I am a lap band hopeful. I just set my first appointment with Dr. Bridget Brady with Southwest Bariatric in Austin, Texas for August 21st. Any advice on what to expect in this first appointment?

Hi Larry! First of all, congratulations on your decision to choose a healthier life. I hope that you will continue to visit the site because I have found soooooo much info on here that has been comforting.

My initial consult with the surgeon was very simple and only took about 20 minutes. I had filled out about a zillion forms before going to the office, so I was able to get out of the waiting room quickly! See if you can do the same because it really freed me up to concentrate on what I wanted to ask!

The actual consult went like this:

Nurse did BP and temperature check, and verified a few, relevant things from my history form.

Took off clothes except for undies and wore gown open in the front.

Doc came in and asked routine history questions, then asked if I had any questions.

Doc had me lay down and he did an abdominal exam, pressing-"any discomfort"-so forth. Oddly, he listened to my gut with his steth!

He listened to my heart and lungs.

He again asked if I had any questions.

Since he had shown the band in the seminar, he didn't do it again.

He told me what tests he wanted to have run, and why (be sure to ask why), said he was confident that my insurance would approve, and then he was off!

Write down your questions before you go because you won't remember them when you are there...you'll be too excited