Hi everyone!

So I had my first appointment today with my program and I am very excited and anxious to get this started! My program (Sentera Norfolk) required a program fee, blood tests, mandatory pre-op tests, and support groups. I met with the surgeon and he is a really nice guy and I feel comfortable with him doing my surgery.

I went in wanting Lap-Band, after extensively researching the Pros and Cons of each procedure. He was honest about the weight loss with the band, saying that patients can cheat and that it requires hard work. Gastric Bypass is out of the question for me, a I am young (22) and when I get to the point of where I want children, I want to make sure they get all of the nutrients and vitamins they need. Recent research has shown that women who've had gastric bypass and get pregnant are more likely to have babies who have nutritional deficiencies. Ideally, I would like the Sleeve, but I don't really fancy the idea of part of my stomach being removed forever. However, I realize there are risks with this procedure as well.

I'm really determined to be successful with this band. I know that it requires a lot on my part. I know that I will have to exercise and fight off urges to the same food that I eat now. But for some reason I just feel like this is right for me. I want to be the exception, to be successful with this, like so many other people here have been.

I had my first consultation today too! I also did my nutrition and psych evaluations at the same time. I'm just waiting for my primary care doctor to submit the last of my lab work results to the surgeon's office.

I also went in wanting the band and it seemed like the surgeon really emphasized how much more work the band is. He almost had me thinking about changing to the sleeve too, but I just can't accept the idea of removing or rearranging parts of my insides. I think the band is the best choice for me and I'm pretty excited about it. I guess I'm just in disbelief that it will happen for me still. Perhaps it will feel more real once I get the phone call to schedule my surgery date. Good luck to you!!

Hey! I'm doing mine at VCU Medical Center in Richmond!

Nice to see another VA person on here! I didn't have to pay upfront. I'm in my 20's too and feel the same way as you

GOOD LUCK!