East Bay Bariatric is a supportive and valuable resource for people who have had or are considering weight loss surgery.  Our meetings offer education, encouragement and community to help people determine if bariatric surgery is right for them and/or to reach and maintain their optimum weight loss.  Together we provide insight for supporters and information for those interested in learning more about the surgical treatment of obesity.

Adapted from the mission statement of the Bariatric Support Centers International.

Kimberlee MacVicar, CC, underwent Roux en-Y ("RNY") gastric bypass at Alvarado Medical Center in San Diego, CA, in March 2001.  She lost 158 pounds.  Kimberlee is a certified Bariatric Support Group Leader, Success Habits and Back-on-Track Facilitator (through Bariatric Support Centers International), a certified ObesityHelp.com Group Leader, and is a certified Life Coach and Life Purpose & Career Coach (through the Life Purpose Institute).  She is also a member of Obesity Action Coalition and the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. 

Our Ambassadors assist Kimberlee when she is unable to attend a meeting, as well as field questions first-time visitors might have about our meetings.  Although our Facilitator and Ambassadors have all had the RNY procedure, this does not mean that ONLY RNY patients are allowed in the group.  Far from it!  We have members who have had lap bands, DSs and VSGs.  Everyone is welcome to our group so don't let our surgical procedures hinder your decision to attend a meeting or not.

John had his RNY at Richmond Kaiser in November of 2005. He has lost over 180 pounds and has discovered a new life at 50+. Exercise has mostly replaced the food compulsions that John experienced pre-surgery. He is a gym rat and an avid cyclist, averaging 80 miles a week. John believes that personal accountability and group support are the cornerstones for continuing success of the bariatric patient."

Patricia had her RNY through Kaiser Richmond with Dr. Baggs on 11/8/04 and has lost 115 pounds.  She is a strong advocate for regular exercise as that is a big part of her maintenance program.  Patricia says each morning as we get up, this is the first day of the rest of our lives.  She wants everyone to know and believe that together supporting each other non-judgmentally, and unconditionally, we can do this and be successful.

Kay had her RNY at Kaiser Fremont and lost over 200 pounds.  She has also undergone reconstructive surgery and is available to speak about those experiences too.