I have a surgery date of 11/16, but located a place called The New Clinic in Orange County (Huntington Beach). On one of the information pages, their surgeons DON'T ADVISE HAVING A WLS THAT USES VGB OR ANY TYPE OF PLASTIC RINGS WTF??? Isn't that exactly what the Fobi Pouch is?? OMG. The reason, they say, is that over time, it is possible there could be some erosion of the band and that studies have shown that the band really doesn't have any greater effect in weight loss. :uh-oh: Please somebody respond. I am a self-pay, so going somewhere else really wouldn't be a problem! Rhonda

I actually had a leak but mine was right after surgery. I had a drain in place and they had to do the same swallow test that they usually do on patients to make sure I was healed up before removing the drain. I had the drain for 6 weeks. They can also do a CAT scan to check for fluid pockets. I have had no trouble since I got the drain out.

You have people at all stages in this journey to support you. I am one and a half weeks pre-op. We are here to help and encourage you. All sorts of feelings happened on my journey, scared, happy, fearful , excited , you name it I felt it. It was a roller coster for me. The surgery and hospital was easy. The laxitive before was the pits. First week of jello and broth was terrible. Not much pain for me. Now I'm having pureed food and life is good. One week of being uncomfortable is worth the benefits. In just 11 days I've lost 11 lbs. You will make it. Keep the faith!

String, I'm working on checking here every day, just like the Cali board, but I've been AFK - Away from Keyboard - all week because I have been out WALKING. If you read my profile, a HUGE deal for me! Welcome to our board, and try the email group -- someone always posts to questions there. Hugs, Jaime

I kind of thought it would be nice if they could scoop out some of the excess fat while they were in there, but they didn't.