, to the point that it looks like I'm pregnant. My experience immediately after the insertion of the balloon were extremely bad. I was told this was an easy procedure that you don't need anyone with you. This is false you NEED someone with you. After the procedure you will feel like you are dying, you will not be able to hold anything even water down and will immediately throw it back out. I went back to the hospital and checked myself in for a day and paid to have myself hooked up with IVs. This was pricey I paid almost $800 Canadian for one night at the hospital, but it was necessary as I was extremely dehydrated. I was told that this was normal (it is normal) however the doctor and translator made me feel like I was overreacting by wanting to stay at the hospital. During my stay at the hospital I found out other patients with the balloon also checked themselves in. I wish they were a bit more honest, and advised patients that some people do not handle the first few days well and that some stay at the hospital over night. This being said the hospital staff were very kind and attentive. If you are going to get this Balloon done then either take someone with you so that they can take care of your for the few days after the procedure or prepare to pay for a hospital stay. Lastly DO NOT book your flight the next day like they advised. You will not feel well enough to fly. It took me 4 days after the procedure to feel ok enough to fly. Especially if you are coming from somewhere far like Canada or America. I would recommend this clinic/hospital over other simply because it is a hospital so if you do need to stay the night I feel like it is safer here.

All arrangements happened as scheduled, airport transportation, transportation to hospital, hotel reservations. The hotel room was very nice. The hospital was very clean. All staff and doctors were professional and responsive.

Thank you and I recommend it

The service was really good ! From the transfers , to the hospital treatment - everything was covered.