Caroline Mutoko's 17 kg Gastric Balloon Journey

"I finally paid a visit to Nairobi Bariatric Center after 13 years (my first consultation). I decided to take the help this time because I needed help with my weight. I was skeptical at first because I had seen others do it, but was it going to work for women over 40 like me?"

"This is a decision I made purely for me but also without a doubt for women dealing with cortisol, progesterone, and estrogen. I was clear when it came to my health: if I don’t work on my weight, I was going to spend the next 10 to 15 years going in and out of hospital."

"It was soon after I started this journey that I realized the gastric balloon is a tool. It does only 20% of the work, and if you don’t put a lot of work into this, it was not going to work. I learned how to watch my diet and go to psychotherapy."

"My relationship with food had to change. During consultation, Dr. Shchukina said to me: 'hunger is genetically wired, it’s the most difficult emotion to control. Unless you can change your mind about what you eat, why you eat, and the amount you are eating, there’s nothing in the world that can change your love for ugali.'"

"I learned how to sip water for the clear liquids stage and took my psychotherapy seriously. I got to work with my nutritionist to ensure this became a lifestyle even after the gastric balloon (the soldier) was out."

"Lost 17kgs in 5 MONTHS. Reaching my goal weight restored my daily energy and empowered me to advocate for women's wellness across Kenya."