Call for info session

I got my call today for the info session on Jan 27th. Now what? I've gained too much weight over the holidays so I'll have to really strap myself to lose it before then. What can I expect at this info session? How long is the average weight after this? I'm so so excited and scared to death at the same time. I'm worried about having to write a test too. So much to think about...

Woohoo, next step is underway!

There has been a couple messages in Nov/Dec from (Ann and Charline - both have been very detailed in their steps of the process) about the info session and I believe Charline (New Maryland) has quite a detailed report on her profile so check that out.

How long had you waited originally to see Dr B?

Congrats Starsky!  The next step is signing of the consent with Dr B. I signed my consent 3 weeks after the info session, but I was away for 2 weeks. I also bug the ^&(*&*^% out of Nathalie the receptionist.  When I called her she didn't know if I passed the test or not!!  I don't know how long most people wait but it seems to be about a month to 6 weeks, depending in when you sign and when they book the surgeries for the following month. You can't count on that because you could get called for a cancellation or the Dr may want some additional test or other. That's what has happened to me.

The test is very easy.

My info session was Jan 17, 2007 and I was scheduled for surgery at the end of May (so 4 months). However, I gained 5 lbs in a week BEFORE the pre-op diet started and my surgery was post-poned by 2 months for safety reasons. So you're ok now but whatever you do, do NOT gain weight from hereonin. I was pretty devasted and felt like I was a "bad girl" when mine had to be rescheduled. I know it was for good reason but it was still very hard to go through.

The info session is a full day event -- Lise will speak as well as Rinette about how you will need to eat post-op. They have a person come in to speak from the psychiatric side of things as there are usually "head" issues to deal with. They will also have a lap-band and a gastric bypass patient to come share their experiences with you that you can ask questions of and get it first hand.

Don't worry about the test ~ it is just to ensure some of the info sunk in. It doesn't go anywhere (i.e. not graded).

Wishing you all the best!!

What Krista said was right. The test is not graded and there is no pass or fail. You hear info all day and at the end there is a little quizz to see if yu understod. It's true or false and multiple choice . I have never done anything so simple.  It is a really great day. So informitive and the people you meet are great and yu will have a good laugh or two. It goes by really fast. I brought my own lunch because I was not familar with the G.D. hosp and did not want to pick food choices. Don't be so worried, it is a good day and you will enjoy it. :)

I hear you abut weight gain. When I had my inital consult, Nov.20,  I weighed 254 .  When I went back for the 8 hour info session, Dec 2, I weighed 258. I am ging to sign consents this coming Monday and my weight is up to 263. UUgggg. I am crash dieting like crazy now to try to get back to 258. Like you I am scared stupid that I will gain weight and be postponed. Problem is that I yoyo diet and since June, I've lost 34 pounds, now I'm at the bottom of the yoyo and am headed back up. Doesn't seem to mater what I eat now, i am stil climbing.

The test is scored but it's basically to see if you caught on to what they were saying.  they told me they had one or two that failed but it only meant they had to go to the info session again.  When I went for preadmission she pulled my test and there was a score on it and I could see others as she went through the pile.  But it's  basically a pass or fail and fail only means you need more info.  I like the way they make sure you know everything you need to know.  I have read horror stories on the lapband site that would rot your socks off.  Basic questions that everyone should know.  Dr. B and his team are very very thorough and very cautious.

 

Thanks for all the info. Michelle, I've been waiting for over 5 years in total, almost 3 since I saw the Dr in Saint John who sent the initial medicare request. That was a long wait itself. This is why I'm so worried, I think. It's such a long journey and I don't want to mess things up for myself now. They say "Good things come to those who wait". We all must have great things coming. LOL. You guys are a wonderful support system. You're always so positive no matter how much we may fail ourselves at the time. Thanks to all of you. Starr (anxiously awaiting the next step)

I met with Dr. B for the first time back in early December and my day long info session is this Tues Jan 13 and I am so excited as well. We are getting so close!!! I am leaning towards Gastric Bypass myself.  What type are you thinking on? Good luck as well....

Debbie from the Cape  :)

Is Dr B giving you a choice? He told me that if your BMI was under 60, it is lap band or nothing. Maybe he makes exceptions for NS folks because you still have to pay for the band.