Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Ran into my lap-band coordinator yesterday; public speaking



Recommended Posts

Whilst sitting in a waiting room for many hours (fill problems, blah blah blah), I had a surprise visit from the coordinator of the Lap Band program at the hospital.

I had dealt with her about a year ago, when setting this thing up. She runs the local support group meetings, but as of yet I have not attended any of them.

So she sticks her head in the room, and asks "do you know me?" Strange question, but I do in fact recognize her since she's "in context" in the hospital. She then says that she doesn't know who I am, but that she had been told by the nurses that one of her lap band patients was in the room. At first, she didn't even believe that I was a lap band guy, but I pulled out the driver's license and she recognized me from that photo.

We had a long discussion about the journey, and what this has been like. She was taking copious notes, apparently she's trying to get follow up info for patients to meet some regulatory guideline. I told her I was blogging about this ("what's a blog? Do I use Netscape for that?") and that she could read that if she wanted.

Normal platitudes, "ya look great", etc. She's trying to get me to come to the support meetings as a speaker. I'm thinking that one over, not sure that I want to get in front of anyone to talk about this stuff. Talking physical changes is easy, but if they ask about the emotional/mental ones I'm not sure what to say.

Besides, my complications would scare the bejeepers out of the newbies....

So my Q to the group, and the reason for the post -- has anyone been put in the position of talking to support groups and potential WLS people? If so, was that worth doing, and would you go talk to them again? I'm not a big fan of public speaking, but a small group might be ok.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've done a lot of public speaking - but not about the lap-band. But that's because I am relatively new to it, and no one has asked me! I love to talk. I am a freak of nature - I enjoy public speaking.

However, to me the issue is not the subject as much as your comfort level in talking. If you are comfortable with doing so, and are prepared for people to ask questions, then go for it!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Whilst sitting in a waiting room for many hours (fill problems, blah blah blah), I had a surprise visit from the coordinator of the Lap Band program at the hospital.

I had dealt with her about a year ago, when setting this thing up. She runs the local support group meetings, but as of yet I have not attended any of them.

So she sticks her head in the room, and asks "do you know me?" Strange question, but I do in fact recognize her since she's "in context" in the hospital. She then says that she doesn't know who I am, but that she had been told by the nurses that one of her lap band patients was in the room. At first, she didn't even believe that I was a lap band guy, but I pulled out the driver's license and she recognized me from that photo.

We had a long discussion about the journey, and what this has been like. She was taking copious notes, apparently she's trying to get follow up info for patients to meet some regulatory guideline. I told her I was blogging about this ("what's a blog? Do I use Netscape for that?") and that she could read that if she wanted.

Normal platitudes, "ya look great", etc. She's trying to get me to come to the support meetings as a speaker. I'm thinking that one over, not sure that I want to get in front of anyone to talk about this stuff. Talking physical changes is easy, but if they ask about the emotional/mental ones I'm not sure what to say.

Besides, my complications would scare the bejeepers out of the newbies....

So my Q to the group, and the reason for the post -- has anyone been put in the position of talking to support groups and potential WLS people? If so, was that worth doing, and would you go talk to them again? I'm not a big fan of public speaking, but a small group might be ok.

My doc has asked if I would come to a newbie seminar and speak - I said yes - but so far they haven't contacted me.

What were your complications - I have seen you around the board but didn't know you had problems.

I think that newbies need to know about the emotional part of our experiences 1st hand - I think it would be most beneficial to them - they don't talk about how we can miss eating out we cope with out food in our face 24/7- Think that is what makes a successful bander - is doing the mental work that goes along with it - the band its self isn't going to make you lose the weight

I know that you have been successful and that in it's self is inspirational to others - but they need to know the work involved to be successful..

IMHO you should do it...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My doctor asked me to attend the support group meetings as there are VERY FEW lap banders and mostly bypass patients. I have been successful, so he wanted me to go and give a postive voice to the merits of lap band. I go. The bypass patients can be viscious. (I think they're jealous....LOL After being subjected to that hell, I would be jealous of someone with a band who lost just as much as I did, and didn't have to get their stomach cut out, take B-12 shots monthly, get the runs if you eat sugar, etc. etc. etc.) I too don't mind public speaking, and would do it if asked. But it would have to be an audience that I would never see again. I'm kind of private about my band.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So my Q to the group, and the reason for the post -- has anyone been put in the position of talking to support groups and potential WLS people? If so, was that worth doing, and would you go talk to them again? I'm not a big fan of public speaking, but a small group might be ok.

