Supporting my Wife

[JBGordon 4]

My Beautiful Wife will be having the Sleeve Procedure done probably in the Spring. I have to admit that I have some fears about it but I can't and will not deprive her of the opportunity to feel good about herself. Any suggestions on this forum of how I can be supportive of her as I she goes through this. Thanks.

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[AMJK79 34]

Well, it sounds like you already have the right attitude. Just be there for her through it and when she gets excited about her weight loss be happy with her. Help her in any way you can but don't be too critical. My husband doesn't have a weight problem so I don't expect him to eat like me. I also don't need him telling me what to do. I am aware of what I need to be doing. Is this her first weight loss surgery or is she having a revision?

[JBGordon 4]

It's her first


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[AnneElliot 79]

You're already doing well! It's going to be very difficult post op. I would recommend your wife begin counselling or join a support group. It will be helpful to have the added support in case of complications.

All the best.

[JBGordon 4]

What makes post op so difficult? Is it physical or mental?


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[AnneElliot 79]

I can only speak from personal experience.

My hormones were on overdrive due to the quick weight loss. Led to insomnia and anxiety.

Eating and drinking Water is difficult in the beginning. It was fruatrating. I had very little physical pain thank god.

On the mental end, this is by far the hardest. I am a food addict. I felt like I was going cold turkey. Its hard to watch eveyone around you eat normally. Dumping is not fun. I understand it's rare or not so common with the sleeve. I had it once with sugar free ice cream lol.

Read up there's lots of wonderful advice on this site.

Wishing your wife a swift recovery and success.

[Berry78 4,259]

Both.

Physically she will be in pain from gas and the incisions. The pain will lessen over the first couple weeks and should be gone in a month or less.

Her stomach heals over the first 8-9 weeks, so her diet gradually transitions from Clear Liquids to solid foods.

Her emotions will be on a roller coaster because of changing hormones and lifestyle. If she is addicted to food, or has other eating disorders, she will be going through withdrawal.

This isn't at all just a small cosmetic procedure. It will deeply effect all parts of your lives, at least at first.

We refer to this as a journey. Things couldn't be more different if you packed up and moved across the country.

Be prepared to enter the twilight zone, but she and you should come out better, stronger, and healthier on the other side.

Good luck!

[JBGordon 4]

Thanks for the great suggestions. More advice would be wonderful


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[Berry78 4,259]

And I should add... all the above is based on an uncomplicated experience. She has about a 10% chance of having some complications. (Usually minor). Of course in that case, the journey changes accordingly.

Before you get too scared, keep in mind obesity presents its own risks... and severe complications are pretty rare.

[Berry78 4,259]

Spend time on this board hearing about people's successes, questions, and disappointments. It really is a day in the life of...

Aquaint yourself with the preop and post op diets. Look to get a wide variety of calorie free uncarbonated beverages and Protein powders/shakes. Look at the selection of Vitamins that are needed, and she may need to try a few types to find ones she likes.

You need a good blender for pureed foods and Protein Shakes.< br>
When she comes home, she will need to rest and walk. She should walk at least 5 minutes every waking hour.

Dehydration is the #1 problem after surgery. She needs to take a sip of Water every 5 minutes until she can drink more at once.

Plan to set timers for meals, vitamins, walking, and such. If she has an 8 ounce cup of water where she is resting, then she will have to get up frequently to go fill it back up. That is one way to get the frequent walking in the first few days. An alarm that goes off across the room would also make her get up to turn it off.

Of course, any if these suggestions should be talked over with her to decide what will work for you both.

[AnneElliot 79]

Everything Berry78 said!

I would also read the complications forum. This is might be odd advice. But it's best you know the real complications regardless of how rare they are.