Hello there! Looking for a buddy (male or female) to share this journey with. I'm being banded 2/8/11 and am nervous, excited, and would really like someone to talk to. Doesn't matter if you're already banded or about to be like myself. All feedback is greatly welcomed!!!!

Bruinfan. The pain is really only bad on day one. Day 3-4 you should be back to normal. Def make sure to get some gas x. That gas pain can be rough.

I'm so glad I did the surgery. I almost backed out the day before but I didn't. Best of luck to u

Hi everyone. I live in Mission Viejo for the last 13 yrs, but lived right near La Brea Tar pits before that, in fact, worked at Cedars (non clinical area) for years. I was banded 2/7. I've only had 2 anxiety attacks in my life, both over 20 yrs. So I thought it would be a good time to have another one as I was being wheeled on the guerney from where they prep you before taking you to the OR. We passed an emergency exit door and I was fighting with myself whether to jump and escape, LOL. Wasn't funny at the time. And I wouldn't have had to be so dramatic, just simply say 'changed my mind'. I have a fear of vomiting and when I'm overly hungry, can feel nauseated, so what added to the problem is I was queasy before surgery due to hunger, and afraid of pain meds right after surgery would make me vomit, but they didn't. Maybe I wasn't listening carefully, but never heard there would be stomach muscle pain like that. It was much much better a few days later. So now, 10 days later, I feel like a veteran, don't know what my fuss was all about, no trouble eating and drinking appropriately, in fact no problem drinking a little faster than recommended and not waiting between swallows of soft foods, like nsa pudding, etc. Today, eating a scrambled egg for the first time with a little cottage cheese. No problem. I had the surgery at Orange Coast Medical Center, Dr. LaPorte in Fountain Valley. I've had a lot of energy from about day 4, how about you. I've been really productive. Alas, not more than 3 or so lbs lost so far. I'm 5' tall, 260 lbs starting weight, 59 yrs old.

Hi everyone:

I am getting banded on 3/24. I live in the san fernando valley and would really like to meet/talk to others as well. preop on 3/7, nutrition class on 3/15, 2 week liquid only starting on 3/10. Having procedure done at St. Josephs with Dr. Quilici.