Question:
I'm a husband who needs to be educated on WLS

   — jshinsako (posted on February 26, 2006)

February 26, 2006
A good place to start would be to click on "forums" at the top of the banner then 'surgery types' so you can read about the different ones. Another good place is to attend your wife's support group meeting if they have one.
   — star .

February 26, 2006
What kinds of things do you need to know? Has your wife had surgery yet? If you need any help let me know i'm seven and a half months post op down 123 pounds. take care
   — jjeanniespets1

February 26, 2006
My husband learned so much going to one of my surgeon's presentations for people considering WLS. It gave him the information he needed to be the most supportive person in my life during this journey.
   — classite

February 26, 2006
I'm a wife that has experience watching my husband go through the RNY and now I am currently in the process of having the Lap Band. I NEVER expected what I was going to see when my husband had the surgery. I've had c-sections, and just never understood his pain. I guess the best advise I can give is, 1) Look at your wifes meal plans the night b4 she will be coming home and make sure to make the jello's, have the beverages on had, freeze some juice for a variety, and make sure you have what you need at home for the meals 2) MAKE SURE YOUR WIFE EATS EVEN WHEN SHE SAYS SHE IS NOT HUNGRY. I literally brought the food to him and sat there and made sure he ate, she will say she is not hungry, make her eat what the meal plan says and have it available for her 3) BE PATIENT!! She isn't going to feel well for awhile, heck my husband is a year + out and still has his times, but remember this is what "SHE" wanted and support her with everything you have. If you ever want to talk, I'm here and will help you anyway I can.
   — SandraHeffernan

February 26, 2006
First of all, I commend you for your desire to learn about weight loss surgery. The best thing you can do is to be supportive of your wife. It sounds like you've already got that covered. Probably the biggest difference you will notice, initially, is that she will be very tired. I remember taking a few steps, then needing to sit down and rest for a while. So you may have to do things like laundry and cleaning. I remember I would drop things and not be able to pick them up, so they'd remain on the floor until someone visited. So you may need to do things like that for her. Also, please encourage her to get moving. Walk, walk, walk. Take baby steps. I started out walking to the mailbox. I did that several times a day. Then the next day, I walked to the neighbor's house. So, please encourage her to do exactly what her doctor has requested. Also, I know when I first came home I had problems with smells. It seemed that everything made me sick. I simply could not stand to smell any food cooking. So you may need to cook for yourself, and/or your family for a while. The most important thing is to be supportive, so try to be patient and understanding, and pay careful attention to the doctor's orders. If you do so, I'm sure your wife will be happy and healthy and love you for it. Best wishes for health and happiness always.
   — Donna F.

February 26, 2006
My husband went to all my doctor's appointments and to all the support classes. He has been a wonderful support to me...he makes sure I get my protien and liquids in every day - he is my greatest cheerleader! It sounds like you will be like that for your wife too! Best wishes to both of you!
   — MonicaCarr

February 26, 2006
Let me also commend your interest in your wife's surgery and journey! The fact that you are here asking is a big indicator that she will be successful, because a loving support system is crucial in this journey. The others have covered it pretty well; my husband had his surgery 18 months after mine, so we've both seen both sides. The first job you will have is hospital advocate for your wife. Please spend as much time as you can at her side while she's in the hospital; nurses are notoriously overworked, and you will likely need to help out by acting as her call-bell, her advocate and her intern. :) Take a book; she will sleep a lot. It won't be the most stimulating experience for you, but it will be one of the most important things you can do. Best of luck to you both.
   — Jeanie