Hello everyone,

I am a newly banded patient as of 12/31/2011. Yes, Happy New Year to me!!! I have struggled with my weight since I was a junior in high school. After many years of battling my weight, and dealing with issues such as gallstones, high blood pressure and a hiatal hernia, I finally decided enough was enough. I watched two friends go through banding in the past year, and took note of their experience so that I may have a more educated experience. I felt that this surgery was right for me from the very beginning, but had a hard time rationalizing the enormous cost of the surgery. At first my insurance said they would not cover, but then after extensive research and phone calls I found out it would most likely be covered. I am no on day four of post-op and let me tell you, I can not wait to be a healthier skinnier person. I chose Dr. Helmuth Billy out of Ventura , and have been extremely happy with my choice. Good luck to you all on this journey!!!!

And good luck to you! You will do fine, you have a good positive attitude welcoming, and looking forward to change, not trying to hold on to the past.

Happy New Year to you! Congrats on your decision to take control. Good luck and best wishes. Karen

good luck and hope for a slimmer 2012