THOUGHT PROVOKING QUESTION/DISCUSSION

THOUGHT PROVOKING QUESTION/DISCUSSION: We all know that support and encouragement are paramount in our WLS journeys. We also know that its proven they are extremely beneficial. That being said I'd like to post the below question! What are the most important factors to you in being supported and encouraged before and during your WLS journey?

Good question!  For me I would have to say EDUCATION.  To educate my family and friends so they are able to support me. As you know there are many nay sayers out there when you say you are having weight loss surgery - educating them - if they are willing to listen - is key.   My husband was not keen for me to have this surgery at all in the beginning. By taking him with me to lectures before I had it made such a difference. He started to understand that this was not just another diet fad and that it could make a difference to someone like me - especially since I had been diagnosed with diabetes, it was getting progressively worse no matter what I was doing to help it and that I could not lose much weight because of the drugs.  After one of the doctors explained things to him - that really it was a re-routing of our plumbing he came home thinking I didn't need to go to a hospital - he could rearrange it for me!! - you have to know him to appreciate this as he is legally blind! Once he really understood what the surgery was and was sure that I understood that it was a lifetime commitment on my part - he was totally on board and has been my best supporter all the way through this journey. He comes to meetimg with me when he can so he is continuing to try to be on board with me and actually enjiys learning about it now. I also had to educate my best friend and some family members on what this surgery really was and how I was tackling it - and they have been on board ever since too. (although my mother in law - bless her heart - doesn't really get it - she still tries to offer me doughnuts and cake - she was born to feed people!) So in order to get the support you want and need, sometimes you have to do some education of yourself then your family and friends. Hope this was what you were getting at Kat when you asked the question.... Jackie

Jackie there is no wrong answer here! I'm interested in learning what others think on this one! I am hoping to broaden my knowledge and to also learn other folks as well. I think its paramount for education to be at the forefront for each of us! I can appreciate your story with your husband. My family was against it as well. In fact, my husband although scared/reluctant because of nearly losing Kayla & I a couple years before went through everything with me. The classes, the meetings with my surgeon/docs, etc. He armed himself with lots of knowledge and understanding.  I will say though all the preparation in the world can only go so far. Once you reach the other side so to speak it is then you begin to truly learn, cope, understand and train yourself in the WLS lifestyle. That's why its incredibly important to become a part of a support group whether its a forum like this one or a local group of folks or what have you. Its paramount to our success to have such a wide array of folks we can thrive, learn and grow with and from in our journeys.  I also believe its incredibly important as far as support and encouragement not to limit your interactions with just a select few folks. I think you should expand and expand OFTEN your "web of contacts" because everyone has a story to tell, thoughts to share, opinions to give, experiences to allow us to make better informed decisions and it always benefits us to give and receive. If you limit yourself you don't open doors to new thoughts, ideas, suggestions, opportunities and the very real chances to establish beautiful, blossoming connections. Wow! Is that not so important in our journey's too? Giving just as much as we receive!!!

I so agree with you about broadening our base of contacts and friends! I go to three support groups every month and I learn something different from every one - I try to attend as many functions and events as I can because you can never have enough friends or make enough new contacts.   I have made many new friends through WLS and I think we are also a unique community and need to be there to support each other.... The journey has been an interesting one and one that I have embraced wholeheartedly! Jackie

I have begun attending others as well. I recently attended Melinda's this past weekend and it was a wonderful experience and well worth the couple hours drive to and from. I also rather enjoy the folks who've not met me until now who have preconceived notions about me who have said "you are not at all what I've heard or thought." I've gotten lots of compliments and many, many wonderful conversations have taken place and will continue. Its wonderful what support can do! I am so thankful more and more folks are coming/going to the source with many things. The journey continues and here's to great groups and wonderful connections!!!!!!

Good thought provoking question... I would say that education is a key factor in WLS success. Also with me it is simply finding the right state of mind. Knowing that WLS is not a quick fix and it is not a cure all for life's problems. I find that thought out my journey, I need to keep myself in mentally focused. Understanding that WLS is life changing but,  battling my weight does not end magically with surgery. Keeping myself healthy includes more than counting calories, protein, fat and the other food related aspects of our daily routines, it includes a healthy mind set for a lifetime. Staying positive, keeping a great support group of family and friends and finding a WLS support group to keep in touch with is the key for me. Cath

Goooooooood am Cath, I really love your response here! Education is definitely key. We often times lose so quickly especially in the beginning (some of us I should say) that we might get the mindset that "this is easy" and it is again initially but its not the quick fix but a life long challenge. Your last sentence is another key for me as well. Surrounding myself with a great suppor group of fam & friends is the *******l best!

GREAT topic......

I guess for me it's COMMUNICATION.   Communication with my family and friends to help them understand why I wanted the weightloss surgery was crucial in my success.  When I made the decision to do this, I sat each of them down to discuss it, to answer any questions they had, and to help alleviate any concerns they had. Since my surgery, communiation has been key in my support and encouragement to myself and for others.  Unfortunately, we were not all given the same manual when it came to this surgery, so communication has defiantely helped me in determining the facts and the fiction of where I need to be in my journey.   Also, by communicating, we learn from each other, which I think is fantastic.  There is SO much information out there that sometimes it is too hard to digest.  But, by communicating, we can weed through all of the BS to get to the meat of what we need and keep on moving.  There are many websites out there, and communication helps to point them out. The communication of how others are doing motivates me.  I love it when someone posts that they had no time to exercise but squeeked in 3-10 minute walks that day.  Why?  Because it motivates me to get my activity in as well.  If someone else can do it, then I certainly can.   So, for me....COMMUNICATION has been key!

 

Gooooooood am Jill, I completely agree with you on your thoughts above. I really love communicating with others. As many know I'm home with my youngest bugga (working as well) and being home and not out in the "workplace" limits my interaction at this point greatly. Although I wouldn't trade the flexibility of being home with her vs being in the office so to speak that is where communication comes in to play and in ways that supplement that adult interaction I am missing.  I can come here daily and post as my way of giving back to others, receiving great things in return, learning and building myself up to accomplish more goals, to truly reach harder, farther and go above and beyond in my life and give as much support and encouragment as I can. I know what it does for me and so I can imagine others find strength and comfort and commonality in it as well. I really appreciate coming here and being able to follow others amazing journeys and experiences and not jus about WLS but life in general. Its truly a benefit to be able to address a wide variety of issues and be assured to get some great feedback and support. Another great communication tool are the various boards and information that OH itself adds to the site. I also communicate on other forums/boards.

Education, support, & communication are definitely tops on my list.  I took the time I needed before surgery to really research it, I educate those around me, and I try to continue to educate myself.  Support is a big deal for me.  I need this daily interaction on the board, I need a support group to attend, and I need support from those in my life.  It is a major part for me.  Communication is definitely a key.  Everyone does have a different journey, the program from their doctors, their own personal experiences, the info they get from their nutritionist, support groups, etc.  I think sharing that information is important but I also think that realizing that each person experiences differences and respecting those differences is important.