A friend of mine was getting banded a couple of months ago and she wanted to go to my doc based on my research. I told her no, she needed to do her own research. So there was a doctor from Mexico that was doing a seminar here locally.

We went there and as soon as we walked in the door he grabbed me and pulled me to the front of the group and introduced me as HIS patient. I never met the man in my life. Oups. What was I supposed to say? Hey, this is Dr. "X" seminar but I went to Dr. Aceves!

HA!

I didn't, I just said I was too shy and didn't speak in front of groups. He kept pushing me to speak and I didn't.

My own doctor has asked me to speak and I just can't. I'm not a public speaker. I get nervous and forget what the topic is.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A friend of mine was getting banded a couple of months ago and she wanted to go to my doc based on my research. I told her no, she needed to do her own research. So there was a doctor from Mexico that was doing a seminar here locally.

We went there and as soon as we walked in the door he grabbed me and pulled me to the front of the group and introduced me as HIS patient. I never met the man in my life. Oups. What was I supposed to say? Hey, this is Dr. "X" seminar but I went to Dr. Aceves!

HA!

I didn't, I just said I was too shy and didn't speak in front of groups. He kept pushing me to speak and I didn't.

My own doctor has asked me to speak and I just can't. I'm not a public speaker. I get nervous and forget what the topic is.

Wasa

That's so hard to believe you are such an articulate person and knowledgeable in all this medical & surgical stuff - You are a prime example of person who has succeeded..

You shy :biggrin:- That's hard to believe - are you really in real life shy??

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wasa

That's so hard to believe you are such an articulate person and knowledgeable in all this medical & surgical stuff - You are a prime example of person who has succeeded..

You shy :biggrin:- That's hard to believe - are you really in real life shy??

One on one and I'm great, but public speaking? Nooooo, not me. I start speaking so fast nobody can understand anything I say anyway. Then when I get nervous I start cracking jokes and well... you have to know me to love me and understand my dry dry dry sense of humor. ;o)

*I* think my jokes are hysterical, not everyone agrees. HA!

I used to teach and even getting in front of a large class...I had to psych myself up for it. Once I was on a roll it was fine but it was still hard.

Also, as most of us I have body image issues. I'm 130-135# right now but feel like I look over 200#. That's hard too, I'm forever adjusting clothes to cover up fat... It's weird, I know.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I speak on a panel of post-ops at my surgeon's mandatory Behavioral Health "class". I was very nervous the first time, but it's pretty informal. There are usually 3 to 5 of us (and up to 13 of them) and we just remain seated in a circle of tables and chairs.

I never even thought about not doing it when I was asked. To me, it adds yet another layer of accountability, and I can always use that! Not only that, but I feel like I'm "paying back" and that's a great feeling.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

May I just say how encouraging it is to see so many foks here who have lost 100 pounds or more in a year or 14 months! I am SOOOOOOOOOOO encouraged and it is part of what keeps me focused. If y'all can do it, so can I. I lost 90 pounds once on my own in about 14 months but then gained it all back. That is why I did this...I thought I could do the food plan, but I needed a tool to help me keep it off and to help me get refocused if I started gaining it back.

Thanks so much folks. Just so you know how very encouraging it is! I think ALL of you have a lot to contribute to a group.

And by the way..I love hearing about the struggle part of it as well..cause I know I am not alone. A few people make it sound like it was really easy and they never went off track at all. Perfection is achieved by few>>>but it is great to heat that although the road was bumpy< it led to real weight loss>

Cindi

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

manatee, after reading your post here, I spent some time last night reading through your blog journey for the first time and...I think you have a story to tell. You're right..you can authentically speak into the physical side of making a choice for health and the role that exercise has played (is playing) in your journey to a healthier self. IMO, you have also written about another whole aspect of weight loss ~ that there IS an emotional and mental side to this journey that simply cannot be ignored. I'd be bold enough to say that most of us have something to deal with here...and you're working through it. I am inspired by your story...even hearing about the complications. You have ultimately made a commitment to yourself and followed through in so many ways. I agree with what you wrote early on that blogging/journaling helps. This could be a big help to a newly banded person. Also, another purpose of a support group is sometimes just to hear that what we're experiencing is *normal*, meaning that someone else 'gets it', understands, is willing to talk about it so I can learn from YOU. You don't need to share personal details but generally speaking that getting support (medical, psychological) when you need it is part of this and not to shy away from it or neglect it. So, I'd enourage you, manatee, to GO FOR IT.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×