Introduction, and a question for everyone

Hi everyone! My name is Lara, I live in Troy, OH. I haven't had WLS, but my husband the VGS done in the beginning of June. I joined this website not only because I love all of the information and support on it, but also to feel a little more connected to what my husband is going through.  When he had his surgery, I was off work also and recuperating from a hysterctomy. While we were both off, it seemed much easier to encourage him and help him keep track of his liquid and protein intack, and make foods that he could eat. Since we have both gone back to work (working opposite shifts, and with three kids at home), I feel like my support is somewhat lacking, in part because we never see each other!  My question to all of you, in any stage that you're in, what support do you need most from your spouse? I let him know that I'm happy when he's gone out walking, or tells me how much weight he's lost this week. I also try to be sympathetic to how incredibly hard this is for him! I really admire him for having the strength to do this. Obviously, I try to watch what I eat around him, and haven't had fast food in the house since his surgery. But that's also hard to do with three kids in the house!  Anyway, I'd really to hear from some of you what else I could/should be doing. I want to be as much help to him as I can be.  Thanks!! Lara

Hi there, First of all, I have to say its wonderful of you to be helping your husband thru this, and looking for ways you can help him!!!  He is lucky to have you. I am about 11 weeks out.  I work nights 3-4 times a week, and my husband works days. My husband if very supportive emotionally.  He often encourages me by saying how proud he is of me, giving me comments about my wt loss etc.  He can also be a bit of a bear (in a nice way), about pushing me to get my fluids, protein, and vitamins in.  He really helps by encouraging me to go to the gym too.  He also helps me to keep track of my wt loss.  My "weigh in" days are a group effort.  He is right there to congratulate me on any loss the scale shows, and to encourage me when it stays put.  He has also helped with with taking pictues every 4 weeks or so, so that he can help point out the differences in my body!!!   I hope this helps a little!!   Good luck Caroline

I'm single and not dealing with this, but want to tell you that I think your concern, support and efforts are wonderful.  Good on you!

Janice

* Little by Little* Weight Loss Support Group   Are you looking for support for weight loss and wanting to meet people who are traveling down the same path?  If this might be an interest to you, theres a new group that just started May 6th...This group is started by women who have gone through weight loss surgery and understand the complications and issues that people may go through...This will be open to both men and women...There will be no membership fees...There is no limitations on whether you have had surgery or not, in order to attend this group meeting...We are hoping to make new friends and lend a helping hand to help support others...   We plan on including various activities and topics into our meetings...Such as: Fun games, recipe nights, cooking demonstrations, exercise tips, group discussions, shopping hints, healthy eating tips, guest speakers, journal writing, menu planning, moral support and much more...Any suggestions that you might have or concerns for our group will all be noted and considered...Feel free to bring your spouse or friend as they may need some helpful suggestions or ideas on how to be more supportive to you...   We will be meeting at the * Church of Christ*...419 East Main Street in Greenville...Meetings will be held the first Tuesday of each month starting at 6:00 p.m...For further information please contact...Tammy Hoff  at 621-5129 or email address at [email protected]  Or you may call Marlene Harris at 467-6581...or Carmen Ewing at [email protected]   *************************************************************************************   Tuesday night, June 3rd, was our second weight loss support group meeting...We had 3 visitors to show up at the first meeting...This month we had 11 to attend...We were so thrilled to have everyone there...We opened with a friendly welcome, and then everyone was asked to tell their name, what kind of surgery they had and when, and then answered a question which was * What is your favorite and least favorite foods?*...This seemed to give everyone a chance to warm up to everyone, getting to know each other a little better...The topic for the evening was * Beverages*...Marlene Harris mixed up a few different flavored beverages, all sugar free, for everyone to sample...Open discussion was then held about different types, sugar content, carbonation, caffeine, whether or not they drank during a meal, and etc...Information was then given about a local consignment shop in Greenville, that sells clothes starting at size 16 and goes up...The name of the shop is called * CHRISTINA'S CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE*...It is a really nice shop, has tons of clothes to chose from and reasonable prices...This is great because as we lose weight we can take our larger clothes there to be sold so this way we can buy smaller clothes...Everyone then enjoyed having a small sample of a * Chicken, Spinach & Cheese* pizza that was made...Copies of the recipe was handed out about this healthy pizza...A door prize was given out...We made a list of everyones names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses so we can copy them off to hand out to everyone at our next meeting, so this way we can help to support each other during the rest of the month by phone calls and email letters/ cards...We handed out a short questionnaire for everyone to fill out...Part of the questionnare involved them telling us if they have any ideas, suggestions for upcoming meetings/programs...Every one was encouraged to volunteer to be a part of the program so we can learn things that they have to teach us...In time we plan to get together for outside activities beyond the meeting to do things such as going bowling, walking local trails, shopping for clothes and having a fashion show, and much more...Its always great to make new friends and to know that theres someone out there that actually cares and is there to support you... Our July meeting had 10 people to show up...We had a healthy 4th of July picnic, to where everyone brought in a healthy food to share, plus handed out recipes...We played a Get to know me game...Gave out prizes and door prizes...Had an open discussion to where everyone gave picnic suggestions... If you would like to join our group, feel free to message me, or give me a phone call for further information and directions...Troy is only about 40 minutes from Greenville.... ****************************************************************************