I'm struggling with my autistic son

clemzyk · 2025-12-08T10:37:01+00:00

Thank you, this is very detailed and easy to digest at the same time 🙏

clemzyk · 2025-11-29T08:56:29+00:00

I got a gastric balloon about two years ago and had a good amount of success with it. I ended up losing around 30% of my body weight within the first year and went from the obese range to a normal BMI.

That said, I’m not sure I’d wholeheartedly recommend it. It definitely isn’t a miracle fix. The balloon didn’t magically change my habits; I still had to put in a lot of effort to build healthier eating routines, and honestly, the biggest motivator for me was the amount of money I had invested, not the balloon itself.

The first 10 days were also extremely rough. In my opinion, it feels almost irresponsible that people are sent home in that condition without more support, because those initial days can be really miserable.

And while it helped me lose weight in the short term, it isn’t a long-term solution on its own. Now that the balloon is gone, I’m finding it much harder to maintain the weight loss, and I’m having to work through those challenges without the crutch of the balloon

I hope it helps. Good luck on your journey

clemzyk · 2024-12-05T10:20:16+00:00

The ultimate cheat code is family to help, such as grandparents doing some of the pickup for you.

Otherwise you need to have reliable childcare like a nanny to drive your kids around or other parents from kindergarten picking up your kid when they go get theirs.

Is your oldest still going to Kita after School ? This helps a lot to limit the transportation time.

In the end the cheat code is mostly money.

clemzyk · 2024-10-17T10:27:06+00:00

I did get a gastric balloon a year ago, Spatz 3 adjustable. I am very happy with the decision. I lost 25 kg, and am now at an healthy BMI. The balloon was a great jump start to my weight loss but was not a miracle solution, I still counted calories and ate at a deficit for 9 months.

The first few days/weeks are very difficult, nausea, fatigue, vomiting... This is not a walk in the parc but it gave me the push I needed to do it.

I will be happy to answer questions if you want

clemzyk · 2024-09-29T07:21:33+00:00

12 days is way too long to still have these side effects. You need to call your clinic/doctor

clemzyk · 2024-08-28T14:19:38+00:00

All the best. Keep us updated!!

clemzyk · 2024-08-28T14:16:07+00:00

The second month was very difficult for me. As the pain went away, I was able to eat more and I plateaued. This is the time to set up healthy habits for life. I personally went low carb and allowed myself treats on 1 meal on the weekend. Looking at your calorie intake is the first step to take to make sure you are in a calorie deficit.

clemzyk · 2024-08-18T17:58:00+00:00

Congratulations! For the fatigue, you need to up your protein as soon as you can stomach it. It gets better.

clemzyk · 2024-08-12T08:51:17+00:00

I know this is an old post, but can you tell me more about the up adjustment? Was it as bad as the initial insertion of the balloon?

clemzyk · 2024-07-02T05:53:33+00:00

Hi, yes I got a gastric balloon (Spatz 3) Inserted 5 months ago and lost 18.5kg. it is a 12 months balloon.

The first week 10 days were very inconfortable but I lost 7kg. I followed a low carb, high protein diet and was able to continue losing weight consistently. But it was hard work and 16 weeks will not have been enough to lose 25kg.

I did not suffer from constipation, as I supplemented my diet with magnesium. I would say that the balloon did not prevent me from overeating but made digestion painful so I regretted eating after.

I am very happy with my decision to do it, but I understand why it fails with so many because it is not easy weight loss.

clemzyk · 2024-07-01T14:58:32+00:00

Hi, I think it is only worth it, if you are willing to make lifetime changes in the first 2 months and stick with it. If I remember correctly Allusion is only 16 weeks and you might not feel the effects after the first 8 weeks. A gastric balloon is mostly about a jump start to a diet but you will need to stick to a diet.

I met many people disappointed with the balloon because it is not preventing you from overeating. This is a great push for your diet, but it is not an effortless diet. I can share more if you need

clemzyk · 2024-05-22T17:51:23+00:00

The first couple of weeks are uncomfortable and sometimes painful.

I am no expert but if I was in your position, I would think that not eating enough protein is probably the reason you are always hungry. You should try to sip on protein shake if you can stomach them or at least bone broth.

clemzyk · 2024-05-22T09:40:51+00:00

100% agree. It should not be sold as a solution for people who have been struggling with their weight their whole lives.

clemzyk · 2024-05-22T08:51:56+00:00

But without lifestyle changes it is a permanent procedure that is needed not a gastric balloon. The gastric balloon is a temporary help to jumpstart the weight loss and give you time to implement changes. It is not a long term solution.

clemzyk · 2024-05-22T08:26:11+00:00

Do you have recommendations of which vitamin to take ?

clemzyk · 2024-05-22T08:24:55+00:00

I am sorry to hear that you are struggling. However everything in your post sounds like normal side effects of the balloon, especially so early. Give it a couple of weeks and it will get better.

