my name is angie and I have not been banded yet, I am still in the pre stages of my journey. I am a single mom of an autistic son who is going through PUBERTY! I am managing. I started my journey in Nov. '08, after I started I had a family emergency (my mom was put in a nursing home) What a test!!! I did my pre - test while taking care of my mom but then I was stressing and became overwhelmed with anxiety attacks and I was about to give up. My son has been my inspiration as well as good health on my behalf. I am scared but I know it has to be done for my health and my LIFE. Bye for now, china:scared2:

Hi Welcome to the forums! I am also from Pa...actually from Allentown. I was just banded on May 26th. It wasn't hard at all. It took about a week to recover. I have been slowwly losing. They tell you don't expect alot right in the beginning because you are still healing. Anyway, Best wishes to you and have a great journey!