So, I Spoke At a WLS Information Meeting Last Night...

rickpete
on 8/19/09 12:42 am - Elk River, MN

I spoke at a WLS information seminar put on by the Unity Hospital Bariatric program last night. There were 3 lap-banders and me, the lone RNY person. We were there to introduce ourselves, identify our surgeon and the weight loss we have experienced to date and then be available to answer questions. I think it went pretty well, although I did feel a *****oked up when I talked about being there to give back because so much has been given to me on this journey. So many of you here have offered your support and encouragement to me along the way that I thought this would be a good opportunity to say thank you for being there for me, for making this journey much better than it might otherwise have been.

Shannon R.
on 8/19/09 6:23 am, edited 8/19/09 6:30 am - NW Suburbs, MN

RNY on 11/11/09

I attended the WLS info meeting last night that Rick spoke at. He did a GREAT job and was very open and helpful with the details he shared.

This was a sort of "first step" for me, and being able to hear the nurse, surgeon and actual WLS patients speak about the experience was quite eye-opening! I even made an appointment for the NEXT step, to meet with a Bariatric Nurse on Friday to start "the process".

Rick spoke about giving back, and I think hearing about how the former WLS patients were ALL in our shoes/seats a year or more ago and hearing how one of their biggest regrets was NOT getting the surgery sooner was really insightful!

Thank you to Rick and everyone on this board who is willing to share their thoughts and journeys with those considering accepting the posibility of this new TOOL!

Shannon

rickpete
on 8/19/09 6:42 am - Elk River, MN

RNY on 06/18/08

Shannon:

It was great to meet you!! You are too kind, by the way, but thank you. I want to wish you the best of luck on your own journey.

Rick

Connie D.
on 8/19/09 6:45 am

RNY on 08/29/07

RP....good for you....helping others is what this is all about. I am sure they appreciated hearing your story and getting all that valuable information you have accumulated since your surgery.

Hugs.....connie d