Hear what is not said.

  Weight Loss Surgery Support:
Daily Inspiration for April 18, 2010 Katie Jay,MSW

Hear what is not said. 

Our loved ones want to be supportive, but may hesitate at times to speak their minds. Observe body language and behavior cues to learn what others are thinking. They may have unspoken questions, concerns, or comments. Even coworkers may not want to upset your "fragile" frame of mind by saying or doing anything "wrong."  

Your surgery and inconsistent eating habits may cause others to feel as though they are walking on egg shells. You may think everyone has adjusted to your new lifestyle, but they may just be acting that way to please you. Continue to open lines of communication with your spouse, children, and co-workers so that they are clear about boundaries--both theirs and yours.  

 Action for the day: Spend some time today thinking about how your WLS journey affects those around you. Do you need to communicate better with your family, friends, and co-workers? What needs to be said that you haven't said? What do others need you to understand, even if they can't find the words to tell you?  
© 2010, National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. All rights reserved. Daily Inspirations are provided by the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. Get our free report,  How to Regain-Proof Your Weight Loss Surgery at www.nawls.com.

 

I don't know if because my surgery was for weight loss if my daughters didn't think of it seriously. I have been so lonely wanting a phone call or even a small visit. It has been 10 days and only 1 visit from 1 in the hospital and the other called 7 days later.  Both daughters both live within
blocks from me,

I am not so sure anymore if they supported me. They were both so skeptical but I thought they took a turn.

My husband was gone 2 days and I am afraid my emotions got the best of me. today was tearful. Why can't I tell them the way I feel?

Diana

Diana, I'm new to this forum, but I wanted to come give you a big hug.  Surgery can awaken so many feelings in us.  I'm sorry that this has been a difficult time for you.  I hope that your family comes around and will be supportive of your efforts to find renewed good health.  I was very open with my son about my surgery and talked about how I felt about it.  He had a good understanding and while he lives 3000 miles away, he checks in several times a week to see how I'm doing.  If you can, ask your girls to support you and let them know that surgery was for more than vanity reasons.

We're all here to support you!