A gastric balloon may work, but it is a huge operation and life will never be the same
![Undecided :-\](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/undecided.gif)
. Never will you go back to eating 'normally'. A friend underwent surgery 12 months ago and is doing well, after years of consultations and lots of therapy so that she is fully aware of the don't related to this major surgerical intervention.
Does the Omprazolol ease your reflux symptoms? This is common in peri-menopause because muscles may become lax which allows these conditions to become problematic, hiatus hernia is common.
Vaginal dryness can be eased by KY Jelly, appropriate Vagifem or Ovestin: OTC 'gina' is sold to ladies who haven't had a period for 12 months and who are over 55.
Is the OA a problem? It's common from the mid 40s because we evolved to walk upright = putting stresses from head downwards, especially on the hip region and ankles. Footwear becomes more important as we age
![Roll Eyes ::)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/rolleyes.gif)
: ditch those mules, slip on sandals, flip flops. Buy good quality support shoes for Winter, good lace up boots for walking and pay more for sandals in the Summer. With support on each side of the 'instep' to stop the feet 'going over'. If foot wear is cheap any compensation during walking will affect the spine from feet upwards
![Roll Eyes ::)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/rolleyes.gif)
. I'm great at falling off slippers
![Shocked :o](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/shocked.gif)
especially when walking upstairs
![Shocked :o](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/shocked.gif)