Hey everyone!

Allow me to introduce myself: I'm Holley from Southern California! I'm 23 years old (24 this Sunday!) and am in my LAST year of University education, studying Zoology. I am also a published writer =] I am 110% completely into the rockabilly/greaser scene (anyone else out there into that?). I dream of becoming a cute lil' pin-up gal!

I don't have a set surgery date yet, but I am going through the process of all the education, labs, evaluations, etc. I am looking at having my surgery Friday, February 13th (cool, huh?!) LOL...

I love reading everyone's success stories - they are really inspiring! Anywho-ha, its great to meet you all!

~Holley

Hello Holly and welcome aboard. I am also in So. California. I live in the inland empire. I was banded on 12/15/08 my insurance denied me so I had to self pay. I am glad I did I am feeling so much better already. I hope that all goes well with you and your insurance company is alot nicer to you. Good luck. Maria

Maria, too cool! I'm in the Chino/Chino Hills area =] What hospital did you get banded at? Any advice, tips, etc. that you could share with me? :thumbup:

Hi Girls, My name is Sonja and I am new to this too. I am also in So Cal, Inland Empire and starting the pre-op lab work and info. I have been told the insurance should pay because I have a co-morbid state. I had an ankle transplant in 07' and it is imparitive that I lose weight. I am worried that if I do the diet before, and drop weight with that, they might say I am too small. I need to lose about 70 - 80 lbs. The problem is I can't keep it off. That is why I need the band. I am extremely restricted to my exercise ability and an hoping this is the right choice. I would love to keep in touch and be there to support as well as be supported. I hope to be a skinny minny for looks but more importantly so I can walk for the rest of my life. If I don't get the weight off, that will be a problem.

Hello Sonja, very cool we are both in the Inland Empire. I wish you all the luck with your insurance company. Mine was a nightmare and my hubby saw how upset I was when after I went through all the tests, etc. They denied me. I have about 75 lbs to loose.

Holly, I had my surgery at Rancho Specialty Hospital in Rancho Cucamonga. It is a very good hospital and everyone was so nice. I was in at 7:00 a.m. and home by noon. It was a very easy surgery and I even had a hernia repaired at the same time. If either of you would like to chat here is my e-mail address mroseharvey@yahoo.com. Who are your doctors?

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Hi Ladies!

I am in the Insland Empire as well. I was banded July 9, 2008. Couldn't be happier with my band!

Hey, Sonja! Glad to see more people are responding to my post =] Hope you can get everything in order. Here's to all of us getting healthier in the long run!

Hi Ladies!

I am in the Insland Empire as well. I was banded July 9, 2008. Couldn't be happier with my band!

Awesome, Ali! How was your experience? Any advice, tips, etc. for me? =P

Welcome Ali,

Great job with the weight loss any advice or input please feel free to e-mail me. Does anyone want to share there e-mail address. Since we are all neighbors.

Maria, too cool! I'm going to that hospital, too!!! Dr. Krahn is my surgeon.

Sure, let's email! Mine is: swingincherrygirl@gmail.com.

Email me anytime with questions or just needing support! We have enough of us to start our own little support group!

myboy_owen@yahoo.com

Ali, tell me everything! LOL! I am interested mostly in the eating situation afterwards and the pain (if any). Thanks!!!!

Maria, same questions :thumbup:

Everyone is different.

I for one was a huge baby after surgery. The pain at the port incision, the gas and just generally feeling like I had been run over by a semi truck a few times were too much for me. I took that vicodin liquid pain killer religiously and walked as much as I could. Those were the only 2 things that provided me some relief.

It wasn't until about 3 weeks post-op that I started feeling like myself again.

Oooh, Ali, really? That sucks =/ What was the WORST part? The BEST part?

I did not experience alot of pain. I was very lucky I had very little pain and was back to normal in about 7 days. I took my pain medication for about 2 days. Everyone is very different. But like Ali said walk walk walk it gets rid of the gas and the recovery goes alot faster. I was on liquids for 2 weeks if I could put it through a strainer I could have it 3rd week mushies for 2 weeks. After that regular food.

Now, when people say there is lots of gas, does that mean those sharp gas pains you get at times? Or like gas from you know...? =P