Hello everyone. I'm from southern california and am in the process of hopefully being banded soon. Have to see the psyc and dietician in the next two weeks. Then hopefully insurance will cover it. Waiting is very hard. I would do it tomorrow if I could. Has anyone here been banded by Dr. Johnsrud at St. Joseph hospital? Thanks

Hi tenten,

My name is Tami. I was banded with Dr Liu at the O'band center. It's down the street from St Joe's on LaVeta. I was banded last May.

Welcome.

I know where that is. My family lives on lemon street. I grew up there and my church is next door to the band center. How has it been for yo since being banded? How long did it take for you to get back to normal activity? Any advice would be great

Hi! I'm from so cal too. I looked into Dr. Johnsrud at St. Joesephs and was very impressed. I really wanted him to do my lapband, but he wasn't on the list of Dr.'s I could use. I am now going with Dr. LePorts associate, Dr. Francis in Fountain Valley at the Orange Coast Memorial Hospital for the Center of Obesity. I'm happy with them as well. My only problem is I have to do a 6mo. diet first. I'm 2/6 and can hardly wait! Good luck!!! I'm sure you'll be fine.

tenten,

Banding has been very good for me. I had my surgery on a Tuesday and went back to work the following Monday. I could've went back earlier, but my boss insisted I take the rest of the week off. I was a little sore for a couple of days but didn't even take any pain meds. What I loved was that I was NOT hungry at all, which made the liquids a piece of cake- pardon the pun! I think that I am a somewhat slow loser, 48 lbs as of last Friday. But, I have not been diligent with exercise. I know I could be doing better. I started out at 218, and with my 5'0" height, I was a mess! Now I'm at 170- which I have not seen in over 14 years! I needed this tool to help me and it surely has. I am so glad that I chose to have this done.

I was hoping to find people that were from my neck of the woods, and I did! I live in Placentia and I too am looking into having the lapband procedure done. Like Cakegal, I too have to use either Fountain Valley Regional Center or Orange Coast Memorial since those are the 2 places that my insurance will cover. I am a diabetic, type 2, high blood pressure, have 1 knee replacement and need another one but can't have that one done until I lose alot of weight. I am just not doing my replacement any good with all this weight. I am 5'4" and weigh about 300+ lbs. I am so ashamed that I let myself get this far but I have to do something now. Who should I see first, my GP or my endocrinologist (for diabetes) to get the ball rolling?

Hello! Welcome. I would suggest seeing your GP first and he/she can help you to get a referral. I know next Tuesday in Orange they will be having a seminar to help answer any question you may have about the lap band or gastric bypass. It is held at the St. Joseph Hospital pavillion center at 6pm.

I am from San Diego, but chose Ninh Tuan Nguyen, MD from University of California, Irvine in Orange, CA for my surgery. He's a top clinical trial Investigator and has a stellar reputation in all forms of gastric surgery, including lapband. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with him and UCI. Please feel free to PM me if you would like further information.

Hey Cakegal and anyone else that has had any relations with Orange Coast Medical, Dr. LePorte. Can you give me some insight as to what the NP meeting is all about and what type of financing they have available if any? I have been approved and have my NP meeting 9/21. I am both excited and nervous. Please help.

Olga