SOrry if this was asked but I couldn't find it anywhere...

Hi,

I am, I guess what you would call, "new" to the lap-band procedure. I am 25, and have a BMI of 44:( I have a few appointments this next week for "seminars" with different doctors, and I have a question....

What exactly can I expect at the seminars?

My seminar was presented by a surgeon who explained different weight loss surgery options. He showed a power point presentation on each procedure. There was then a question and answer time.

There were also some people there who work with insurance to answer questions.

I just went to a seminar a couple days ago. There was about 8 of us (potential patients) in a room. There was also the surgeon, a girl from the office (to talk about insurance/financing), the psychologist, and a girl who got the sleeve in September (and has lost 100lbs).

The surgeon just went through a powerpoint presentation about the Lap Band and Gastric Sleeve (which are the only two weight loss surgeries HE performs). Then he answered anyone's questions. And we just filled out a paper with our insurance information (and contact information). We were told they would contact our insurance companies and find out what the requirements are for approval.

That's it.

My wonderful surgeon covered various bariatric surgeries and the success rates (and successful "reversal" rates) of each. He then went into more detail on the 2 he performs, banding and bypass. He described his "credentials" including how often he's done each surgery, what type of band he prefers/uses and why, etc. He discussed the procedure and life style changes required by each. He discussed the negative side effects (like hair loss and slippage, death...) and how much and how severe each is for his patients. Then he had a Q & A time (very patient) and THEN that great guy took another 20 min to just talk to my husband about it all (Husband is an RN who worked in a GI lab and was against it but was all for the band after doc and he talked and doc addressed his concerns)

Afterward if we wanted we could immediately schedule a follow up appt, or we could take our time. No hard sell whatsoever. I immediately felt at ease and valued as a person, not just a patient.

Also keep in mind that while they like to position these events as "Informational Seminars", they are, in reality, SALES PRESENTATIONS.

Make sure you do PLENTY of your own independent research. Don't simply go to a couple of seminars and make a quick decision. It probably took you a lifetime to become obese....take a good long time in deciding which is YOUR best method for regaining your health!

HH

Headhunter I think you're right to a point about the sales thing. However, my experience was very low key. In fact, because I'd wanted the band since 2003, had researched it TO DEATH and back, and knew I did not want any other procedure (I was a nursing student; I know how to research medical issues) I called and asked if I could just skip the seminar and make my first appointment to see the surgeon (I had researched HIM and figured I'd go with him) I was put on hold and then told "No. You have to go to the seminar before we'll schedule you." My doc presented all surgeries, talked about his style, his ethic, his credentials, and then after a Q and A session where he patiently answered what seemed to me like the same questions over and over, we were let go. We couldn't even really schedule an appt after because his staff was essentially gone, so that meant we all HAD to sleep on it.

Of course this may be just a clever advanced sales tactic. I understand you feel you chose a poor surgeon and have paid for it. But all men aren't dogs, all blondes aren't dumb, and all surgeons aren't in it JUST for the money. Money is an aspect, but for the good ones, it isn't the only aspect, or even a top aspect.

We just have to be prudent in our choices.