I had my first appointment with the weight loss surgeon Dr Julio Rivera. I have not weighed myself in quite sometime so I was disappointed to find out how much I weigh. I had done plenty of research and had myself convinced that lap band surgery was the right thing. After discussing everything with the surgeon I came to the conclusion that may not be the best thing for my situation. The overwhelming data suggests one: I will most likely have to have some type of surgery again and I dont want to go through this process more that once, two: The weight loss is a lot slower- not to mention the repetive trips to the doctor for adjustments. So after discussing the above items among other things I have decided to have the gastric sleeve. I am so scared about the thought of surgery and I am feeling a little better about it as I research the actual surgery and read other's experiences. I think that I have reached a point in my life that I am ready to do something drastic to resolve my weight issues. I am at the heaviest I have ever been, and although I currently dont have any health problems I can forsee this happening in the future. I have noticed my back pain is becoming unbearable (due to a car accident about 11 years ago) my knees and joints are really starting to bother me. I also have recently found I have less energy to play with my two year son. I have been diets before and I have been able to lose weight, but it doesnt last. I just need a little help. I know that I still have to have healthly eating habits and exercise so I am just using this as a tool to make it to my ultimate goal. Fortuantely my insurance company is not making the process to difficult so I am hopeful about the whole process. I have my first nutrition appointment on 07/10 and if everything goes well I will submit all my info to the insurance company for approval in the next three months.