Monday, July 26, 2010

Support Group & New Bandster Friend

Tonight was the monthly support group for my surgeon's practice. It was a good one. The bandsters are increasing! Not in size, because we're all shrinking away, but in numbers. I think there were 4 bandsters tonight, among the 8-9 bypass people and 2 sleeve people. (And by the way, do bypass and sleeve people have a cool nickname like "bandster"?)

Anyway, tonight was just an open session and we talked about everything under the sun. We got some free vitamin and mineral samples - score! I revealed that I am going bald (yes, it's true, I'm losing my hair and I'm hoping it won't last). There was a new person who is gearing up for her surgery next month - such an exciting and scary time!

After the meeting, I went to dinner with a newly banded lovely young woman named Amanda and her very sweet husband. Four weeks ago today, Nurse G mentioned that there were 2 newly banded women in the hospital next door to the surgeon's office and asked if I'd go over and say hi and offer some encouragement. So I did. The last time I saw Amanda she was in a hospital gown, hopped up on morphine, and now she is just doing amazingly well. I'm so happy for her. It's really nice to have someone to talk to who has been through the exact same thing I have. Shared experience is a powerful thing!

2 comments:

Gilly said...

The hair loss does stop. At least it mostly has with me. It was scary for a while there...I am talking HANDFULS...but it's back to normal now. I was banded in Jan. and it's only stopped in the last month or so.

Amanda Kiska said...

I am losing my hair too. Not bald yet so that's a good sign.

I wish I had a support group other than you guys.