What Can I expect at "Informational Seminar"

I'm just starting the research stage as well and have a meeting scheduled this week for the Oregon Bariatric Center (now located at the new Riverbend hospital in Springfield).  I've been scheduled for the seminar for a few weeks now and the anticipation is KILLING me!  I'm trying not to get my hopes up because I know that this is just the first step in a very long process and is mostly for informational pusposes.

Can anyone tell me what exactly to expect from the seminar?  Has anyone actually gone to one of these?  I have heard that there will be MANY MANY people there - a whole huge room full.  Is this just their way of "weeding out" those that don't qualify or aren't serious enough about the process?  Are they trying to "scare away" some people so that they don't have so many?

I have had butterflies in my stomach for weeks!

Thanks everyone!

Hi Tishka,  There are many people looking into WLS and having a seminar is an easy way to get that information to all who want it with just one telling.  You will receive information that will show you what steps to take to begin the journey to WLS.  It is a lenghty process and will not happen in just a few weeks.  There are many steps to take to and requirement to meet both with your insurance and the facility where the surgery will take place.  All of this takes time.  Enjoy the process and glean as much information as you can to help you make the best choice for you. 
It took me 14 months to finally have my surgery.  I had my surgery on July 1 and I am now down 59 lbs.  I am so very glad for all of the time it took to be able to have surgery as I was so very prepared for it by the time I got it.  I believe that being totally prepared helped me have such a wonderful experience.  Linda

Hi, Tiska--I went to the informational meeting in August for the Oregon Bariatric Center (that meeting was still at the Eugene site).  I turned in my application packet there (I downloaded it from the web so I was ready in case I decided to go for it after I'd been through the meeting!) and got a call in a few days scheduling my evaluation with the surgeon.  I had to wait about 5 weeks, until 10/7.  At that eval, I found out that the OBC's case load had about doubled over the summer and so the wait for a surgery date, and even for the various evals that are need (psych and dietician) is at least a couple of months or more.

As to the info meeting itself, I didn't think there was a huge number of people, probably not even 50.  There was plenty of room. I didn't feel crowded or that they were trying to weed people out.  Quite the opposite.  I felt encouraged!   OBC provided cold bottled water, which I thought was nice.  Packets about the process and with the application were also handed out.  The surgeon (Dr. Yarbrough in this case) spoke first about the two types of surgeries they do there and the various risks and results.  He also touched on what you had to do to qualify for and prepare for the surgery.  He showed overheads and even had a laprascopic tool they they use for the surgeries.  Seems like there was a lapband displayed also, but I might be misremembering on that.   (The doctor also goes over similar information during the surgeon's evaluation if you decide to apply.)  The dietician also spoke about food and eating and what your limitations would be, etc.  Then also, a patient who was at least many month post-op also spoke.  Some of the things she said disagreed with what the Dr. and the dietician said, but as was pointed out, everyone is different and thus their experiences are different.  I believe there was even a speaker who discussed insurance/financial issues. There was an opportunity after the meeting to speak with the doctor.

I thought the meeting was quite helpful and hope-inspiring.  I had previously attended an informational meeting at Good Sam in Corvallis and felt it was not at all a positive expression of what WLS is about and what it can do.  I remember leaving the Corvallis meeting thinking that they must not want to do these surgeries because it was presented in such a negative manner.  I recall thinking "wow, I'd never want to have that surgery!!"  But I had a friend who went to OBC and she convinced me to try the one in Eugene (now Springfield).  I'm sure glad I did.  The meeting in Eugene was totally the opposite from the one in Corvallis.  I came away much better informed and not feeling like a failure for considering the surgery. 

I'm glad you are going to the one at the OBC at Riverbend.  It's a really nice facility too.  I hope this reply is helpful to you.