Hi - I will have a Spatz adjustable balloon inserted on Thursday and my preparation starts tomorrow when I start the first day of what will be a 7 day clear fluid diet. Am feeling quite nervous - I have a BMI of 35 and need to lose 28k to reach a healthy BMI. Like everyone else I have tried everything - Weight Watchers, Lite 'n Easy, Sure Slim - nothing has worked. I exercise regularly (though still not enough) and eat very carefully -though clearly still too much. When I had my first meeting with the program's dietician she warned me that because I already eat so well, my weight loss might be slower - I hope that's not the case.
After the procedure, I will have 2 x 90m infusions on the following 2 days and then a few more days of clear fluids, 5 days of liquid diet (protein shakes, smoothies, puréed fruits & soups) and then 5 days of soft foods - I expect this regime will see me lose a lot of weight straight off. Am a bit concerned about how I will manage the low fluid intake for the first couple of days given that here in southern Australia we are experiencing a heat wave. Am also apprehensive about the first few days afterwards given that I have to travel some distance home.
The program I am doing with a centre in Sydney seems very thorough - both the doctors involved have had the balloons themselves in order to be able to advise patients (and lose weight) and there is regular follow-up.
Just one comment I have noticed is that people have been advised to drink Coke to clean their balloon - this amazed me! I have been advised to drink sparkling water regularly for the same reason once I start consuming normal food.
I look forward to being able to share this journey with people on-line - here in Australia, while the gastric balloon is readily available in all capital cities, it is still quite an unusual procedure - even my very well-informed GP was unfamiliar with it.
Fingers crossed for success and minimal discomfort for all of us on this journey.
After the procedure, I will have 2 x 90m infusions on the following 2 days and then a few more days of clear fluids, 5 days of liquid diet (protein shakes, smoothies, puréed fruits & soups) and then 5 days of soft foods - I expect this regime will see me lose a lot of weight straight off. Am a bit concerned about how I will manage the low fluid intake for the first couple of days given that here in southern Australia we are experiencing a heat wave. Am also apprehensive about the first few days afterwards given that I have to travel some distance home.
The program I am doing with a centre in Sydney seems very thorough - both the doctors involved have had the balloons themselves in order to be able to advise patients (and lose weight) and there is regular follow-up.
Just one comment I have noticed is that people have been advised to drink Coke to clean their balloon - this amazed me! I have been advised to drink sparkling water regularly for the same reason once I start consuming normal food.
I look forward to being able to share this journey with people on-line - here in Australia, while the gastric balloon is readily available in all capital cities, it is still quite an unusual procedure - even my very well-informed GP was unfamiliar with it.
Fingers crossed for success and minimal discomfort for all of us on this journey.