information meeting

Hi,

New here.  When you sign up for an informational meeting...what is that all about?  Obviously they are there to give you "information", but anything else?  The one I am signed up for the doctor is going to speak for 1 hr...then does the other staff do anything with you.  There is a question/history form that I was able to print off their website and it said to bring that along.  Do they tell you then if you are a candidate, are you automatically a candidate because you went?  What the experiences of others?  Thanks, Erica

Hi Erica,

When I went to my informational meeting at Barix, the doctor spoke to the group, then had an individual consult with each prospective patient.  Every practice is run differently, so I'm not sure what Dr Brader does.  You're not automatically a candidate just because you attend a meeting.  There are certain criteria that need to be met, like what your body mass index (BMI) is and whether you have any co-morbidities. 

From what I hear, Dr Brader's patients adore him.   

Good luck!

Julia

Although Dr. Brader was not my surgeon, I know so many of his patients.  As far as I am concerned he is all aces.  Your in good hands.  You will gather a lot of information at the meeting and be able to have all your questions answered.  A lot of people have misinformation or lack of information when they consider the surgery as a option to their need for a better and healthier life.  You will leave the meeting with much of the unknown explained.  If you still have questions afterwards, you can always call the Dr's. Office or post on this board.  Welcome to the best board on OH and the beginning of your journey.

Nan

I too know Dr. Braders patients and he has been wonderful to them!  The "brader babies" as they refer to themselves as, LOVE him.

I don't know much about his new practice/consult and how everything is worked out - but wish you luck!

Pam

I went to an informational meeting with a friend on mine in Lancaster.  (I had my surgery with him when he was at Barix.)  If it is the same, Dr. Brader will give a presentation explaining the surgeries and then there is a question/answer session.  A lot of information is presented and given out.  You are not automatically a candidate - my friend didn't meet the qualifications.  I know my friend went home with some paperwork to fill out and mail back in.  

Hope this helps.

Good Luck!

I'm a "Brader Baby".  He will speak candidly about the options in WLS,  give you a lot of information and will have a Question and Answer period. They will have documentation and forms to fill out if you wish to continue and have a one on one with him.

He will answer any and all questions, honestly and bluntly.  He is not one to sugar coat which is why I went with him.  So write them down and bring them with you.

Sandra covered it all pretty well.  Just a few additional points (my perspective)

1 - If you read a lot on OH and/or do research, the presentation isn't much new news.  However, the Q&A was very informative. It may say 1 hour ........ make time to stay longer. It's worth it!!

2 - The info packet is pretty huge. Most of it is the paperwork you'll need to fill out and submit if you decide to proceed. Also, if there a lot of people at the presentation ........... get your stuff sent in asap or you'll wait a little longer to get a response.

I have been to the Dr. Brader seminar. It was very informative. They do not tell you anything about your persoanal case. After the seminar they should contact you and let you know if the surgery is something your insurance covers at all and if it is they should set up a consult with the doctor.
He was a great speaker and you will learn alot.