Question:
Have others found it helpful to have family members go the informational seminar you?

I'm single with two teens at home. I'm thinking about having my daughter at least go with me to the informational seminar so she can help me after if I should need it and also to get her on board with the idea of me having WLS.    — Libby R. (posted on February 3, 2009)

February 3, 2009
Hi Libby! I went to a few seminars before I found the Dr. I felt comfortable with and I always took my mom for support. I wanted her oppinion on the procedures they offered and it ended being a great help to me. Once she was on board, my husband had an easier time with the idea of me having the surgery, knowing that my mom wouldn't go along with it if she didn't feel it was best. My mom also came to all of my pre-op and 2 of the post-op appointments to make sure everything was on track. For me, having that extra support was really helpful. Good luck with whatever you choose to do. I hope everything works out for you. Sandy
   — sandra-n

February 3, 2009
Hi libby, I would for sure take your family to anything possbile. I took my live in boyfriend to all of my classes, nutrition, support, Dr. Talk, etc. The more they know the better. They will be the people taking care of you and that's great, but they should also try to have an understanding of what it is you are going to begin. Taking family is a great idea and I see families at meetings all the time. Good Luck.
   — Shelincali

February 3, 2009
Well I think that the more support you have the better off you are. Your daughter will learn a lot by going to the seminars with you. I had my sisters support when I did it; the group we belonged to proved an invaluable asset. We were actually friends but seemed as close as sisters. Good Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl

February 3, 2009
Absolutely take her...She might have worries or concerns she may not talk to you about ...and her questions and/or fears might be put to rest by learning more about what is going on! Good luck with it all!
   — .Anita R.

February 3, 2009
Hello...yes do take your daughter. Your children are going to be involved in your before and after WLS, since they are living with you. It's such a help to have those who are "close to you," be on board with what is going on, and help you achieve your goal of better health. Good Luck!!
   — nurselpt

February 3, 2009
I took my 12 year old son with me to the doctor. My doctor has an information session sent to me by email that both my husband and my son watched with me. My son said this was helpful for him to understand what I was going through and how this was going to help me. It also gave my husband information on how to be helpful to me. I would strongly suggest you either have them go with you to this or take them with you to the doctor. Good Luck!
   — Shirley D.

February 3, 2009
Yes, Yes, YES!! Take your daughter with you! WLS surgery will affect all areas of your life including your home life. You will have to eat differently, cook differently and even shop differently. The more support you have at home the better it will be! I had RNY 12/9/08 and took a family member, husband, mother, or son to each of my meetings and supprot group meetings. It's proven to have been a great choice. They all have been super supportive and helpful. I also think like others have posted they have more understanding of the actual procedure and the benifits to all of us. Good Luck and keep us posted! LisaRae
   — Fircrkr64

February 3, 2009
I'm single and live on my own. My doctor wanted a support person to come to 2 of the meetings. I talked with my mother and she has gone to all of appointments. It is a great help. When I start to question some of the information we go over it together with the book they provided me and with what we both remember. I would take her. Also I believe it will also help her understand what you will be going through and how much she needs to be there for you. I also believe it will put her at ease. I know it did with my mother. good luck let us know how things turn out
   — vonage vinvon

February 4, 2009
Definitely take someone with you. You're not going to catch everything they say to you during seminars and meetings with doctors, etc. so it's always good to have another set of ears listening to what information is given.
   — dnefews

February 4, 2009
Hi Libby! I bring my boyfriend with me. I feel that it really helps. This is a nerve racking experience for all of us. If you bring someone then maybe they will pick up some information that we may have missed. I know that when I'm nervous I don't focus as well. Good luck in your venture! - Kelly =)
   — stormynights

February 4, 2009
MY MOM WENT WITH ME TO ALMOST EVERY APPT. THAT I HAD. AT FIRST SHE WAS KIND OF HESITANT ABOUT THE SURGERY. ONCE SHE WENT TO DR. VISITS WITH ME AND ACTUALLY SEEN WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN, WHAT I WOULD GO THROUGH, AND ALL THE THINGS THAT WOULD HAPPEN AT DIFFERENT STAGES SHE WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE DOCTOR, HIS STAFF, AND THAT I HAD MADE THIS DISCISSION AND SHE ASKED MORE QUESTIONS THAN ME AT FIRST.IT ALSO HELPS TO EASE THEIR MIND ABOUT THE SURGERY ESPECIALLY SINCE SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE POOR CONSEPTIONS ABOUT THE SURGERY ANY WAYS.HOPE THIS HELPS.GOOD LUCK.
   — latreshar

February 4, 2009
My mother and husband went with me. The more support you have the more successful you will be. Both my mother and husband were scared for me to have the surgery. After the first seminar they felt more at ease and knew it would benefit me with my diabeties and the other health issues I had. - Teresa
   — tkilpatrick

February 5, 2009
My husband and my 10 yr old have attended all the seminars and the support groups. In particular, one was about vitamins and even my husband learned a lot from it, the information would apply to anyone not just a WLS patient. My son actually listens and asks questions when he wants to know something more or have a better explanation. My husband and son were at the hopsital when I had the surgery and go to all my followup appointments.
   — im3d2

February 5, 2009
I had my adult daughter and then my husband attend seminars with me. Even though I had already made up my mind to have the surgery, it helped them understand the changes in what/how much I would be eating. My teenage daughter wasn't able to attend, but she read all the material I brought home and we talked about it extensively.
   — Linda J.

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