Hello everyone! I am new to all of this. I am just beginning my journey to getting band. I am attending a seminar this evening and I just wanted to see if anyone could give me some information on what goes on at the seminars. What type of questions should I be asking?

Any help would be appreciated!

Thank You,

From Houston, Texas

Houston, Texas

I guess the first thing is to ask how the doctor does his procedures. Does he to it lapscropy (sp?) or open. Then how big is the band he puts in, and what should you expect from his point of view for the amount of fills you will have. Then I would ask if he expects you to be on liquids 10 days prior to surgery and how long afterwards. What type of food will you be able to eat after the healing period. If you take medications, find out if you can swallow them or have to crush them.

Good luck. I had my band on 12/3/08 and my first fill 1/4/08. I'm down 35 lbs. and feeling terrific. I think you will be glad you chose this instead of gastric bypass. I've not heard to many good things about that surgery.

Debbie

The seminar I went to was more of an information type deal. As you came in the room you were given a packet to look at. It had all kinds of info in it. A few ladies got up and started talking and explaining the process. The Doctor came in and showed a video, which was very thorough. When he was done, he opened up the floor for questions. Alot of the questions that I had, he answered during his presentation. They had asked that people not ask insurance specific questions since each and every insurance is differant. there is a thread somewhere that has a list of questions you can ask. if I find it I will send it to you.

Main questions,,, how many procedures has that Dr done. In the hospital or a surgery center? How soon do they do fills? Does the price include fills? do they have a cash option? What bmi does that Dr require? What other requirements does that Dr have?How long is the wait once you are approved? Does his ofiice help with meeting the insurance requirements? Does he require a pre-op diet? if so How long? what is involved?

I will look for the Thread

Lois

Here is one that I found, but not the one I was thinking about.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f73/some-questions-ask-about-lapband-20272/

For the physician:

Do they have a post-op counseling plan?

What is the expected/anticipated weight loss for the first year?

Are the fills done in office and/or through radiology?

If radiology, will you be able to do the in office instead? (Office costs less than radiology where I am, but radiology guarantees they hit the port and they are able to see the fluids travel through the opening and also make sure everything is right where the surgeon left it. A huge relief, let me tell you.)

If you have a prior or current patient there, pick their brain...

What is their daily routine, i.e. Breakfast, lunch, dinner?

What was the best thing that has happened/what is the worst since being banded?

Who did their banding? Would they recommend them again?

What is their "tell" that they have eaten enough/too much? (I hiccup when I am full)

Ask them what it is like to get a fill. I was not expecting being able to feel when the needle was accepted by the port. A weird/funny feeling.

Take a piece of paper with you to the seminar and as you go through the seminar write down things that were not clear enough for you, you want to have elaborated, or other questions that come up.

They are there to answer every question you have. Ask them anything!!