Alfred Day

@@Alfred Day what classes are you talking about ?Will they give you dates on when to go or are you talking about the support classes ?Please inform me .

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@@Alfred Day What classes did you have to do. My husband and I have our 4 hour orientation on 10/20 in Richmond.

When did you start your process?

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There are a total of four classes on Wednesday afternoons you have to complete in order to get approved for the surgery. They're from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

I started at the beginning of August, but was traveling at the end of the month for work, so I had to complete the last two classes in September. I will say the classes were very helpful in getting me mentally prepared for what I'm going to have to do.

Also don't forget you have to attend at least one Support group on the first Wednesday at 6:30.

This may be because I'm a restarter (started the process once but didn't follow through) but it was my understanding everyone had to complete the classes. I could be wrong.

Finally finished the classes and made appointments with the Psychologist and Dr. Baggs today. When I called to make the appointment for the Psych visit I asked about the surgeon appointment as well. I'm glad I did, as I got the sense this was already supposed to have been scheduled and someone forgot about it.

I'm attending the last class next Wednesday so I'll be able to schedule the Psych appointment after that. Haven't had an appointment with a surgeon yet. I'm doing this solo as my family all lives 2-6 hours away so I want to make sure my surgery is at a time when I can get off work easily.

I'm preparing for the surgery and attending a series of 4 Bariatric Lifestyles in preparation for surgery. Generally these classes have been enormously helpful and very motivating.

Last nights class (the third one) was about managing relationships through the experience of prepping for the surgery, recovery and maintenance. The class focused exclusively on relationships with partners and children.

I'm single, not seeing anyone and don't have any kids. I was frustrated for a while but then I decided to try to take what I could from the class and try to apply it to my other relationships with friends and people I work with.

Fairly quickly though I began having anxiety about the fact that I'm going to be going through this alone and without someone else in the house for support. I have family, but they live between 2-6 hours away. I have friends here locally, but no one that I feel close enough to that I would ask to stay at my house post surgery. I've had surgery's in the past and been able to manage just fine by myself.

Anyone have experience around doing this solo? I do have the classic male problem of not liking to ask for help, but in this case, I would ask for it, I just don't think it's practical in my situation.

Any feedback is welcome.