I'm reading post after post in regards to whom people have told. And it seems very few are telling people outside of their 'cirle'.
Me, I've told the world. If someone at work asks, I tell them. My job knew the second i started contemplating the surgery.
I think part of my decision to tell everyone was I work for the company/hospital who does the surgery. i was the first one at my insurance company to get lapband. and now i am the first one to get the revision. i actually considered trying to get a job at the bariatric clinic. everyone at work has been so amazingly supportive. two of my close friends at work have gotten surgeries too. i feel like i've inspired others to follow suit, or to at least go to a clnic. i've sort of become the poster child for the surgery. matter of a fact, i may soon literally be the post child. marketing has asked if i'd be willing to be part of our 'my story' campaign. I have already put a testimonial on the website. they want to do a photo shoot (WHAT?? WHO? ME?? really? YIKES, YAY) most of the posters i would be on are within the insurance company and the hospitals. there's a very slight (NO WAY! YIKES) possibility i may be on a billboard.
see here in new mexico, not very many doctors offer the surgery. matter of a fact, it appears to just be our hospital here in albuquerque and one in santa fe. so it's a huge deal to have success stories and advertisement when a huge part of your advertising is 'only hospital in alb to offer wls'. i don't know if all this will come to light, but i'm willing to do what it takes to inspire others. or to be there for anyone who has questions. granted, one of my best friends is the manager of the clinic now, so i doubt she'll let it go. she'll make sure my mug shot is out there! haha..
Six months of waiting and today I was able to schedule my surgery. 28 days from now I will being heading to LGH for a procedure called the Sleeve Gasrectomy. I feel so excited! I have met with my nutritionist once a month for the last 6 months, and have really come a long way in the way that I think about food. I have attended cooking demos, support groups, met with a behavior Specialist and had one on one instruction on strength building. The results I have lost 45 pre surgery pounds. I am so ready for the next step.
