I actually went to St. Peter's Hospital to go to my first support group. They actually combined the bansters and RNYers b/c there weren't enough people. Before the meeting I was speaking to the coordinator of the seminars and told him that I was willing to talk at 2 weeks post-op, but that someone said they only wanted people out 3 months or longer. He told me that was silly and that he wished I talked to him. I told him I was 7 1/2 weeks out and willing to talk tonight if he needed anyone. He shouted a big YEAH!
He likes to have 2 rnyers and 2 bandsters, but there were only three of us (2 rnyers, 1 bandster). Me down 34lbs at 7 1/2 weeks out, another RNYer down 180lbs two years out, and the bandster down 50 in 1 year.
It was really fun talking to the big crowd. I even had a microphone. Don't know why they gave it to me, as I have a big projecting voice! LOL It was SO fulfilling to get to talk to potential patients about my surgery. I felt so important. They were asking lots of questions and I spoke to some privately after the meeting.
When all the patients were gone, SO many of the staff members (nurses, front desk, medical assistants) came up to me and told me what a great job I did and how well I spoke to the crowd. Probably b/c I use humor too, as you all know. They were making me blush.
I told them I had a wonderful time and would do it again. So next month, I may just do that!