I am going to a Lap Band seminar on Monday. I signed up for one last month and chickened out. I know now that I am ready. After months of research I know this surgery is right for me. Can anyone tell me what to expect at the seminar? As long as my insurance will cover the surgery, as far as I am concerned it's a done deal!

What is the next step after the seminar?

Thanks for your help!!

I believe at the seminar they just explain the band in great detail and answer any questions u might have. They also weighed me and did a personal consult when I went. Thats when they wrote up what all I would need to complete before surgery (ie. blood work, EKG, sleep study etc.) just a good time for information gathering

you can always call your insurance company and inquire about coverage. for mine - go over the band, fill out paperwork and wait for them to call me for consult - good luck on your journey!

healthygal73 ~ Sent from my iPad using LBT

My surgeon hold WLS seminars where they explain all of the procedures. The insurance coordinator explains how they obtain approvals from the various plans. We also received a brochure that detailed the steps that needed to be done before surgery - which tests and clearances needed to be obtained for each procedure.

After the seminar, I scheduled a consultation with my surgeon. We discussed which my weight history, my weight issues, and in which surgery I was most interested. My surgeon agreed that gastric banding was the best choice for me. (I have since talked to people that wanted a band, but my surgeon suggested that their weight and diet habits would be better suited to a sleeve or RNY.)

My suggestion is to meet as many of the staff as you can. Your WLS team is very important. Is there is a nutritionist on staff? Can you schedule appointments with the NUT as needed? If you decide on a band, how are fills done? (In the office or under fluoroscope? Who does your fills? (PA, Nurse, the Surgeon?)

Good luck.