Speaking at a Bariatric Info Session...
Has anyone else done this? Any advice? I'm excited and nervous to tell my story in hopes that it will help others but I am not sure what to cover at all! The one thing I know for sure is that I am bringing my infamous 'big jeans', the staff requested it after seeing the picture of me, half the weight in half the jeans. I am just not sure which key points to touch.
I have spoken at bariatric support groups a couple of times. Since this is an info session, will most of the audience be pre op?
I would make a few notes about the things that interested you most prior to surgery. Ask the group facilitator what types of things he/she would like to hear, or thinks the group would benefit from most.
Some topics might include:
Handling insurance - they're all different
Pre op screenings - sleep study, psychological, lab work, etc. according to insurance needs
Being patient through the process
The commitments of surgery - dietary guidelines, changes of lifestyle
Doubts and fears
The hospital stay - what to take, what to expect
Recovering at home
Working with your nutritionist
Exercise
Success is a process
Hope those ideas help!