Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Cali Bandsters Unite!!



Recommended Posts

Hi Cali Bandsters..... I am finally going to be one of you! :clap2: I just started the process today, submitted the forms and all info to the surgeon, etc, My insurance has approved the LB surgery, but there is one glitch. I live a bit north of Ventura, and the only place they have approved for the surgery is Dr. LePort in Fountain Valley --- a good 3-4 hour drive for me. Does anyone have any experience with this doctor? I know nothing about him.... I assumed I'd be going to Dr. Billie who is close by. WAHHHHHHH! Are there any "Bandster" support meetings around the Ventura County area that I could go to? I feel like I won't be able to be involved in a group if I will have to drive 4 hours to get there. Help! I have a feeling this online group will be my lifeline.......so thanks for being here!

Karen

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am going to my Surgery with Dr. Laporte's office on Monday August 14th. They are great so far and I have no complaints. They work with you all the way.

Dr. Kelley Frances is doing my surgery, she has a lot of experience with LapBand.

Hit me up if you have any questions at all.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That is wonderful!! I'm glad to hear it! Maybe you can be my "guiding light" if I need advice regarding their process? Keep in touch and let us know how your surgery goes.... we will be anxious to hear! Good luck, I am sure everything will go well!

Karen

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

WOW, did YOU have a long drive! :omg: That is wonderful that you went to Dr. Billy, I have heard so many great things about him. I fought with my insurance co., and my referring doctor's office, to no avail. They each blame each other for not being able to refer to him. BUT, the good news is that Dr. Billy's office told me I can go to him for post-surgery stuff if I want, and I think I will do that even though it will cost me more. I'm glad to know that you both had a good experience. When did you have it done and how are you feeling now? And thanks for the info!

Karen

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Kmayer77 and Kat72; I'm in San Diego (Clairemont Area). I was banded on 7/11 at Scripps Green in La Jolla and there is a support group that meets on the second Monday of each month. Our next meeting will be the 14th at 5:30 - 6:30. Meetings start on time so be there a bit early if you can.

Location:Scripps La Jolla - Schaetzel Center/Great Hall Room

Street:9890 Genesee Ave.

City/State/Zip:La Jolla, CA 92037

There is another local group you can go to also.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ScrippsBandChat/

Hi,

I am in Escondido and getting banded in Orange County on Aug. 30th. Would love a local support group.

Kathy

kmayer77@hotmail.com

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

We had the LB's done in our Hosp. in Truckee. My wife had hers done in 01 and I had mind done this last Feb.10th. She has lost 81 pounds and is in the maintaining faze. She go's up and down within 5 pounds and has full control of what she weighs.

I have lost 58 pounds so far and we both feel great! You will enjoy going to The group meetings with Dr. Billy, we enjoy them he has up here.

Best of luck:) K & J

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you for the uplifting post! It is good to hear success stories like these and I am so glad you are feeling so good. I can't wait to feel like that also!! Thanks for sharing.... Keep posting your good news!

Karen

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Kathy, I live in OC, who's doing your surgery. I have been looking up Dr. Quebbemann in Newport Beach, but also Dr. Oliak in Orange. Orange is closer to my home, but they want to actually have me have the surgery in Torrance, not close to my home.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

HI, I live in Yorba Linda. My girlfriend had RNY last month with Dr. La Porte. So far so good. I am already approved for Lap-Band, but now I can't decide on which Dr. I have checked out Dr. Quebbemann in NB, but have heard his bedside manner isn't so good. I am also considering Dr. Oliak in Orange.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello, I live in OC and have an appt to see Dr. Q next week. I have many questions for you. can we talk? Glad to hear about your success.

Hi Caligirl - I assume you're posting to me? I think I'm the only Dr. Q patient on here. I'm happy to talk -- PM me whenever. Dr. Q has a new asst., too, who makes up for in personality what he, Dr. Q, is lacking ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Bashbee91

      Hey guys new to the process looking forward to this new life. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Bugg

      Hi everyone! I’m brand new here. I just went through all my pre-op requirements per my insurance company and now everything has been submitted and I’m just waiting for final approval and my surgery date. I’ve been doing research, watching YouTube videos, TikTok’s, ect.. trying to prepare my mind and what to expect so I’ll be ready for the surgery. I was so sure and so set and so ready and excited. However, now that I’ve done everything & it’s almost here, I am sooooooo scared! I know why I want it bc I’ve tried everything and I just don’t feel like I can lose weight by myself. I’m tired of being overweight my entire life. I’m miserable, but I keep psyching myself out afraid of GERD bc I know how that can be and I don’t want to have to get a bypass after already gaining the courage to even get VSG. I’m scared of complications like I’mgoing to regret doing it and be depressed that I didn’t just be more disciplined and try again to lose the weight on my own even sitting here typing this knowing in my mind i just can’t and don’t possess the discipline. I’m also afraid I won’t be able to handle the restrictions of the sleeve. What do I eat? I don’t know how to eat healthy really and don’t enjoy healthy food. I don’t know how to do this! I feel so defeated!Someone tell me they felt anything similar to this or am I not ready? I thought I was. I am so tired of being sick and tired and so tired of myself and so tired of being stuck and stuck in this body and somebody different on the outside from what I feel inside. I just want to ball up and cry.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      over 20 lbs down since4 the pre surgery diet and surgery on the 14th
      · 1 reply
      1. Selina333

        Yay!! Congrats. I know how good that feels. 🤩

    • Jenopolis

      Had a sleeve in 2017, lost over 100 pounds. Had a DS surgery this year (2025) for more sustainable weight loss. 🤞
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      The 14th was my day. I am home and recovery is going pretty smooth. They even let me walk out of the hospital. Picture of me in recovery curtesy of my boyfriend lol. 

      · 3 replies
      1. DaisyChainOz

        Glad it went well!! Wishing you a speedy recovery and wonderful success!! 🤗

      2. buildabetteranna

        Thank you ❤️

      3. Selina333

        Neat you have a pic of this day! I was sooo happy to get my surgery. It was well worth it! And I'm not even near my goal. I had surgery Dec. 2!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×