Jenn Posted February 2, 2008 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 The show airs on Monday. Yes, this show was hot. All other shows where pushed to Feb 18. We wished Dr. Ortiz was there. First we arrived to a side entrance at the Harpo Studios. When we went in they confiscated our phones and cameras and checked our bags. We where then brought into "The Green Room" We waited and several people came in and out to greet us. Some of it was releases, going over the script and then we had our hair and makeup done. Yes, it was quite delightful. They actually airbrushed our foundation on. That was fun. After we relaxed they came in with audio packs and set up all the mics on us. Then a group of people came, it got exciting, everyone was telling us good luck, have fun, people we don't know, but part of the Oprah's crew. Amazing, I can only say as we entered the studio. Everyone in the audience looked great. Cassies boyfriend and his mom where seated in the upper level. I watched Cassie begin to look for him and what a big smile she had when she saw he was there and made it in. The day before the show was canceled and they where trying to bring in the previous day audiences. Also before we arrived into the actual studio the audience was told the story line and handed green cards to ask any questions. The producers went through those cards, but we are not sure if any of them where read on stage. They sat all of us in the front row at first. There was a lady on the stage telling the audience how to react if you do have a question to wait for the mic to come to you first and then begin the question. Then a gentleman asked if he could come up stage and sing a song for all the ladies. The PR lady said that would be fine. He was dressed in a fabulous dark grey suit. As he began to sing, everyone was mesmerized He could sing. Then others began to introduce there single moms, grandmothers and tell their stories a bit until we where ready to shoot the show. The show was taped not live. All of a sudden there was a surprise guest to sit in on the show. He was not originally planed to sit in but he wanted to. Dr. Oz. Right before Oprah came out, we all know that hall way, they asked Cassie and I to sit on the couch. Yes the Oprah Couch. Cassie was seated right next to where Oprah was going to sit. We where the first to go on the stage. Then Oprah came out. The applause was loud and everyone began to stand. She was amazing. She dressed simple, and brightly colored orange sweater, at which she made a comment on how bright it is. She had Croc shoes to match and dark brown / blackish colored pants. She was very pleasant when she arrived on stage. She said "Hello" to us before the cameras began to roll. She looked at the her Producer and said "Are You Ready?" and he nodded yes. Oprah began to read the teleprompter, then a short video of our trip to Mexico was played. Cassie and I both could feel ourselves balling up, and it took a lot to hold it back , but in the nick of time, there was Dr. Ortiz on the Video. It brought laughter through out the audience and put huge smiles on our faces. "The Chicken & Sombrero" comment ! As Oprah began interviewing us Dr. Oz began to try and shut Cassie and I down. You could tell when he went to talk about the Band he had no clue. He should of done some research. He was trying to explain the band to Oprah but Cassie and I would jump in. Then we went to break. Another Teen named Mac with his mom was brought onto the stage. He as well had the lap band. There was another doctor sitting next to me who did Gastric on a 17 year old who is featured on video. She was from Children's Hospital and was asked to do a Gastric ByPass Study on Children. So she did her first surgery on a Child. It's amazing how they do one surgery and they are experts on the band. I mentioned this is your first study and it is in the beginning of the trial stages. Your probably asking why would I say that to her, well as many of you said, there may be a heated discussion. There was. But not with Oprah, just the two doctors. Dr. Oz said that Cassie will probably have problems later in life and then began to say that all the teens on the stage have an underlying problem and that the lap band is not the solution. I was appalled !!!! So where the other mothers. Before I left the stage I had other comments to make to Dr. Oz. When I approached my seat I was complimented how I stuck up for my child and all bandsters. This argument between the Dr. Oz and the other doctor was not over. I raised my hand and Oprah said, After commercial Jennifer. Oprah asked why not wait? I replied, because with obesity there is a lot of damage that happens. Her knees where starting to become painful she slowed down in sports and I wanted to avoid diabetes not to mention a full body lift. Mentally she was just starting to get verbally abused by children at school. So after Dr. Oz stated that each one of these children have mental problems and that is why they are obese I looked at him when Oprah gave me my chance and I told him. ( I hope this part airs and they don’t cut me out) Before my daughter had surgery she was happy, she did all kinds of sports, everyone loved her and she loved herself. There was no mental issues with my daughter she loved life. I stopped the damage before it she was scared to the point she was damaged by hurtful people. I could hear the other mother a few feet from meet. Ya Ya. nodding her head. The father of Mac turned again and was Kudosto me ! By this point Dr. Oz had about enough of me. Then the Doctor from the Children's Hospital stated agreeing with Dr. Oz, stating that this is pretty young to have children doing this and they could be damaged. Then the doctor from Children's Hospital began to say if we can teach these children how to eat properly we can wipe out obesity or eliminate obesity. Then Oprah slowly turned to her, and I saw the look on