Hello, my name is Marilee and I have been banded 1 week today. I am loving this web site and ALL of the support that goes along with it. Thanks to ALL of you!!

I am JUST wondering how many of you are in CA too.

I am in Southern, CA (Moreno Valley):confused:

My surgeon's office has a monday night support group, alternating in brea and orange (he has offices in both locations). You have to sign in, but I've never noticed that anyone is truly taking roll or anything like that.

He has a yahoo group that posts conversations and topics for the upcoming mondays. These posts typically occur on Saturdays:

OliakCenter : Oliak Center

Hope this helps!

Hello I'm Beth I live in Los Angeles ...I've been reading alot of good information here. My banding date 8/23/10...I'm staring to get cool feet. So many people are having great sucess story. I'm really for my sucess.....Good luck to all :biggrin:

Hello again,

I was banded in San Diego, But I live closer to Orange County. I would like to attend a support group in O.C, can anyone give me some info on a few?

Maybe I will see you there?

Thanks.

Hi Mumzer,

I'm from San Diego... Do you mind telling me who was your surgeon? thanks

Hi Mumzer,

I'm from San Diego... Do you mind telling me who was your surgeon? thanks

Hi Mom05,

I am in San Diego, my surgeon is Dr. Charles Callery in Poway. He is great.

Hi! Wow, it looks like there are plenty of Cali Bandsters here. I'm from Southern Cali - San Fernando Valley. I was banded in San Dimas. I'm totally struggling and feeling like a complete failure at the moment, but I'm still checking in on the site for motivation and inspiration.

Best of luck!

Hi Cali Peeps. Im in Yucca Valley. I was banded on May 18 2010. Yesterday I hit the 50 lbs lost, it felt really gooooooood.

Hi! Wow, it looks like there are plenty of Cali Bandsters here. I'm from Southern Cali - San Fernando Valley. I was banded in San Dimas. I'm totally struggling and feeling like a complete failure at the moment, but I'm still checking in on the site for motivation and inspiration.

Best of luck!

Hi Ravyn,

Don't feel like a failure! Keep working your band! Don't compare yourself to others, we all lose at our own rate.

I lost VERY slowly. I average 3/4 of a pound per week when I was actively losing. Add to that, it wasn't a constant loss rate. 3 lbs one week, then nothing for 4 weeks. Then 2 lbs down, then nothing for 3 weeks. The gain 1 lb. On and on it went. But overall, the weight came off.

Meanwhile, I'd see people here losing 2-5 lbs per week. It was annoying! I had to stop looking at that and focus on ME.

Now I am a normal BMI, I wear a size 10, have good blood test results, and low blood pressure.

Do you have adequate restriction? If not, keep working with your doctor until you do.

Are you following the dietary rules set forth by your doctor/nutritionist? Foodwise and bandwise?

Are you exercising? (I hate that part!)

Keep fighting the fight!!!

Edited to add:

I see you had a lower starting BMI than many bandsters here (as did I). So, you can expect your rate of loss to be slower. It takes few calories to maintain a lower body weight. So you create less of a deficit with your daily food plan than someone who weighs more.

A person who weighs 400 lbs will burn twice as much as a person who weighs 200 lbs just in the process of being alive. Give them the same calories daily and the 400 lb person will lose more weight.

This is a very simplistic view...But it is meant to encourage!

Edited August 21, 201015 yr by Cocoabean
Wanted to add more

Hi I was banded last Wednesday 8/18/10 in Orange County by Dr. Leport I am doing really well. We can travel our journey together!! Help support each other, Yeah!!!

Hi, there are lots of support groups at Orange Coast Medical Center off the 405 at Brookhurst in Orange County. Just go South on the exit and the hospital is on the right.. They have lots and lots of stuff for you. Support groups, dietician groups, everything!!! Good Luck!

HI CARSON CA. CHECKING IN TO BE BANDED ON NOV.3 BY DR. JOSEPH NAIM. LOOKING FORWARD TO THE JOURNEY :wink2:

Hey All! I'm in Ventura CA and getting banded November 19th by Dr. Cunneen at Cedars in LA. I can't wait!!

I'm in Ventura County & I was banded on Nov 1st, 2010 in Burbank. :thumbup:

Hello!! I'm in Ontario, CA. I was banded on 03/10 by Dr. Madan in Beverly Hills.

hi there,

i live in Rancho and i have made my surgery apt with Dr. Madan.. how was your experience with him? i want to know as much before i go under surgery ! thanks!! : )

Karina here! From Long beach. Banded on nov 27 by de Madan at beverly hills. So far im on 40lbs after a month of surgery. Hit me up on my email. kfrancocarmona@gmail.com

Hi!! I live in Hollywood I was banded 12/13 by Dr. Paya in Irvine.