My husband is having surgery tomorrow (2/14) and I admit to being nervous. I have not found anywhere for partners to discuss concerns/issues so while this might not be the correct forum, I have enjoyed reading the posting and looking throughout the website. If anyone can point me in another direction, I would appreciate it.

You can jump right in anywhere. Basically, we love a concerned spouse. Any specific questions?

Welcome and congrats on your Spouse's little Valentine's present.

:]

I love how supportive my husband has been through this whole thing. He's been my knight in shining armor! The very best thing you can do for him is to be supportive, and understanding! You are SO welcome here! Any concerns you have, just ask away!

My biggest concern at this point is of course the surgery and the risk involved with that but I also wonder about "life after". I am in complete agreement that this surgery is necessary for him but I also know that my son and I will have to continue to eat. Can anyone tell me how life at home and meals changed after......

After the initial healing phase, the food will be all up to your DH (dear husband).

Initial healing generally last for 4-6 weeks.

Most docs put patients on Clear Liquids for a week (broth, Water, juice, clear Protein supplements)

then full liquids for a week (milk, milky protein supplements, blended soups)

Then mushies (refried Beans, mashed potatoes, etc) for a week

and soft foods for a week (scrambled eggs - mac & cheese, etc)

You should have chewable Gas meds, a few servings of clear Liquid Protein, some broth, some chewable tylenol, and some juice on hand for the next couple of days. Clear liquid Proteins can be found at GNC or your local vitamin/supplement shop. Everything else you can find at your local grocery.

Your doc should give you explicit instructions prior to or immediately after the surgery.

After your DH moves to regular foods - what he eats will be up to him, and he will probably be able to eat with you and your son most of the time. You will just need to focus on being sure there is plenty of protein and some veggies at every meal. Bandsters eat protein first, then veggies, then complex carbs if there is any room.

SOME bandsters have foods that are more difficult to tolerate.... foods that get stuck - but that is highly individual. Some bands won't tolerate chicken, some won't deal with rice, or bread. Some will take anything. Just keep the meats tender and moist, and you will be fine.

Good Luck!!

I was only banded on January 18th so not sure if I'm equipped to help you yet but am gonna put my 2 cents in! My husband was fantastic....just be there for them, look the other way if the mental part of this life changing surgery hits home....I had a couple days that I was saying what the HE## did I do? That was during liquid and mushie stage right after surgery! Now to answer your question...I can eat anything my family (11 year old son and 7 year old twin boys and hubby of course!!) eats. Last night they had spaghetti and cheese toast...I had 1/2 cup spaghetti and the inside part of the cheese and toast. From what I'm told, in a couple weeks when I get the first fill that might change a bit. Got a friend who eats anything her family eats just a whole lot more of it! Make sure and take measurements and pictures....the weight loss itself will stall out at some point and it's nice to see or have proof that he's losing inches instead of weight. For example...I haven't lost any weight for 2 weeks, but I put on a swimming suit that last year I wouldn't have left the bedroom in and was parading around in it like a model!!!

Just be supportive and go with the flow! Good luck and if you have any other questions you can just ask away.

Lisa.

I think you have found a great place to get support! I can not think of a better place to discuss your concerns then with the folks that have gone through it. Good luck with DH.