Spouse Support Group????

My wife asked me to check to see if there is an online support group for spouses of people who are going to have WLS.  She doesnt understand what im doing and why im doing it.  She also wants to talk to other spouses and maybe gain some insight and strength from them.  I told her that this group would be able to help her with this process but shed poo pood that idea.  So my friends, any ideas?
Swede

There is a forum on here for spouses.  I don't know if they are as supportive as we are, but it's worth a try for her.


www.obesityhelp.com/forums/spouses_of_wls_patients/a,message board/

There is also a book..something called "The first aid guide for emotional eating" or something to that effect.  The Barix website used to sell it.

I also want to say that perhaps the first saturday meeting has a support group for supporters?  I'm unclear on that and haven't been one to quite some time so I could be mistaken.  Ask Beth Dennis or Karen about that one.

If she wants to email somebody personally I think many of our spouses would be willing to talk to her.  And of course, we will too, if she decides to come that route, although I know right now she's not receptive to it.  But if she does want to talk to a spouse....I will talk to my husband and see what he says about answering her questions.  He led a spousal support group at the "pa pilgramage" event a few years ago....

I second the forum here and my hubby as well as several others here I am sure would be willing to e-mail with her. She is also more then welcome to e-mail me [email protected] if she would like. Not sure about the situation in your house but she might have questions about how to feed you etc. and that we can certainly help with!

Liz

Hi Swede,
My hubby had his WLS in 2006.  I was his support person.  If your wife ever wants someone to talk to I'd be more than happy to talk to her from the perspective of the support person to the one having surgery.  Let me know and I will send you all my contact information.  I gained such insight from Gene's journey through weight loss surgery and will gladly do whatever I can to help her process what you are going through.
Ida

Thanks Lisa I was looking for a forum on here for that but couldnt find it.  i checked it out but it doesnt seem very current.  I will still show it to her and let her read through the back issue posts.

Thanks everyone else for offering up yourselves and your spouses for her to contact.  Its that kind of selflessness and willingness to help others that makes this forum awesome.

Thanks
Swede

Hi Swede,

The Barix first saturday meeting has a breakout group for supporters, run by our lap-band leader (Robin)'s husband Ernie.  We also have a breakout group for kids of weight loss patient (over 7 - it's a support group not a baby sitting service).  That would be a great way for her to connect with folks who are or have been in the same situation.  We also have a number of partners/spouses *****gularly attend the pre- and post-op meetings in general so they understand not only the "why" but the nitty gritty of what to expect.

The next Barix saturday meeting is TOMORROW (yikes, it's may already???) from 12 - 4 at Barix in Langhorne.  Shares the parking lot with Oxford Valley Mall.  Let me know if you need more precise directions.

All are welcome - no matter who your doc or what your procedure... pre- and post-ops, including folks who have "lapsed" and are working to get back on track.  It's completely free.  

We have people who drive several hours to attend the meeting, every month - I think that speaks to the value of the experience.  I know it's a critical component in my successing.

We also typically have a clothing exchange so if you have clothes that you've out-shrunk and would like to make available to other WLS patients, feel free to bring them.  The only caveat is that anything that isn't taken, you need to take back with you (otherwise, the leaders have to clean up and find a place to donate it).

I hope we get to meet you and your wife there!  (and if you do come, make sure you introduce yourself to me!)

Karen

Thanks for the invite Karen!  I will talk to Jen about it and get her pulse on doing this.  I know it cant happen this weekend as we already have plans.  The other obstacle is that we are 4.5 hours away and I'm not sure about the feasibility of a trip like that.  But, I'm not ruling it out.
Thanks
Swede

Wow - thought you were a lot closer than that...

The "big" meetings are every first saturday of the month.  You could even make it a nice "romantic" getaway weekend and stay in a Bucks County B&B or at Peddler's Village and enjoy New Hope and Bucks County  while you're here!  Just a thought!

Karen

Well aren't you just the hostess with the mostess?  And a travel guide to boot!  Great ideas Karen!