Hello All,

I'm Wendi from Utah, a newbie to the forum, although I have been lurking for some time (mostly enjoying everyone's awe-inspiring before and after pics, very impressive!!). I am so excited to start the banding process, and have really appreciated reading everyone's insights. I owe you all a big thank you for helping me make this important and life-altering decision and we haven't even really met yet.

Let me share a little about myself. I live in Salt Lake City. I'm 36, married to an amazing supportive honey. I love to travel (I just have to say that the day I am able to get on an airplane and not worry about asking for a seat belt extender will be the day I consider this journey a huge success!) My honey and I will be attending an initial lap band information orientation next Tuesday, the 27th. I believe my Surgeon will be Rodrick McKinlay, as he has agreed to fix my hiatal hernia while he's in there banding. Has anyone else here had these two procedures done at the same time? Might as well have everything done at once I guess. :nervous

I'm looking forward to hearing from other Utah bandsters, and am interested in knowing if there is a Utah-based support group for pre and post-op bandsters. Thanks again for all the information. Nice to meet everyone!

Wen

Hi Wen, Welcome to this forum. I will be banded next Wed. March 28th and my Dr. fixes hiatal hernias when he bands them. I don't know if I have one or not but it is on the surgical consent just in case. Good luck on your process. Hugs, Deb

Hi Wen! I'm from Salt Lake too...I love to meet local people. I had my surgery done in October and I couldn't be happier. I didn't have a hiatal hernia, but I know there are quite a few people here who have so hopefully they can give you some feedback.

We have a thread in the Utah section...you should come say hi!

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/any-one-utah-p422375.html#post422375

Hi Deb and JDru. Thanks for the greetings. From what I'm reading, I guess the hiatal hernia thing is not that uncommon. Shwoo! I'm not a freak after all. Thanks for the info on the Utah peeps JDru! I'll see you there.

Wen, congrats on being banded. Dr. McKeen is also a great surgeon in your area. He did mine in San Jose, CA but he splits his time from Utah and CA. Good luck to you.