Conversations you hear sitting in your doc's waiting room

[mss 1]

For me, the weirdest thing about this thread is that the original poster and all of the responders TALK with other people in the waiting room.:scared2: I don't think I've ever even overheard conversation in the waiting room, let alone spoken to other people about the band. I don't know if it is a cultural difference or not, but I don't think it is lap-band related, as I have noticed the same thing in any GP's waiting room for all of my life. It's like it is a library or confessional or something - everyone reads the magazines, keeps their heads down and, if eye contact is accidentally made, a small nod is all the communication allowed.

I was wondering the same thing Fanny. I wonder if Aussies are more hesitant to talk to others in the waiting room. Or maybe that is just a Perth thing. The surgeon I go to does different surgeries apart from the LB so I would never presume that anyone else in his waiting room is also there for LB related visits unless they mentioned it first.

[-acl- 0]

Hi Fanny and mss,

I'm in Perth, I see Tony Kierath.

I have had pretty much the same experiences as described in the posts above, overhearing some things that make me wonder why some people even bother getting the band, but on the same note I've also heard, and had some really positive and inspirational conversations in the waiting room.

Most people I've met in the surgeons rooms have been really friendly,

but also at my local GP's often someone will start a bit of small talk while waiting, usually older people.

Where are you guys from in Perth? I'm in Forrestfield, and my surgeons office is in West Perth - I'm wondering if it depends on the area to what kind of waiting room ettiquite applies.

All the best

Amy

[Ellisa 6]

Sorry ladies, it's not just a Down Under thing. I rarely hear conversations in any doctor's office either. Not do I converse with others in the waiting room. And the few conversations that are heard are regarding current events or the weather. LOL

[Pix 4]

I don't talk to people in the waiting room either, for me that is just way to personal a place for a "stranger conversation". I have had people start talking to me, but generally I give very simple answers and either tap my book, or play with my pen (if I am doing a cross word) and the hint (for the most part) is respected.

I do hear some crazy stuff in waiting rooms though, never ever sit near OB/GYN waiting areas ROFL .. OMG ... (and I am mom!!)

[travelgirl 3]

I've found the same thing in Dr's waiting rooms, there can be 30 people waiting, and except for the cheesy music softly playing, you could hear a pin drop. With the exception of the odd cough, sneeze, crying baby or playing toddler.

[Kat817 19]

Where I am from....they talk!! Here in my area, I am very near the Navajo Indian Reservation, and as part of their culture and respect for their own people....many of them, when they walk in a room like that, will begin on one side, and make an entire circle, shaking hands with every other Navajo in the place, regardless of age....from infancy through 100+. If you are pleasant and make eye contact as they pass you, you often get the respectful hand shake as well. Now in Dr.'s offices....especially....this seems kinda icky--thinking you just shook hands with everyone in there!!! But I also opened the same door as the last sick guy!!!

Anyway---it leads to many conversations.

At my fill Dr. the conversation is almost ALWAYS lap band! You can tell the newbies, coming for consult---they usually sit in groups of 2, and whisper----you just know they are wondering if you or the others has been banded. I always end up talking to them---but mostly because the 2 women at the desk always ask me how my trip was (6 hour drive) and ask after my SIL if she is not with me--they get the conversations started.

I have been in the quiet somber offices---when I lived in Salt Lake City----NO ONE spoke-even the nurse in the office was questions only, no visiting at ALL! And once in a Dr.'s office in Wyoming, where I had taken my DH I was the only woman in the place----and even fat as I was then, I felt like a pork chop in the dog pound!!!

I prefer casual conversation I think!!

Kat

[travelgirl 3]

I can't even fathom a chatty waiting room... I think it would be nice, at least the time would pass quicker...

[Boadicea 0]

Where I am from....they talk!! Here in my area, I am very near the Navajo Indian Reservation, and as part of their culture and respect for their own people....many of them, when they walk in a room like that, will begin on one side, and make an entire circle, shaking hands with every other Navajo in the place, regardless of age....from infancy through 100+. If you are pleasant and make eye contact as they pass you, you often get the respectful hand shake as well. Now in Dr.'s offices....especially....this seems kinda icky--thinking you just shook hands with everyone in there!!! But I also opened the same door as the last sick guy!!!

Anyway---it leads to many conversations.

Kat

That is AMAZING. I think that's awesome. What a very neat cultural thing. I've always felt our culture (american) is too isolating.

Kat, I'm also so happy to see your stats. I'm new to all this and I have to be honest that I'm terribly afraid that the lap band won't work for me so I love coming here and seeing that folks are REALLY losing weight.

As for the folks who complain about or brag about their bad eating choices, or that they didn't have to pay for the surgery, that really shocks me, but I also like the bell curve explanation. That rocks.

--Boadicea

[BRANDYK 0]

I think it all depends on who is sitting in the waiting room. I will usually try to strike up a convo with someone if they look friendly enough while I'm waiting, but if they look nervous or like they don't want to be bothered I leave them alone. The day I had my first fill I was so grateful a woman there started talking to me. I told her how scared I was and she calmed me down a little bit and reassured me it wasn't that bad.