Speaking At A WLS Informational Seminar, Any Advice?

At my first annual follow-up appointment with my WLS surgeon, I was asked if I would be willing to speak at one of their WLS informational seminars.  I agreed to do it on Tuesday evening next week.  Their format is to present information and have a couple of former patients available to answer questions, so it really isn't a formal speaking thing as I thought it might be.  Nevertheless, I would like to prepare myself to be able to answer questions without talking like a manure salesman with a mouthful of merchandise.  What burning questions did/do you have before surgery? 

RP

RP - The obvious thing is be honest, but if I was a preop listening to you, I would like to know some of the things you couldn't do before and can now - like all of that exercise you do! 

Maybe a bit about recovery and early out - how tough it is when you don't lose for a day and you think it's the end of the world

And I would like to hear some of the negatives too, and I think preops need to know their issues won't go away after surgery automatically and that NOW is the time to start on working on their new path....exercise, healthy eating & drinking, their emotional health.... that kind of thing.

Good luck, and personally, I think they are fortunate that you will be speaking

Thank you.....I really appreciate your advice!

RP

I have to agree with Happy Girl's advice...give them the information of what you are a able to do now, but don't skimp on the difficulties either. The daily reminders needed to eat healthy, start exercise program now, deal with emotional eating habits, etc.  That willl help many of them make the decisions that they need to make to be informed about everything prior to surgery.

Thanks...I just hope that I am not too blunt about the difficulties part...i don't want to scare them off.

RP

"be able to answer questions without talking like a manure salesman with a mouthful of merchandise."

Ha!  I have never heard that one...I love it and may steal it from you someday!  Too bad I've heard many manure salesmen in my lifetime! 

Good luck next week, I know you'll do splendidly.  Just be honest with them and all will be well.

 

Thanks for your encouragement!

RP

Have a few before photos, if you hadn't already planned to.

Be honest when answering their questions. 

Stress that this isn't just a quick fix, but a life-long committment - that they need to accept that committment BEFORE they have surgery, or they will struggle much more the further out they get.

Good luck!  I'm sure you'll do great!  Your physical example of what WLS can do for them will be significant 

I am planning to bring a couple of before pictures.  Thank you for your advice, too, especially the commitment part.

 

RP

Let them know that the mental part of the surgery is even harder than the physical part and that it will be a LOT more difficult than they think it will be.