Nickel

Good point. From my understanding this initial 'gate' they make you go through is the only one where there are people who are acting this way. That is the way the bariatric coordinator made it sound. After this, I only deal with her and the actual office staff. It will definitely be one of the questions I ask and try to get feedback on. There are only 2 surgeons in this entire area (within 75 miles) who do this and they work in the same practice (so the same info session for both) or I might consider other alternatives. They come recommended based on all the reviews I have found and I won't proceed if I don't feel comfortable after the info session or consult.

I have been waiting 3 months to even get on the list for one of the 'secret' info sessions! Each time, they said it was already scheduled and full by the time I called. But there were supposedly sending me the info in advance and I just didn't call for a slot. I had never received anything so I was getting pretty darned frustrated. Long story short, I finally got through to the coordinator (normally they usually go straight to voicemail) and she said that the folks who do the scheduling have a lot of issues and that she was letting me into the April info session. She gave me directions, the date/time, etc. and said she was the one who was working the door that night and would be sure that I had a slot. I am STOKED! I am ready to hear more and get my initial consult scheduled. My new life starts now I knew you guys would appreciate this milestone (though it is a small one). :thumbup:

I know, right??? I am also self-pay and basically ready to get things moving. At least we are getting started now.

I called last month to get on the list for the informational seminar and they said we would be notified by mail and to call immediately since the seminars are always full right away. I had a weird feeling yesterday so I called to see if they had selected the date for the March seminar and not only had they picked the date, but it was already full! I didn't get anything in the mail or notified by phone so I had no chance to respond. I left a message for the bariatric coordinator yesterday to see if there was a way to add me for march but she hasn't called back. The other person I spoke to said that I was on the roster (which doesn't guarantee a spot) for the April seminar but that seems so far away. Since I am self pay and have the money in hand it seems like FOREVER! Thanks for letting me vent and keep your fingers crossed that they find a spot for me in March.

We have 2 doctors in this area and they are in the same practice so only one session is available. I never heard back from the bariatric coordinator so I guess I will have to wait for April.

I'm new to the forum and wanted to say hello. I have been researching Lap-band for a while and now have saved enough to cover the costs since I will be a cash-pay patient. I contacted a locally recommended surgeon and was told that to start the process, I have to attend an info session that they hold. The next one will be scheduled in March and seats aren't guaranteed. I hope that I can respond in time to get one of the slots. Although I am a little bit concerned that I have to attend a session like this even to be able to get a consult. I have a fairly public profile in my area (in terms of my career) so I am not sure about the group setting. Is this normal? Anyone have any insight into timelines if you aren't waiting for insurance approval? I am hoping that the process will go smoothly and in a relatively timely manner. Can't wait to get 'started' and get to know everyone here.

Good to hear that the seminar is somewhat standard. I never would have thought that would have been required prior to the initial consult. I am reading everything I can and mentally preparing myself for small changes so that I can be as ready as possible. Thanks for the warm welcome!