Sorry guys, I need to rant about something and get it off my chest!! Usually when I go in for a fill, I actually look forward to sitting in the waiting room and talking to the other people there, trading stories and progress with them. It's my only chance to talk to other people face to face that have a band. When I went in for my last fill not too long ago though, I was biting my lip and had to tune out the conversation that was going on around me. I know I shouldn't be judgemental but there were some ladies in there talking about how they eat big bowls of spaghetti, one lady was talking about drinking beer and soda all the time, one was saying she was there for her first fill and didn't think she really needed it because she had only started out with thirty pounds to lose anyway (I still don't beleive that because I don't think my doc would band someone with that little to lose). What made me the most angry was this one lady said she didn't care if she only lost a little bit of weight with her band, it wasn't like she was going to be out any money since her insurance paid for it. She flat out said she wasn't going to change WHAT she ate for ANY reason, she like the kind of food she liked and that was that. I was sitting there thinking to myself that if she had to spend her entire savings like I did she might have a different attitude about it. It just frustrated me to no end. I don't understand why people would have this kind of attitude towards this wonderful tool and chance they have been given. Ok, now I'm done, I feel better now that I have vented!!

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

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

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!!)

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.

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

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

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

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.