Going it alone

   Has one one gone through this surgery alone? I'm getting divorced and now I have to do this by my self. I have sons, but they don't live close. I feel so deserted and it's really scarry at my age. 63 years.

In one sense, we ALL go it alone. Most of us don't have close friends or family who've had WLS and twho truly 'get it'. I urge you to seek out a support group in your area. Some surgeons sponser support groups, and many of these are open to anyone, not just that surgeon's patients.

I know this will sound like Job's comfort, but given some of the things you'r posted about your husband, I think this may actually be easier for you WITHOUT him. And you've always got us.

 Unfortunatly I live in a small town an hour away from where I'll be having my surgery. I live in Globe, Arizona and my surgery will be in Mesa, Az. Thanks for the offer to take me home. I guess it will work out somehow. We don't have any support groups here. Yes, you're right about being better off with my estranged husband- he's the one that got me into this situation in the  first place. I'm so very glad I can come to the computer and talk to all you guys, it helps alot to know you care.

Do you have a close friend or relative who would stay with you for a few days?

Check out the Arizona forums.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/AZ/

You never know, there might be someone near you!

What a wonderful discovery! It was meant to be, indeed.

   Yes, please be my friend and help me through this. Tell me all about your self and your experiences in the friend colluom.

Hi Gloria,
I have one of the BEST POSTS I have ever seen on OH and have copied it for you (it was written by Elizabeth N. on the DS board) and is VERY helpful for any WLS pre-ops and post-ops to view (it is almost step-by-step of what to expect at the hospital, among other wonderful information). Please do yourself a favor and read it. I am 5 years post op and can remember almost every bit of what I went through and her post only brought back the memories.

I went to Brazil-ALONE-and was there for two weeks (9 days of which was in a hotel)-ALONE! To tell the truth, I was so doggone excited about my surgery (kinda like I was after having my babies some thirty years ago), that being ALONE didn't bother me so much...each day was an adventure! I just took it ssssssslow and nice and easy and FOLLOWED my doctor's orders.

The male nurse that was associated with my case DID come every day for four days to give me a shot that would help me NOT GET CLOTS in my legs due to the 10-hour flight back to the U.S. and he was available IF I needed him, not to mention, I DID have the phone number of my surgeon, Dr. Marchesini (an angel if there ever was one).

By the time my two weeks was over, I was home and had a daughter who insisted on helping me. I assured her I was not in need, but still let her. I couldn't stay down for long though, so after being at her house a couple of days, went back home and was able to do for myself nicely!

I saw that you have an offer from someone on here to be with you. HOW WONDERFULLY nice and I know you will feel much better. BEST OF WISHES TO YOU and may you have a great surgery and recovery.

Here is the POST I spoke of earlier-> http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/4265423/PRE-OPS-Never -had-surgery-Heres-what-to-expect/page,2/#36107069

ETA: explanation of what the post entails.