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

Seminar Thursday March 22 2012



Recommended Posts

I have made up my mind and am ready to ge the lap band done! I am only 29 and I feel like I have no energy to do a damn thing! I have 5 kids and really excited to get some of this weight off me to be able to run around with them outside! I was wondering if someone can tell me what to expect at the seminar?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It's probably a little bit different everywhere you go, but for me - it was a LOT different than I had expected.

The seminar I went to was in the auditorium of a hospital. There were about 100 people in attendance, a surgeon who spoke, two nurses who spoke, and we watched about 20 minutes worth of a movie from previous patients.

In the beginning of the seminar, we were given packets to fill out of our medical history, as well as insurance information and basic goals.

From there, you had in your paperwork and wait for the bariatric center to call and schedule you for your initial appointments. It was almost 3 weeks to the day from the orientation/seminar to the 1st visit.

Hope this helps a bit. I'm (im)patiently waiting for next monday when I have my surgery consult!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Mine was pretty simple. Lasted approx 45 min. The surgeon introduced himself and his staff. He then went over the Lap Band and the Bypass and described in detail each procedure and used pictures/video (not overly graphic) to see. I enjoyed it and felt good about my decision. With my clinic, I could have done it in a group setting or alone via internet. (I chose to view it alone on my lap top). Once I completed it, I then met with the clinic and notified my insurance and progressed to where I am now.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks so much ! I have so many questions running thur my mind at this point! ugh feels like I am going to drive myself crazy!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

you will be fine I am sure. just go and view the material. set your appt and make that decision to make yourself well.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well nothing is going to stop this! I am soo ready to be thin again! lol Did you have to do a pre op diet>?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No, not yet. I have had to do a 6 month dr visit and I have just finished month #2. I am (assuming) I will have to before surgery (which I hope to be in July or first week of August). But I am making changes now. After meeting w/nutritionist, I am not waiting to change what and how much I eat. I am doing that now and have lost 20 pounds since last month.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ohh I see. I have mentally started watching what I am eating and how much as well as drinkking more water! I feel alot better just doing that!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

that is all you can do. start seems to be a hard word. so you started. that is the first step in the right direction. just continue w/little changes and do this for YOU.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Be careful of losing weight prior to your initial weigh-in if you are on the verge of 40 BMI. I actually had to gain about 10lb to be at the minimum with no comorbidities (although I had high blood pressure and high cholesterol, I didn't take meds for them and the practice thought that could be an issue). When I got the green light that is was okay to lose weight again, I did.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Oh no I am a lil over the 40 make so maybe I better be careful! How did your surgery go? Hope all is well!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am from Spotsylvania Virginia ! I have not had any testing done yet! however Feb 6 I had an ekg and stress test on my heart so I guess I am hoping they can use that test instead of making me do them again! Did you have to do a pre op diet?

Also, congrats to you as well!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Does everyone have to do a diet be4 surgery?

Keep ur heard up cause it sure will be worth it in the end!!!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

you don't have to worry about losing weight, go ahead lose as much as you want. take a look at a BMI chart. you're short like me, we could both lose b4 surgery!

it will make you feel and look good!

you will have lots of doc visits b4 the surgery, a shrink visit to make sure you can handle losing weight( and are willing to make the commitment we make). It will feel like a long time getting ready but it is so worth every minute!

Congrats on making a life changing decision!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

i had united health care - no pre-op diet - nothing more than proving 5 years at 40 or higher BMI (i had no co-morbid conditions or health problems). I was on the operating table exactly 3 months to the day i attended the seminar. If you want to speed everything along - do what i did and move everything else in your schedule so you can take the very first appointment available for everything you have to do - surgeon consult, nutritionist, psychologist etc. BEST OF LUCK TO US ALL ON OUR JOURNEYS!!!!! :)

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

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • 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

    ×