Over the last 2 weeks I've gotten to know some REALLY nice folks here on the site, and the support here is just fantastic. I would love to meet some locals to the Orange County area .... Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Costa Mesa etc. I have not received my band.... I'm still in the approval stages but I thought there must be someone out here in Southern California that has been banded and wants to share their story and their wisdom to someone closer to home. Here's hoping, :)

Hi

St Joseph Hospital in Orange has support meetings every other Tuesday in the evening. Just call the St. Joseph Heritage Bariatric Center for all of the information. Support groups are IMPERATIVE to your success. I think your husband wants you to have long-term success and would be more than understanding. I will see you at the St. Joseph's meetings.

If you interested in coming to a meeting that is local just send me an email because we have put together a group of about 7 people now and meet up once a month at each others house to talk and share stories. It is more intaminte then the ones at the hospitals. Those are good for nuticion speakers or Dr. giving advice but not round table talking. We met at the park one time and brought our dogs it was really fun. So send me an email. I live in HB vikki4mymail@yahoo.com

I was thinking the same thing about Fountain Valley. It is too far for me and so is Corona/Norco. I am looking for any support group in North OC: Anaheim, Placentia, Fullerton?

Here is the link for the St. Joseph's Hospital Bariatric Care Center: St. Joseph Hospital of Orange County Bariatric Surgery Care Center- Support Services

Located in Orange (714) 771-8298 for more information. Supprot Group meetings twice a month.

Thank you to all of you for the suggestions. I will check out the St. Joseph's support group. In the meantime, I will continue to look for something in the north Orange County area. Like I said before, I'm in Buena Park.

Buena Park thats where my babysitter is.

Hi Lhess, I am right down the street from you. I live in Stanton. My sister and I get together on the weekend and walk by the Santa Ana River bed. We go in at South Streeet and walk towards the 91 fwy. It is really nice there. We were going early, but the heat gets to us. So we are going to try Sunday evening around 6. Anyone want to join us. it is a 3 to 4 mile round trip. We watch the birds, ducks and listen to the water run. It is very cool if you like the outdoors.

Newbie here. I'm looking at having my band done by someone in LePort's office in Jan. sometime. What do they require for a pre surgery diet?

Dr. Leport's office requires that you lose a certain percentage of weight. They will let you know how much at your 1 on 1 appointment about a month before your surgery. They don't care how you do it, but they suggest Optifast because it works really well.

I decided I would do Weight Watchers to get off the 15 pounds they requested I lose. After about 3 weeks, I had not lost enough weight, so I called the office and asked for the Optifast. That took care of the remainder of the weight.

I then had to reschedule because some of my blood work came back unacceptable. When I re-did the pre-op diet 2 months later, I didn't even bother with the Weight Watchers. I just did the Optifast for 2 weeks and was just fine.

Good luck to you!

I was just banded in August by Dr. Francis in Dr. LePorts office. My insurance required a 6 mo. diet supervised by my Doctor. I actually gained 10 pounds. Dr. LePorts office never said one word about loosing weight to me and did not require any liquid diet except for the day before my surgery. I was really impressed with how the surgery went and my recovery. I've lost 22 pounds and eat pretty normally. I just had my first fill last week. It also went really well. Over all.... I'm very happy with their office and staff.

Hi I live in orange county, tustin and I just got approved but my doctor is in lakewood :thumbup: anyways tommorow is my appt with the surgeon after the approval hopefully i get a surgery date

I live in Lakewood.

I live in Anahiem Hills

Hi my name is Irene and I live in Anaheim hills too (like Sandy) My surgery is next week on Nov. 30th. Can't wait for the journey

Another Orange County gal!! I'm in Costa Mesa and would love to gather friends for support and friendship!!