There for Her

It looks like you've already created the forum (thread) for supporters. Well done! Are you ready for a long post on your thread? Here it goes! I am Shinnyhappymommy's husband. She had her Lap Band Surgery in early February this year. She is doing GREAT !!! First of all, I'm no expert in all of the aspects of support. I'm definitely no expert in the Lap Band itself. I find myself often asking my wife questions about her Lap Band and everything that goes with it. While reading your post, something came to mind: I think the greatest success can be had with a Lap Band surgery when the actual patient is the one who is most informed. With a life-changing decision like the Lap Band is, the patient really needs to want it, needs to be informed, and needs to be constantly motivated. My wife did a lot of research and asking questions and making phone calls and discussing with many different people here in the Lap Band Talk message boards. I am very greatful that my wife educated herself about what different kinds of foods would be good sources of what she needs for the different recovery diet stages. For that first whole week after surgery, you'll likely need to have work off so you can be there mostly 24/7 while the patient recovers and works through the liquid diet phase. If you're concerned about knowing if something goes wrong, the doctor's/surgeon's office should educate you enough especailly right after the operation. During the liquid phase, I just made sure that I knew what my wife needed. Two things stuck in my mind: Protein and PORTION CONTROL. Even though the patient is banded, and likely will not be able to eat much per sitting, they still need to make sure they are getting the protein they need. Protein drinks are a good help here during the liquids-only phase if you can find one that doesn't taste too bad. chicken and beef broths helped too. Remember, liquids only really means liquids only. It may be a struggle, but it's worth it. After the liquids only and mushy phases, my wife could pretty much eat what the rest of the family was eating, just in smaller portions. When we sit down to dinner, my wife doesn't have anything to drink with dinner. She either needs to drink a good glass of Water well before or a while after dinner. To avoid any PB, the patient will NEED to be sure that they know what their new system can and cannot handle. The patient needs to be serious about the different diet phases during recovery. When the patient is back to eating solids, avoiding a PB takes some self discipline. My wife has had just one or two PBs, and if I remember correctly, she thinks that they could have been prevented if she remembered to EAT SLOWLY and CHEW THOROUGHLY. Most of our lives with our busy schedules, we've been condtioned to eat quickly. A Lap Band patient must learn to eat slowly and chew their food throuoghly. Those two things seem to be big keys to keep food from getting blocked at the band. As far as emotional support goes, just be there for them. Be understanding. Don't be critical. Let them know that you are committed to their success. Ask them how you can help them. But seriously, it takes some self disicpline and motivation on their part. When my wife makes a decision, she is very well-focused. I don't feel like I need to remind her about anything, because she, from early on, made up her mind to make this change 100%. She really is doing most of the work. I'm just along for the ride. Her transformation has already shown wonderful successes, and she's not even half-way to her goal yet. I hope that my rambling has made some sense. Let me know if I can continue to help. Tell us more about your partner. Are they motivated?

If things work out well, by May, we'll be moving somewhere not so out in the middle of nowhere. Where is the best city to live for post-Lap Band Surgery after care/support?

My wife has decided to get banded. I am not getting banded. We are going in for the initial consultation in just a few days. We are at the beginning of this entire process/journey. I need to know from all of you: How can I be the best support for my wife through all of this? What can I expect during, before, and after the surgery? We'll need to travel 3+ hours for the surgery. Will I need to take our 3 kids to a hotel for overnight, or is it best to find someone to watch the kids at home while we're away? If I'm not getting banded, how does that change sit-down meal time at home with the whole family? Thanks, in advance, for all of your input and suggestions. :hungry:

Hello. I'm chiming in here in the introductions thread as Shinyhappymommy's husband. Does anyone have any advice for me as her support? What have you all as patients appreciated most from your significant others during this surgery journey? Is there a thread about husbands/supporters?

Hi everyone! I am Shinyhappymommy's husband. Happy and ready to support her through this Lab Band surgery journey. Are there any other husbands of Lab Band patients out there in this forum? We are heading in for her initial consultation in just a few days. Wish us luck!