Need a buddy in Claremont CA

[Debra McDermott 4]

Hi! I had the lap band surgery on August 15, 2008 in Mexico. I have not found a support group in my area and sure could use a buddy or mentor. I am a special education teacher and mother of infant twins. I am back to work and am trying to learn how to function with my new dietary restrictions. I started off badly, trying to eat something I wasn't supposed to! I sure was punished quickly with lots of pain and vomiting! Now I am a bit nervous about eating. My daughter has been trying to mentor me, but she had the RNY a little over a year ago. Some experiences and restrictions are similar, but there are enough differences to make finding a lap band mentor meaningful! I look forward to discussing life with lap band with others who have had the surgery and those contemplating it. I actually didn't spend much time in contemplation. I started searching for a doctor since Kaiser doesn't cover it and withing two weeks set a surgery date two weeks from then! I had only one day to eat my "last meal" before starting the pre-surgery diet! I am definitely in the newbie "what have I done stage?"! :scared2: I have lost 26 pounds, but can't "see" it yet. :biggrin: I will begin to know I have done the right thing when I begin dropping sizes! I am in a 22 now, so 20 here I come!

Debra

[mascphillips 0]

Hi buddy

I'm in Alta Loma and had the surgery in June. It's nice to know someone else in the area that has had it done. I'm a teacher as well at hight school but I used to be a special education teacher before that. Please let's talk more!

[gabi311b 0]

Hi, I am in Pasadena and am not banded yet but am hoping that I will have the sugery soon (February-ish 2009). I will most likely be a self pay because my BMI (38) is too low for coverage. I do have Kaiser but I will be switching to Aetna during my open enrollment. I am looking into surgeons right now and have my first consultation on the 16th.

It's interesting...I have always been drawn to special education teaching. I was a teachers assistant in high school for our special ed class and I have been contemplating going back to school to get my credential so I could teach special ed.

I am glad you posted this and I hope that we can be a support system for each other.

[Debra McDermott 4]

I was a self-pay and decided to have it done in Tijuana primarily out of cost. Mexico was about half the cost...$7,000. I went through worldmedassist.com. My liaison, Janet, has been wonderful as was the doctor. I can give you more info if you want it.

[Debra McDermott 4]

That would be great! What subjects do you teach? I have 6 preps which means I an crazy busy planning!!! I teach at Pomona High.