Hi There, I live in Southern Calif. too... I see my primary tomorrow and my insurance has a list of specialists also. I pray they are good ones to chose from. I was given Dr. Fobi's name from a girl at the grocery store. She had gastric bypass. Unsure if I want to do that... I've heard great success stories about lap band procedure. I'm Type II and on Lantus now. It has made me gain over 10 pounds since April. I can't wear my "skinny" jeans anymore. I'm 5'4 and 230 lbs. as of this morning. Very small on the bottom and I can wear 14W or 16W, but the top portion of my body is 2x or 20W. What made you decide on lap band? I don't eat a lot during the day or night, but I believe my Type II and now taking insulin has made my body resistant to losing 60 lbs. I'm frustrated. I've been thinking about WLS for years now. Plan to talk to my primary tomorrow. This will probably be the most important visit I've ever had with her.