Help! I've Been Asked To Be A Guest Speaker!

[oldiebutgoodie2 11]

My bariatric surgeon has a group once a month for prospective patients considering bariatric surgery. She asked me to be a guest speaker at her group this month! Has anyone done that?? I need some guidance regarding what to say. I asked her, and she said to just tell my story! But how much should you tell? How long should you talk? Do you give helpful hints about after the surgery (diet, exercise, problems, whatever)? Do you say how much you weighed and what you weigh now (gulp!)?

Any helpful hints/ suggestions would be greatfully appreciated. The meeting is this coming Tuesday, and I am already starting to wake up thinking (sort of worrying!) about it! She said about 50 people attend!

[Lacey8724 38]

I've never done this. But I would just tell how much you feel comfortable with, I would talk about what you had trouble with also, so others can work on that. But if you are comfortable with talking about how much you have lost I say go for it. I always want to know that kind of thing, I can't be the only one. Good luck!

[Bubie1916 59]

You should tell your story and be as insightful as you can about your journey! Think of yourself as one of the expectetors and would you would like to hear and learn. Hints are always helpful and your story is your story, so I'm sure you will be great!!

[farmgirl04 231]

I love hearing other people's stories, it is my favorite part of support group. I think in our group the leader gives the speaker a basic outline to follow if they want/need it. I think they never talk long enough. Your doctor must feel you have something good to share, and that you are a good communicator. Be proud!

[BeeBlueHeron 87]

I would limit it to about 20 minutes (if you're keeping track) and focus on What It Was Like Before (how bad it was), What Happened (how you came to the decision to have the surgery), and What It's Like Now (how good it is). Just tell your truth -- you'll be great!!!

[sandman27959 38]

What an honor! You must be a great example of everything they want their practice to represent if they asked you to do this, so that should give you a great deal of confidence right off the bat.

I do quite a bit of public speaking for a living, and I find that just being yourself is the best way to handle it. Whether you realize it or not, your story is sad, funny, adventurous, poignant, and inspirational just standing alone as it's own story. (That's why your doc asked you.) Just get up there and be as truthful as you feel comfortable being, and you'll touch a nerve in those people because you've been exactly where they are now. It's all about human connection.

At the risk of sounding trite, I'd speak as long as I had something meaningful or important to you to say. As a last resort (and my own personal bailout if I'm having a day where the words aren't flowing) take questions. You're the expert in your own experience. Nobody knows more about your journey than you do.

You'll do great. These people are genuinely interested in your life-changing decision because they're trying to make one for themselves.

[Maddysgram 6,159]

I couldn't have said it any better than Sandman.

[Rojasanoll 920]

Congratulations!

[oldiebutgoodie2 11]

Thank you so much one and all! Your comments brought me back to when I was sitting in one of those seats about a year ago as a prospective bariatric patient and listening to every word the "success story" person was saying. I don't remember anything she said now- I only remember I could identify with almost everything she was saying, and how good she looked. She was such a big motivator for me.

So as suggested here, I will tell my story chronologically- why I did it, how it went, and the many ways it has positively changed my life.

Will let you know how it goes, and what most people responded to- for when YOU get to tell your story! Thanks again! I will rest easier tonight!

[Maddysgram 6,159]

Good luck & Congratulations on the WL!!

You Rock!

[AlienBandit 10]

Congrats! Speaking to a group can be nerve racking but so much fun. I was a guest speaker at all medical conferences held by my hospital for 3 years. Most of the people I spoke in front of were doctors and nurses (and the majority barely spoke English) so if you would like you can send me your email addy and I can forward you my speeches if you would like to see what sorts of things I talked bout

[oldiebutgoodie2 11]

Alien, I would love to have a copy of your speech/outline! My email is mamamav1@yahoo.com.

By the way, I have read a lot of your entries on this website and seen all your pics- so neat to see your Tummy Tuck pics- your pics were the beginning of my research before MY tummy tuck! Thanks for the inspiration on that as well!

[zinhaa 363]

Congrats being a role model is such an honor