From Plump to Pinup Mid 30's

I am a 35 year old female and I have tried every fad diet there is; Weight Watchers, Atkins, Chicken Soup Diet, Keto, South Beach Medifast and Optifast. I gained on everything except Atkins and Optifast, but sadly lacked the discipline to stay on either of those long enough to reach my goal. I have struggled with my weight since I was a child For the last 8 years I have been overweight, with my weight creeping from 140 to 220lbs. At 65” a 220 weight has my BMI soaring up to 36.6, which is either severely obese to morbid obese. Either way it translates to fat. An underactive thyroid is no excuse. My goal is to reach and stay in the range of 120-130lbs a mid-range healthy BMI. I have the exercise side of things covered, I use my fitbit and make sure I hit my 10k steps daily and work out with a trainer 3-5 times a week. I have my fingers crossed that the Orbera gastric balloon will get me set on the will power to stop eating junk.

I had my first appointment with Dr. Liu 2.22.18. I appreciated how detailed his questions were and how he listened when I asked questions. I felt he used my time appropriately, he gave detailed answers to my questions but did not try to push me to commit to having a procedure. Dr. Liu went through all three balloon types with me, and then gave me his opinion on which was right for me. He had many before and after photos to show me of folks of various sizes and about 5 patients who were my size and age. I met with his coordinator and she was a delight. I did decide I wanted the Orbera. As I was filling out my paperwork I sat with the staff who were friendly and lively. They let me try the various flavors of vitamin chews and provided me the liquid diet I will need to be on for two weeks post placement.
Dr. Liu was direct about what it is like to have a gastric balloon. This will not be a walk in the park. He told me to expect some serious discomfort for the first 48 hours. He explained that if I laid down on my left side the balloon would shift in my stomach and it would provide a little relief from the expected discomfort. He also told me that many people experience burps with a noxious smell, and that Diet Coke or Coke Zero in small amounts can help keep the surface of the balloon clean and the bad breath/burps to a minimum. He also advised that even though I will not feel my best that a little movement around 100 steps an hour will help me feel better faster.

I am pleased with how detailed my instructions are and how Dr. Liu’s team is checking up on me to make sure I have picked up the medications and do not have any questions.
I have picked up my six (yes six!) prescriptions for my procedure. I would post the medications and their dosage here, but I know some MDs consider this proprietary information and I have not told him I am posting about this process online.
I have also loaded up my cabinets with the post procedure protein shakes and approved drink mixes that I will be allowed to enjoy for the first two weeks. Things are being set up at eye level so I will not have to stretch up to reach anything. I am aiming to minimize the core movements it has been suggested I avoid.
I am nervous about putting a foreign object in my body for six months. The hope is that this Orbera balloon will prompt a reset of my eating habits and give me time to adjust to them. I have read the papers and discussed with Dr. Liu that the average patient only lost 21lbs. I am determined to be an outlier. The more weight I loose the more fun the gym will be.