Oprah's face that look was "Are you an idiot!" Then those words of humility. She said something in the way of "Really, do you really believe we can eliminate obesity!" I thought get her Oprah. SCORE for the bandsters. Then the doctor dug herself in deeper by saying something like we hope to eliminate Trauma Centers as well. By this time I was on Dr. Oz's list. My true opinion is that Dr. Oz is too much Mr.. Hollywood. He did not like anyone contradicting him. He is a doctor and I am nothing. I looked at Cassies face and she was furious over his statement that there is an underlying problem and that is why she is obese and so are other kids. I then turned and looked up in the audience to see the faces of Cassie's boyfriend and his mom. They were angry! Cassie held her own. She stated to him "So your feel it would have been better for me to have my heart give out , and have diabetes?" I'm very proud of her. When the show ended all the kids where up on the stage and had their pictures with Oprah. There was so much chatter in the hallways returning back to the Green Room over the controversy. No wonder this is airing so quickly on Monday. After the taping we were told that the snow storms had our flight delayed. So as we entered the limo to be taken back to the hotel to await the next flight out we were pleasantly greeted by one of the other guests from the show who was on 17 magazine for loosing the weight on her own. She was a pleasant girl and her family was great as well. When we arrived at the hotel Omni it wasn but 45 minutes we were told to get back into the limo to catch our later flight. Well we kept hearing that flights had been getting cancelled. As we entered yet another limo, there was another guest from the show. This young lady had gastric and so did her mom. We had some great conversation in the limo over what had taken place. One of their stories was how they left the Harpo Studios and in their limo was the Children's Hospital Doctor. They told us how they where heading back and the Dr. wanted to stop to go shopping so the doctor and her rep. had the limo pull over at some shops. They had taken so long shopping away and leaving the other Oprah guests in the limo that they had to have another limo come to pick up the girl and her mom. Well we finally made it to the airport, went through security and arrived at our gate and as we are looking at our flight status, it turned to Cancel. Oh my goodness. I quickly got on the phone to Oprahs producer Eric and he got us a great hotel near the airport and new tickets for the following day. We slept very well that night and the next day , Firday we arrived home. Home Sweet Home Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoriBecky Posted February 2, 2008 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 Jenn & Cassie, Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us! We are all so proud of Cassie. Make sure to Watch Oprah on Monday, February 4th. - check out www.oprah.com for details and a preview. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fat2nrml Posted February 2, 2008 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 HELLO JENN AND CASSIE!! MY BLOOD PRESSURE IS THROUGH THE ROOF RIGHT NOW!! I WAS RIVETED TO YOUR STORY... DID YOU TWO EVER THINK OF WRITING A BOOK?? YOU SHOULD!! I'M GLAD TO HEAR THAT YOU STOOD UP FOR YOURSELVES AND DIDN'T LET DR.OZ PUSH YOU AROUND!! WHAT THE HELL DOES HE KNOW ABOUT LAPBAND?? [sORRY!] ANYWAYS, GLAD TO HEAR YOU HAD A NICE TIME AND CAN'T WAIT TO BE BANDED ON MARCH 25TH!! TAKE CARE, DARLENE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAMMIE Posted February 3, 2008 Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 WOW JENN, THIS IS GOING TO BE VERY INTERSTING TO SEE WHAT DOES END UP ON THE AIR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ACCOUNTING Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn Posted February 3, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 Thank you Pammie, If you check your local station they are previewing the show already. It is amazing how they put it together. I am truly anxious to see what they air. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JilliePooh Posted February 3, 2008 Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 > Go Jenn and Cassie! I wish someone would have told me long ago about the lapband! I agree-Dr. Oz is mr. hollywood! #-o He makes me kind of sick! I am so proud of you and Cassie and I can hardly wait to see it tomorrow! I will be watching! Here we go! =D> My wonderful friend in FL told me she had done it with Dr. Ortiz in October and at 51 3/4 years old and struggling with weight since I was Cassie's age, I started investigating the possibilities of doing it! My husband is very supportive and my obsessive compulsive sister said, "you just need to diet and exercise and let me send you this diet and that fat flush, etc." so I had to lie to her and tell her I had decided not to do it to get her off my back. I am so proud of you and Cassie for finding a way for her to KEEP her health, her joints and her sports and willing to go on Oprah and put yourself out in front of the world and for standing up for what you know was the right choice for Cassie! Good luck with your continued health and I will be watching! Jill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn Posted February 3, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 >Go Jenn and Cassie! I wish someone would have told me long ago about the lapband! I agree-Dr. Oz is mr. hollywood! #-o He makes me kind of sick! I am so proud of you and Cassie and I can hardly wait to see it tomorrow! I will be watching! Here we go! =D> My wonderful friend in FL told me she had done it with Dr. Ortiz in October and at 51 3/4 years old and struggling with weight since I was Cassie's age, I started investigating the possibilities of doing it! My husband is very supportive and my obsessive compulsive