How can I help?

My husband is having gastric banding on Feb 20.  Are there any guys out there willing to give me any advice on things that I can do to help him get through this stressful time?

I had an RNY, so I am not sure if there are any special needs of someone with a lapband. 

My wife and I went through the RNY together, she had her surgery about 3 weeks after mine.  We always were there to support each other.  Be honest, if you are nervous let him know what makes your nervous in a supportive manner.  Surgery is surgery and it is normal to be nervous about something.  I am sure there will be people who are less than supportive and it will be important for him to have your support. 

Ask him what would help him through his surgery, recovery and new way of living.   If you go through this as a team, it will help you relationship become stronger, like most stressful times in a marriage.

There is a lap band support board that might be able to offer other insight and there is also one for spouses.


Jim

Thanks for your advice.  It was very helpful.

Christine:

Prior to surgery, remind him of how he will soon have a huge edge in losing weight.  I always thought that if I could ever just get a leg up, then I could lose the weight.  The lap-band gave me the 'cheat' I was looking for - and, its safe to say, a lot of other guys here who had another type of WLS can relate to this.  Its hard to know just how something as life changing as surgery will alter your lifestyle, so let him know that this will definitely change him for the good!  Don't know if he has to follow some kind of pre-op diet, but if he does, remind him its only temporary.  Once he is banded, his cravings will go way down.

Also, tell him to drop by the locker room here and let us know a little more about what he's thinking.  The guys here are ready to help.

Good luck!

Thanks.  I will tell him about this.