I'm gonna be a speaker... HELP!

So I've been asked to speak at a pre op support group... it's tonight.  There are usually 40-50 people anyway, as it is a requirement of the program to attend at least one, but lots of people go for information...

I was told to tell my story without sugar coating anything (I had complications).

I'm looking for any info that you all wish you had heard at that point in the process...

AND... should I share about my excessive hair loss and the fact that I am wearing a partial wig now?  I'm not sure if I want to share that with a bunch of strangers... but I would have wanted to know about it... I'm torn.  Thoughts?

I would only tell what I am comfortable with sharing. Best of luck!

I think you should tell them your story and not leave anything out! there are things that i know now that might have changed my mind in the beginning but now it doesnt bother me because i know this is whats best for me!! Hopefully others see that as well. GOOD LUCK!

i would absolutely share the many, many positives, but also let them know there are some not so great things that happen too ie hairloss, but stress that its temporary.

people deserve the full story.

how exciting, you will do great im sure. let us know how it goes.

You're brave! I hate public speaking. I think I would want to know about your hair situation. It's all part of the package. Maybe I wouldn't mention the wig but just say that you've had a lot of hair loss. If anyone approaches you afterward and says something like you don't look like you've lost hair, you might tell them it's a wig. IDK. But good luck and good for you for doing this!

Thanks guys!  I am totally comfortable speaking, I'm a teacher so I'm used to it... I'm kind of excited to be giving back... and not even 10 weeks out!

They have only done about a dozen sleeves so far, so there aren't a lot of people to choose from, and lots of people have interest in it...

I kinda feel like if I mention the hair I HAVE to mention the wig... I guess I'll see how the crowd feels :-)

I hope it goes well... I guess we shall see :-)

 I didn't notice till now that you are SO newly post op yourself.    Let everyone know that the hair WILL COME BACK with time.    I lost tons of hair myself but it DID come back in.    Good luck....BTW....I started speaking in my surgeon's seminars about 6 weeks post op.    


Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

Kanga,
I started speaking about the Sleeve in the same venue about 10 weeks out also. I think I was the 12th Sleeve they had done at our program, and they begged me to come and talk since they wanted to let people know about the Sleeve option.

Not only are you helping people by giving them knowledge, but I wanted to let you know it's so wonderful and a huge support system for you, too!! I speak with other folks that have had the RnY and the Band and they are all a lot further out than I am. They have been so wonderful and uplifting to me! I've been able to glean information from them, because after all, even though our surgeries are different, we have many similarities as well. We make it a strong policy to never bash each others surgeries. We picked our surgery types for our own personal reasons

We let it be known that we'll answer every question we're asked, and we tell the perspective WLS folks that no question is taboo. Believe me...we've gotten them all too...LOL!!
Just be honest in what you're asked. You'll feel so wonderful for having done this!! Thanks for volunteering your time!!

Warm regards,
Heidi

 I have spoken in many seminars for my bariatric surgeon.    Be honest with the people ( you know you would want everyone to be honest with you if you were there to learn about WLS ).   If you are not comfortable telling them about your excess hair loss....tell them only what YOU are comfortable with sharing.   Usually people will come up to you after the Seminar and ask you personal questions anyway.   I would be honest with everyone though about your complications.   Everyone needs to know that everyone does not have a complication free journey to a healthier lifestyle.    Good luck but I know you will do fine.    Have a blessed day !!!

Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

As somone facing the procedure, it helps me psychologically to know the pros and the cons.  The hair loss is HUGE for me as I face my procedure in early December.  But knowing it may/may not happen helps me be prepared.  Share what you are comfortable with, but knowing the negatives helps make informed decisions and not just the positives.  I'm sure you will do great, but let us know how it goes.

Best!