This may seem strange, but I just registered for the information seminar and couldn't help but think if I was going to be the only one sitting there..haha. It would appear that I will learn a lot about the process and that is why I'm going. I really believe this is my path at this point and although I'm still in the planning stages, I'm ready. This forum has been a huge help!! Thank you all so much!!

So, did you all have to attend the info seminar? how was it?

Thank you!

I think everyone who got their band in the US has to attend a seminar. I personally found it very informative and it solidified my decision to get the Lap Band. In fact, I set my first appointment with the surgeon while at the seminar.

You won't be the only one there, btw. In fact, you'll probably be surprised how many people are there.

Awesome,....very glad to hear it! thank you

I went 2 years ago this month and there were about 20 people. It was to learn about all 3 WLS. I go to my monthly support meetings and at September's meeting (I couldn't go to October's) there were about 20 pre surgery people and about 5-7 post op people. If the hospital thought you would be the only person, I would like they would call and cancel the meeting, my thoughts.

I learned a real lot going to all the meetings and I hope you do too.

​Good luck with your new journey. Ask every question you can think of, they know the answers.

I did go as well...very informative!

Seminars in my area are all inclusive. They discuss each and every surgical option they provide. So I doubt you'll be alone but you might be among a smaller group of band seekers. Seems we are getting to be endangered species. Surgeon's seem to push more toward the Sleeve then the band.

There was a full house when I went to mine.

Full House for me as well. Most people at mine where going for sleeve or bypass though.

I went to several and there were a good number of people there.. since being banded I attend a monthly support group meeting and there are a few sleeve people and by pass.. the rest are bandsters.. I will say that the sleeve and by pass folks seem to have more issues than the bandsters but they lose faster.. Most of them have dumping issues and complain about the amount of vitamins they have to take.. I'm not sure if that is typical or not.. It's important to stay connected to others who have WLS there are lots of tips and information out there...

When I went, there was at lest 20 people there. I have heard that some of the seminars are so full, that if you call within a week or so, they will have you come to the next one. I think that about 10 people is just right, tho'.

Unlike the other people, my surgeon does lapbands. So, that was all that the attendees were there for!

There were about 20 people at the seminar I went to. My surgeons office does lap bands and sleeves but he seemed to favor the band as a less radical surgery, When I called about the seminar they requested my insurance info and verified my insurance would cover the procedure before they registered me for the seminar, My surgeons office sent me a link to a 30 minute video which was very, very informative. I suppose that's why he didn't really present a lot of info at the seminar but it was more of an opportunity to ask questions of him. I was disappointed to discover that most of the people didn't watch the video and asked questions that were more than covered in it if they had. So in short I really didn't learn anything new but it was a good opportunity to meet my surgeon and decide that he seemed patient and knowledgeable. I scheduled with him that night. I asked about support group meetings and he said that they do have a sign up sheet but most of his patients belong to online groups and the attendance at the meetings is hit or miss, so call first. I guess they are all on here! LOL