Hi to all! My first appointment with my surgery is this afternoon. I'm not sure what to expect. I think it will be going over paperwork, weighing and picture taking. I've already gone to a seminar a while back. I'm very excited..a little nervous. Reading all the posts is very helpful. It's great to be able to read about other peoples experiences. I kind of feel ashamed...like people will think I'm taking the "easy way out" instead of diet and exercise without surgery. So, I haven't told many people about it. Have any of you felt this way? Any advice on how to feel better about it? My family is super-supportive. They think it's the best idea ever. I've felt for a long time that the more I weigh means the less I'm worth. I'm ready to have some more self-confidence and to be able to have more energy to be able to do things like play with my dogs. I'm ready for the journey.

Hello!!! How did your first appointment go? Mine is today and I have no idea what to expect!! I am not really telling a lot of people about it, either. Just family, boyfriend, and a few good friends that I know will be supportive. Its hard enough to make this decision, I don't want any negativity from anyone. My Dad is beyond supportive, but my Mom is kind of on the fence... I think she sees it as the easy (but extreme) way out.

My first appointment was just talking to the doctor and making appointments. It was easy. He did put me on a diet of nothing but slim fast for 2 weeks before my surgery... that seems impossible to me, but we'll see. NO food for 2 weeks? I'll be one irritable girl. Good luck with your appointment today. Let me know how it goes.

Congrats to both of you on the start of happier and healthier yous. Good luck to you both!

Well I had my appointment today! I met with the doctor and he told me that he wants me down to 132lbs... my starting weight/BMI is 214.5/40.5, so that's 82lbs. I'm amazed that he told me I'm basically carrying around the equivalent to 2 of those big 5 gallon water jugs around all the time for no reason... that's really what threw it all into perspective for me. SO, I have to do a 6 month low carb supervised weight loss program, and I scheduled all of my appointments.... so hopefully when Jan 2010 rolls around, everything will fall right into place!