I'm starting my journey to a smaller, healthier me. I have my orientation at Kaiser Richmond tomorrow morning. I know what to expect there, I've been to the orientation with Dr. Machado of Mercy San Juan and the one for UC Davis. Now I have Kaiser and from what I can tell, it's going to be a really good fit. Just reading all the posts from the other ladies who went through Kaiser Richmond makes me feel a lot better. When I did the UC Davis orientation, the surgeons were very much against the lap band. I felt like I had to defend myself and convince the surgeon and he basically told me. "I will not do a lap band, but you can have gastric bypass". As frusterating as that was to hear, I'm ready to re-dedicate myself to the cause! I'm not telling anyone, just my boyfriend and my mom & dad. It's not that I'm ashamed, but I kinda am. I'm ashamed that I've let my weight get so out of control. I'm ashamed that I can't do this on my own. But I'm ready to work hard and I feel like it's the best time to do it. People at work are all trying to be healthier, my family is trying to be healther and so are my friends. It's like all the pieces have to fall into place. The journey begins tommorrow.

You go gurl!! I know you will succeed as I will too.

Can you answer this for me? I am still not 100% on the lap band or gastric Bypass. I know that this is a decision I have to make for myself. but can you tell me why you opted for the lap band and not the other? and why was UC davis so against the lap band? I told myself I would concentrate fully on getting rid of the 10% weight loss before worrying to much on which procedure to do. But I really would like to know more from other peoples opinions.

Thanks

No shame Heather!! Everybody has some addiction or quirk - some demon to deal with - ours just happens to be food/weight! You don't have to do it on your own!! It takes a village to raise a child - meaning we all need help & support. This is harder than being an alcoholic or drug addict, if you ask me. try giving a crack head 3 rocks or an alcoholic 3 drinks - 1 for breakfast, lunch & dinner & see if they can stop! They don't have to drink or do drugs to survive but we still gotta eat! We can't just forego it like they can!!!!

You are well on your way, girlfriend!!

Ok, so I never knew I had comments! Thanks ladies!

Maria, I feel like I'm just way too young for RNY. I want to have a normal life and I don't want to permanently alter my organs! I don't know why UCD was so against lap band, I think it was something like "You won't lose as much weight with lap band, lap band patients aren't as successful". To that I say, Of course! If you're negative about the procedure your patients won't succeed! Ugh. So frusterating. I'm really glad I have Kaiser now because Kaiser Richmond rocks. I'm rockin' the pre-op diet and have lost 40 lbs since orientation.