sister said, "you just need to diet and exercise and let me send you this diet and that fat flush, etc." so I had to lie to her and tell her I had decided not to do it to get her off my back. I am so proud of you and Cassie for finding a way for her to KEEP her health, her joints and her sports and willing to go on Oprah and put yourself out in front of the world and for standing up for what you know was the right choice for Cassie! Good luck with your continued health and I will be watching! Jill Thanks Jill, We are really nervous how this is going to air. Our local channel here is already showing previews and it says desperate mom. We had to get the word out there for these teens. We are not saying this surgery is for every teen but we are saying please take a moment, review the information, the disipline you must do and make a decision with your parents. Anxious , Jenn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FurEllie Posted February 3, 2008 Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 I have my TiVo set up and ready to record Monday's show - congratulations!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn Posted February 3, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 HELLO JENN AND CASSIE!! MY BLOOD PRESSURE IS THROUGH THE ROOF RIGHT NOW!! I WAS RIVETED TO YOUR STORY... DID YOU TWO EVER THINK OF WRITING A BOOK?? YOU SHOULD!! I'M GLAD TO HEAR THAT YOU STOOD UP FOR YOURSELVES AND DIDN'T LET DR.OZ PUSH YOU AROUND!! WHAT THE HELL DOES HE KNOW ABOUT LAPBAND?? [sORRY!] ANYWAYS, GLAD TO HEAR YOU HAD A NICE TIME AND CAN'T WAIT TO BE BANDED ON MARCH 25TH!! TAKE CARE, DARLENE We are aniticipating your Banding on March 25th. Please keep in touch. GO DARLENE !!!! Jenn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn Posted February 3, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 I have my TiVo set up and ready to record Monday's show - congratulations!! We just got ours set up as well. The local news channel is airing cuts as well. GO OCC Bandsters and Future Bandsters! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen Grace Posted February 4, 2008 Report Share Posted February 4, 2008 Congratulations. I agree with your summation of Dr. Oz! He is sooooo full of himself. What is his specialty anyway? What you did took courage, conviction, honesty & pride. I admire you both! Karen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn Posted February 4, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2008 Congratulations. I agree with your summation of Dr. Oz! He is sooooo full of himself. What is his specialty anyway? What you did took courage, conviction, honesty & pride. I admire you both!Karen Im not sure what his specialty is. But he talks about so many different subjects, it would take a life time to be an expext on the human body. I would never go to a Orthapedic Doctor to have a baby, or an Eye Doctor to cure a cold, how can this doctor be an expert in so many fields and give these people advice. Thank you for Your support. We just want the word to go out about the band and there is a less evasive proceedure. We want teens to look at the alternatives and not give up hope that life on this earth is worth living it to the fullest. And what ever path they choose, they will have made a decision with complete confidence because they knew their options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clpascoe Posted February 5, 2008 Report Share Posted February 5, 2008 That is so wonderful that you took the time to realize that your daughter could not fight her obesity on her own. I grew up most of my life overweight and I wished my mom would have taken that extra step to help me. YOU ROCK!! I was banded on January 10th by Dr. Ortiz and it was the best experience ever and the best thing I did for myself. Cassie is such an inspiration to yound people everywhere. You should both be proud of yourselves!!! =D> Cindy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FurEllie Posted February 5, 2008 Report Share Posted February 5, 2008 I loved how this brilliant Dr. Oz kept saying the band wasn't reversible, lol. And he made the band look like it's about 3 inches in diameter. Their illustrations also didn't show the pouch the band made. It was a good show. For selfish reasons I wish they had focused more on OCC but I think the overall feel for the show was that the parents were doing what they felt was right for the health of their children. Back in the 70's there was a family of 3 girls who lived across the street from us. They were all born with the most ENORMOUS noses you have ever seen. Their 14th birthday present for each of them was a nose job. And having a big nose isn't even unhealthy What I wish they had addressed is that for many of us, and I'm sure the teens since I felt it as a teen, food is an addiction. I have NEVER felt full in my life. Ever. I love food and will eat and eat until the food is gone. Then I will get into a car and drive and buy more food Unlike drugs and alcohol, you cannot completely remove food from your life. The band FORCED me not to over eat. If I did, it came back up. Simple. Like someone on the show said, forced behavior modification. I had to have the band removed 2 months ago today and I STILL will try to get another one put in. Great show Cassie and Mom!! :) :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clpascoe Posted February 5, 2008 Report Share Posted February 5, 2008 Does anyone know what you can do if you missed the show? I did not think this was going to air so quickly. Cindy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inthedb Posted July 24, 2008 Report Share Posted July 24, 2008 We are aniticipating your Banding on March 25th. Please keep in touch. GO DARLENE !!!! Jenn Its nice to see Jenn and Cassie .. you two should have a book.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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