Question:
Taking support person to first consult

I will have my first consult here in the next 2 weeks, I was thinking of asking my sister to go with me, to inform her and have her up to speed with me. She and my mom support me with this, they are also the only ones in my family that know about this also. So what would you do? go alone? or take someone with you?? Thanks melissa    — Melissa T. (posted on March 14, 2003)

March 14, 2003
I think it's a fabulous idea. Since your sister is your support then she should understand all that is going to happen to you and be there in case you forget to ask something. I also urge her to join you going to at least one support group meeting. Here's wishing you the best of luck
   — MaxineB

March 14, 2003
AB-SO-LUTELY! Bring another set of ears to listen. Another heart to ask questions. You are BRILLIANT!
   — vitalady

March 14, 2003
Yes, I'd definitely take her. I took my best friend, and I'm SO glad I did. She thought of all the questions I forgot, and she got to form an opinion of the doctor, which was very helpful to me. It was nice to get her opinion. She was more helpful than my wonderful husband. He just wanted to know that I lived, and she wanted the details. LOL! :)
   — Diana L.

March 14, 2003
You should definitely take a support person with you, in fact, my surgeon REQUIRES that he meet and talk with your support person/caregiver before he will submit your case for approval!
   — Kelly B.

March 14, 2003
That is awesome that you have family support! By all means take your sister. When you bring her up to speed, if she has questions you can't answer, write them down and ask the surgeon. I wish I had done that. Sometimes you are so focused on the surgery you don't think of questions you might ask, whereas your support person will. I did go with my husband when he had his initial consult. He also attended the mandatory diet classes with me before I had surgery, so he didn't have to repeat that.
   — koogy

March 14, 2003
I would definitely take your sister and even your mom if they can both go. I took my husband and would have taken my mom if she had been able to go.
   — Rhonda P.

March 15, 2003
When I went for my initial consult I took my father with me. He was already supportive but a little anxious. It was nice for him to have the opportunity to put his worries to rest. I've also taken people to support group meetings with me. It helps them to see things better from my point of view when they hear others' stories. So, I agree with the other poster...you should ask your sister and your mom as well.
   — Morna B.

March 15, 2003
I took my sister with me. It was wonderful! Not only did I have 20+ questions so did she (Big sisters are the BEST!) My wonderful surgeon had no problems with her being there. Answered all our questions and even talked to both of us about the whole procedure. My mom had all intentions on going too however because of a snowstorm she was elected to stay with my daughter :O). However, there were only two chairs in the office...but I have no doubt that the Dr would have made efficient seating if needed...Congrats on your "next step"! (Soon to have LAP RNY April 25th)
   — TRACEY W.

March 15, 2003
I took my mom with me for my first consult. She was supportive but very anxious. It was good to have her there with me. Since she is going to be with me when I am in the hospital and for a week when I come home. I wanted her to understand what I would be going through.
   — Lisa N.

March 16, 2003
My surgeon, whom I won't be seeing until Oct. 13, REQUIRES that every patient bring the primary support person with them during the consult. Taking care of anyone after any kind of surgery is serious business, and he wants to be sure that the caregiver knows what the be on the lookout for post-op.
   — Kasey

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