needing some support

Today should be an excellent day for me. I finally got my approval letter in the mail and as of yesterday Dr. Hart still had openings for February 2nd surgery date so I should be thrilled! The hard part is that I am not getting a lot of family support. I called to talk to my mom today after sending her and my step-father some information on what my diet might look like after surgery. My step-father was using his "speaking loud because I am concerned" voice and they both suggested that I try to eat 4 ounces at each meal and see if I can do it before surgery. I tried to explain to them that eating 4 ounces will be a lot easier when my stomach is 1 ounce instead of 40 ounces. My father, aunt and sister aren't much better about the whole thing. My sister told me she thinks this is extreme and she would never do it but that she knows I tend to do extreme things.... "gee... thanks!" my father and aunt have said they are scared but I have their support. Right now I am scared I am going to have to go through this all by myself. I know my dad offered to come over from Birmingham to be with me during surgery but he doesn't do very well with hospitals and illness. Sorry to drag on like this but it is so upsetting and frustrating!!!

Family members sometimes aren't the best support systems....I know!!! My entire family is overweight minus my younger brother... I haven't even spoken with them about my considerations for surgery because I know I would be dealing with the same issues that you are. My Mom went on Weigh****chers about 2 years ago and has lost 75 lbs. and so this was the answer for her....But let me tell you, she is miserable.... She is always hungry. She gains 10 lbs and then starves herself with chicken broth for a week to get it off....I'm tired of the yo-yo game....I would like to feel full for once in my life .... Find your support in others (friends, husbands etc...) Once your weight falls off they will all be so happy and proud for you... Good luck in your journey. Luv, Melanie Warner Robins

Kimberly, I am sorry that your family is giving you such a hard time. A lot of people (even over weight people) don't understand the choice we make about this surgery. They say it is the easy way out and that it is too dangerous to have it done. They don't think about what will happen if we don't have it. The odds are worse staying big than having the surgery. You need to do this for you. You have a whole new family on here that will give you all the support that is possible. I will even try to be at the hospital for your surgery. I can't promise, but will do my very best. You will just have to let me know when and where. I know you are upset and frustrated. Send me an email and I will send you my number or send me yours and I will call and see what I can do to help you feel a little more at ease. I am here any time you need me. Hugs, Debra =^..^=

Thank you all for being so supportive. I think it is hard not having any family here in Georgia and being single. My mom did say she would come be with me when I was released from the hospital for the weekend so at least that is something. I think my dad will end up driving over from Birmingham and spend the night with me the day before surgery so he can take me to the hospital.

Kimberly, My mom and dad told me the same thing....trying eating the after surgery diet now to see if you can do it! NO!!...I can't my stomach is not four ounces....duh!! I think my family is concerned about the complications and the only way they can deal with it is to tell me all the dangers of having the surgery. I guess this is there way of coping, but what I have found in my past experience with family they always are they even though they don't agree with my choices. I am sure your family will do the same....do what is best for you and family will show up. We just have to listen to them vent the best way they know how. In the mean time, keeping coming back here for encouragement and for encouraging words of faith and support. We are here and all of understand why you are choosing to have the surgery. Also, you can email me any time you need to talk, be encouraged, vent, cry, etc. Good luck on your journey. I wish you success!!

Kimberly, I'm proud of you for taking care of youself, regardless of whether your family understands. Be encouraged that their comments just mean that they love you and want the best for you, even if they don't agree with you about what that is. It's great to be loved, and have people care! Hang in there, girl. My surgery date is just a week before yours, or I'd plan on being at the hospital with you. But I'm sure you'll have lots of support from the folks here on this board. Just reading their posts, even if they are not addressed to me, has been a great encouragement. Hang in there! Have a blessed, happy, and healthy new year, Cheryl