I have my first informational meeting on the lap band process on Monday 1/22. Just wondering what I can expect. Thank you....

Where are you going? Someone here might have experience with that clinic/surgeon and have good specific info.

I will be attending my meeting in Fargo, ND with a Dr. associated with MeritCare. Again, this is just the first informational meeting...I still have to get approved by my ins.

If you're talking about the info sessions/seminars/meetings.

The one's that I have attended here in Boston were in a conference room at the hospital. It was REALLY packed - People were standing and actually sitting on the floor! I'd try to get their early to grab a seat.

One of the Doctors stood at the front and just explained EVERYTHING about both the Lapband and the Gastric Bypass. Satistics, What you could expect.. etc. He had it all displayed on the screen and had a mic so we all could hear him.

At the end.. The Surgeon answered questions from those inquiring. It was not a one-on-one meeting or anything. It was just filled with good information.

That was my experience. I had to attend the 2 required meetings prior to receiving a date for surgery. And both meetings were exactly the same!

Mine was a joint meeting with prospective RNY patients. Most of the people there were looking into RNY. It started with the staff introducing themselves - surgeon, nurses, coordinators, psycholgoist, dietician, etc. Most of it was a presentation by the surgeon about the procedure, exactly what's done, statistics, etc. Then Q&A. Then he brought in former partients (owith both procedures) to talk about what it's like. Then more Q&A. Just an information dump, really, but good chance to get a feel for your surgeon.

My doctor sat me down and talked all about the difference between banding and bipasss. He showed me the band and we talked about obesity as a non curable disease. It can only be monitored through diet and exercise. We talked all about my dieting history, how I had tried everything. It was a great meeting. I didn't go to the support group before being banded. I just wanted it. Anyway, it took me about 8 weeks before I was banded after I put the wheels in motion. Hope your surgery is quick. It gets really exciting and once you make up your mind and you want it it is good if it is sooner than later. Best of luck.