Don't know where or how to start......

 Hello everyone I just want to say how wonderful this website is and how helpful all your information  has been for me  deciding to have WLS. I Iive in the San Fernando Valley and was wondering if anybody outthere can recommend a surgeon.. Any kind of information would be helpful.
                                                                      thanks,
                                                                          Alx

There are many out there, here's a link that may help you.

www.obesityhelp.com/forums/CA/a,doclisting/type,46/

Hi Alx, and welcome!
    The best place to start is by researching all the different wls on the different forums. The operations endorsed by the NIH and the AMSBS are gastric bypass, lap band and duodenal switch (DS). People are also having the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) as a stand alone nowadays, it is the top half, so to speak, of the DS. As a stand alone it is still fairly new and not yet endorsed by the NIH as longterm results are not yet known.
    Not every surgeon does every operation, so it is best to determine what operation is best for you and THEN find a surgeon who does the operation you want. Different people choose different operations for different reasons. For me, I chose the DS because it has the highest percentage weight loss and even more important, the best maintainence of that weight loss of any wls. It also has the best resolution of comorbidities and, IMHO, the best lifestyle of any wls. 
     There is a forum on OH for each of the operations. Check them all out! Go to a local support group if one is available to you. Learn everything you can, look honestly at yourself and what changes you can and can't make permanently, and only then make your decision.

Larra

I am geographically challenged, not being a native, but my surgeon is in Torrence and she is wonderful.

I love my doctor and he is in San Pedro.

I've heard good things about Dr. Jeremy Korman in Marina Del Rey.  There are also a lot of really good doctors on the West Side.

I don't have any insight on what is available in the San Fernando Valley these days.  I am about 24 years past the time I used to spend weekends with my then-boyfriend in Northridge.

Lisa

Welcome!  There are many different surgeries for weight loss as someone else has pointed out.  First thing I would do, if you have insurance and they are going to pay for it, contact them and have them recommend a doctor.  Several ones would be ok.  Then come on here, and more than likely you will find people who have had one of the surgeons and they would more than likely be able to tell you about him or her.  Also, not all surgeries are paid for by insurances, they will eventually but sometimes it takes a battle to get it done.  So do your homework and decide for yourself what you would like to have done.  For me, because of the amount of weight and the health risks, I opted for RNY, and never been unhappy for one day on my decision.

Hoping to hear from you soon again.

Welcome once more, Diane

Alx,

Welcome to the Cali Board.  There are wonderful folks here who have so much knowledge and are so supportive.

I am 6 weeks post op and when I was researching surgical options, I spoke to my regular Dr. 1st as I respect his opinion, he is an internist and an endocrinologist who totally understands weight loss.  We discussed options, he gave me pros and cons about the options and together along with my husband I settled on RNY.  I have had no complications and have absolutely no regrets.  The choice of surgery type is a most personal one, and I urge you to do the research on your own.  There are many websites out there from many professional physician associations, teaching hospitals such as UCSF, UCLA, and Johns Hopkins where they are cutting edge (no pun intended.)

Read the various formums and each persons experiences in their blogs and you will get a good feel for things.  We're here to help you and support you for whichever surgery you choose.

I wish you the best on your journey and am here for you.

Barb

   I want to thank everyone that replied to my post I really appreciate all of you that  took time out of your day to help me with suggestions. All the information was helpful again thank you.