Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum and I am pleased to see how much support this community provides to those who begin their journey to a healthier life :thumbup:.

Here is a little about my problem and what I hope to achieve with your support.

I have been a heavy guy since my early teens and I have never felt my best emotionally. I am fortunate to have a partner who loves me for who I am and is very supportive. I want to go through with the surgery because my weight loss struggle has been a persistent one and dieting does not seem to work. I am pre-diabetic by my moms nursing standards and my blood pressure has gone between normal and slightly elevated. I dread visiting my doctor for the weigh in of shame. It's been like a year I believe since my last visit. I am a 20 year old full time student and I wanted to know what steps I should take to begin this journey.

What struck me was this winter break my sister began to worry about my weight as did my father and they never confronted me about it before.

Thanks to all,

Edited January 21, 200917 yr by Odjii

Hey there Odjii. First of all, there are a lot of us dudes running around on Lapbandtalk, so welcome to the flock, LOL.

Do not be ashamed of yourself. Consistantly strive to move forward. From your questions, it sounds like you are doing just that.

Steps to begin your journey, eh? A seminar in your area, where bariatric surgeons give an overview of gastric banding (as well as possibly other weight loss surgeries) would be a very sensible start. Good luck to you, man.