Just looking for a little feedback here. I just went to the seminar for the lapband surgery yesterday and found out that I MUST bring someone with me to my first doctor's visit. I'm not talking about the surgery, just the first initial contact. What gives? I am fully capable of asking the questions I need to ask and taking direction on my own. The truth is that I don't want my family to know about my lapband procedure until AFTER I have it done. I don't need the criticism and anyone telling me I'm wrong for wanting to do it (and believe me they will)...and I don't want to inconvenience my friends. I can hear me now, "Um, would you mind coming to the doctor with me so that you can hear about a priviate procedure I plan on having and then help me remember everything the doc says?" I am an adult, not a 4 year old! It should me my choice if I want someone to come with me or not. I don't have a DH or anyone else that I want to share this with yet. Why am I being forced to do so? :angry

Everyone,

Thanks so much for your feedback. I called the place where I'm going to have the surgery done and they AGAIN told me that with the first visit with the surgeon, if I didn't bring along a support person, he wouldn't see me and would make me reschedule. I can't believe this hasn't been protested before. I feel like I am forced to tell people that I don't yet want to tell. I should be able to do this (letting people know) in my own time. Well, I should be grateful the technology is available and that (once approved by insurance) that I can have the surgery done. But honestly, I feel defeated on this one. I'm not a child. When an adult needs support, they ask for it.. If I'm not asking, just let me be.

I can't believe they refuse to see you unless you have someone with you. I am telling as few people as possible. If I were you I would look and see if there is another surgeon in your area you could call for a consult. This is making me so mad that they are refusing to see you without a support person!!!

Is there someone else from the seminar or in this forum near you that could go with you? I am a closet bandster, so I can totally relate that it is no one's business and you are capable of doing this alone. Best of luck and keep us posted.

That is a great idea, socal. I should be more positive. Angel, if I was near you I would be happy to go and support you!

HUH, I never heard of that before. I agree with you. You're grown and it's not as if someone has to help you home or anything like when you have surgery. I would call and ask why and also explain that this is a private affair for you right now.

Thanks socal,

You know - just having this forum to give me support is a great help. I live in the Atlanta area and went to the seminar at Emory University. I did meet a few people at for seminar (and got a few numbers so we could all share our experiences). I'll think about contacting one of them, but it's still the principle that I must contact one of them that I just can't understand! Really, thanks everyone for your suggestions and support. I am so glad I found this forum!