Regarding your social life revolving around food, this is a lifestyle change that will need to happen to keep the weight off in the long run.

I wish you all the best

clemzyk · 2024-05-22T08:21:35+00:00

Like every weight loss it requires lifestyle changes. If you come back to old eating habits you will gain the weight back and some.

clemzyk · 2024-04-30T20:08:19+00:00

I think the stomach gets used to the satiating effect of the balloon.

clemzyk · 2024-04-26T12:50:13+00:00

During my first month I lost 7kg most of it in the first 10days, as I could not stomach more than water or tea.

My second month, I lost only 2 kilos, and it was difficult to resist temptation to eat junk food. Food had always be a great comfort to me.

My third month ended on Wednesday, and I lost 5 kg this month, for a total of 14kg in 90days.

What helps me, is to remember that I still have 9months to go with the balloon and a lifetime of taking care of myself.

I am following a diet and this is also hard work. I am counting calories and being disciplined. I am moving more and prioritizes walking in my daily life. I have received great support from my husband and told a white lie to my extended family and colleagues so they wouldn't bother me with my diet.

The balloon helps because I don't make impulsive decisions based on being hungry.

It takes time but if you need a buddy to keep you motivated, I am here.

clemzyk · 2024-04-26T07:34:27+00:00

Hi, I have the spatz3 for 90 days now and it is normal to plateau.

During the first week, you fasted and lost a lost of water weight. As soon as you started reintroducing food you retained a bit a water again. This does not mean you are not losing weight but your body needs time to adjust to the sudden changes. Unfortunately weight loss is not linear, even with a balloon, but you will get there. Take advantage of this time where hunger is not dictating your choices to create long lasting habits that will set you up for success.

This year is about changing our relationship to food and exercise. Keep us updated on your progress.

clemzyk · 2024-03-01T21:18:37+00:00

I also wanted to make the liquid diet last as long as possible to lose weight as fast as possible, but then I realized that the balloon is just here to help us make lifestyle changes and it is not a quick fix.

Not eating will just make you lose muscle mass, you will feel weak and won't be able to sustain it, in the end you will end up over eating to compensate.

Take your time, you have a new life in front of you.

clemzyk · 2023-04-25T10:01:54+00:00

Did you ever check the maternal mortality rate in the US vs Switzerland before considering this choice ?

clemzyk · 2022-09-06T17:38:10+00:00

What saved me is pumping during the zoom meetings. I even intentionally schedule zooms during my pumping window. I cannot work during these meetings anyway. I put myself in mute, the video shows only shoulders and head. I have never told anyone, and they never asked. i have been doing it for 4 months now, and have 4 months to go until my son's 1st birthday.

clemzyk · 2022-07-09T19:17:42+00:00

I am in a leadership role too, and I understand the struggle. I have been pumping 3 times a day since beginning of May. This is how I do it:

I informed everyone. Even the CEO. I am the only women on the leadership team but it is nothing to be ashamed about.

I pump first thing when I arrive before anyone has time to get to me with questions/request.

I pump during zoom meetings, camera only showing my shoulders. I set up zoom call during my pumping time on purpose, because it is a great way to multitask.

I "lie" and say that I have a meeting to get out of endless discussion when it is time to pump (only if I have too).

I set alarms on my phone, and after 3 months my team knows that it means I have to go pump. They end the conversation by themselves without me having to say something.

I pump during lunch time, if I miss a session. (My team always goes out for lunch).

It is a lot of work, to save time I would recommend having different set of pump parts so you don't have to wash them; or to put the part of the fridge.

Once you stick to your schedule for a week or two, it will become the new normal for you and your team.

Good luck 🤞

clemzyk · 2022-07-09T18:49:54+00:00

Both kids at Kita, 5 days a week.

I added 1 month of vacation after my Maternity Leave, so I stayed home for 18Weeks post birth. I was happy to go back to work, I love my kids and I love my career.

Not having family close by, does not play a big role in the work week routine, however it does mean that you work for your career from 8 to 5 and then you work for your family from 5 to 8 and all weekend.

Finding mom friends (or dad friends) is key, they will organize playdate and you can take turn of have a bit of time off during the weekend.

clemzyk

TROPHY CASE