Kates_Sister

My almost nineteen year old sister just got the Lap-Band put on today. We don't live in the same town, but she is going to come visit me over Mother's Day weekend (with our parents). What can I do to make my apartment more "friendly" to a person with the Lap-Band? Are there certain foods I should and shouldn't have in the house? What about meal time? I want to anticipate her needs so we can spend more time together, rather than spending time making emergency trips to the grocery store for stuff I should have gotten before. Also, what can I do to let her know that I support her? I'm naturally average to smaller sized and she's naturally very large sized, and it's hard for me to understand what she goes through. Our culture doesn't accept big people, and it's hard not to let fat-bashers influence the way that I think and feel. I'm afraid of saying the wrong things. Also, I'm concerned that the Lap-Band won't help her that much, because she has always had very poor impulse control and she (and our parents) seem to think that this Lap-Band will magically make her lose weight. How can I encourage her and help to motivate her? I just want to be a good big sister and help however I can. Advice? P.S. Thanks for letting me air my feelings.

Thank you again for all the great suggestions! TerriDoodle, I particularly like the idea of making a big pot of soup. Then my S.O. and I can have the leftovers during the week, after my family leaves. Shesha, the weather is just starting to get nice where I live. There are many places to go on little hikes, and we also have an old-fashioned city center that's a pedestrian mall--both are excellent places for a little walking. I will definitely suggest a little stroll on both days! One more question... her surgery was on Monday, and she's still in a lot of pain... yesterday she could only drink 6 oz, which is much less than she's supposed to... is that ok?!?! To top it all off, her health insurance is changing on Tuesday. I think I'm just being a little overprotective--my parents are there to help her--but because I live so far away, I feel totally helpless, that I can't be helpful... anyway...

LapBandit, THANK YOU for the advice. We already have low-fat cottage cheese and fruit in the house most of the time. Popsicles or fudgesicles for dessert are a good idea. You're right that I should talk to her (and I will, once she's in less pain--I talked to her earlier today, and she sounds terrible :phanvan). It also occurred to me that I should talk to our parents, as she still lives at home and they'd know what she likes. Other suggestions? What could I cook for Mother's Day dinner that has lots of Protein but not too much Fiber? I am a vegetarian, so no meat