Hello- I know what you mean about not knowing anyone in 'real life' who is going through this.
I am soon to be banded, I should be getting my date in a few weeks. I am guessing early December.
It helps hearing about people who have just been banded. It looks like our stats are very close to the same. I am also 5'10" and about the same as your start weight.
I live in Phoenix, Arizona but I have always planned on traveling to your area of the world. How are things today for you?