What can I expect from the information session? I'm going to the one at CMC in Manchester, NH. Has anyone gone to that one? I'm wondering if I'll meet with anyone afterwards, or if I just wait for a phone call Any help is appreciated.

I'm not sure if they're all the same, but this was my experience.

I initially went to a seminar sponsored by Baylor. They sent me forms to fill out ahead of time and I turned them in when I signed in. A coordinator gave a brief intro and then the surgeon made a PowerPoint presentation about the different types of WLS available as well as the success and complication rates. That took about 20 minutes or so then he opened up for questions. There was a lot of Q&A and then it was over. It was kind of awkward because no one let us know what kind of follow up would be taking place. I got a call the next day from them but I decided to go directly with the surgeon that made the presentation rather than through Baylor.

So...I don't know how helpful this is but that was my experience!

My orientation was done by nurse, dietitcian, nut, and guest speaker of past patient. They went through a power point presentation talking about both the sleeve & bypass both pros and cons.

Also talked about what to expect with a timeline. How much out of pocket expenses we'd have. (since here in Ontario, Canada OHIP covers the surgery). What tests & bloodwork we need to have done too. Etc.

It was really informative & they gave forms you have to fill in & bring back to first appointment. Even was Q&A time so people could share their concerns or inquiry about.

Don't worry, you won't be the only one there. We had a room full that kind of looked like a lecture in school lol. We were also encouraged to bring a support person. I brought my sister & she learned alot about the WLS journey I want to embark on.

Went to one at Northwestern here in chicago, The surgeon was the one giving the information for most of the seminar and seemed to have a real negative attitude towards the lap band. He was neutral towards the sleeve but did emphasize that there isn't really any longterm information available on the sleeve, and seemed to REALLY up-sell the RNY. He surgeon giving the presentation was as vague as possible and anytime there were questions asked that called for more specific information he referred us to our surgeon (once we get one) or doctor, or one of the people that work at the hospital (she seems like an assistant). After the surgeon, the dietitian came up to introduce herself, then basically asked any pre-op patients to come up to the front to answer questions.

I really didn't like the vibe there, however they are one of the best hospitals in the area so some cockiness i guess should be expected. We did get a folder with some paperwork and a packet to fill out asking for our information, However, there was absolutely no help with filling the packet out, and we were kicked out of the room right after the Q&A was over.

There were some people filling out the paperwork outside in the hallway but all the doctors seemed to have left the very second they were able to.

That basically sums up my experience.... Hope yours is MUCH better!