unusual perspective..on the other side

Had an interesting day last Friday...I voluntered to speak at the Dartmouth pre-surgical seminar.  Boy was it weird being on the other side of that.  I am 5 1/2 months out from surgery and have lost 105 lbs (43 were presurgery).  I'm wearing a size 4 pant now (OMG!).  As many of you heard I had my WOW moment in the beginning of August and was able to get into my wedding dress of 24 yrs ago.  This whole process is a little overwhelming sometimes (in a good way of course).
Rhonda

Rhonda,

Congrats on your success!  It's very exciting and interesting, isn't it?  What a phenomenal job you have done so far.

I spoke at DHMC in April and felt the same way.  It feels much better being on the "after" side!  It also felt good to tell my story and answer questions.

Lisa

Oh you know ladies..I really need to go as a vet.  Are there many Lap Banders that speak?  The program is only 2 1/2 years old for lap band.  It takes us longer so I know they need to see it can be done.   I don't do well in front of people..maybe I can just get over it.

I think they would love to see more lap banders.  I don't think it matters how far out you are.  As you know people want to know what you have experienced to date, what your issues are.  They are desparate of details.  As great as the staff is none of them have gone through the surgeries so sometimes it is difficult for them to convey info.  Everyone is different and every stage of the process is important to those who are preparing.  I've noticed that those who start out nervous loosen up quickly as the audience is full of questions.  Once you give a brief description of your case they will jump right in with lots of questions.

I think they like to have at least 1 GBS and 1 Lap band to speak each month.  I was very nervous when I spoke (knees shaking and all!)  After a few questions, I became more calm.  They only allow a short period of time for post-op speakers and it really wasn't bad at all.  I think people go there with questions ready to ask which helps.  You should do it.  Call Sherry.  I know they're always looking for new speakers and it doesn't matter how far out you are.

Lisa 

I think I will call Sherry.  Right at this moment I am recovering from plastics but maybe by the September meeting I will be ok.  I know people have questions about plastics as well. Us bandsters do not avoid all the skin issues..I know people think we do but it is more to do with age and genetics!

They keep asking hubby and I to speak because we were banded together, but he is sooo shy I may never get him up there.  He is the real looser. . . 40 pounds in 3 months.  Plus it is an 1.5 for us to get to manchester, which seems bad enough for fills.  Right now I am so darn frustrated with my band I am not sure I would say good things either.  I love Dr. Gould and the staff, but I have been WICKED tight for 2 weeks (since my first fill) and don't have an appointment to go back for 2 more weeks.  I just want to EAT something and not PB. Sorry to turn my reply into a rant. . .

That doesn't mean you'd be a bad speaker....preop'ers should hear the good the bad and the ugly of it to be able to make an informed decision.  I have a coworker who had lapband 2 wks prior to my RNY (different Doc and hospital)...she is having a terrible time...Hearing some of the "issues" may help those on the "fence " of which surgery or even whether or not to have surgery make a better decision.