Hello! Although I have been reading all your very informative posts for months, this is my very 1st post! I was banded on May 26 in Los Angeles. Mine was an outpatient surgery so I was in at 11:00 and out by 3pm. I had the best experience ever! I am very fortunate because I experienced only mild discomfort for about a day after the surgery. All has been downhill (weightwise) since then. I am down 18 lbs. as of this morning and I feel fantastic! I am, however, also looking for a support group in LA and that is what prompted me to post. If anyone is interested in gettting together, count me in! Anyhow, thanks to all for wonderful posts. Always remember there are people like me, who never post (until today) but watch from the sidelines and benefit greatly from your experiences and great information I have read for the past 6 months. Thanks again!