I have a question....

[NCatena]

Hi everyone.

I have a question that I am hoping you will answer. Yesterday, I happened to watch a program (unrelated to GBP surgery) that discussed the need for family members of certain types of patients to also have a support system. Support for the Supporters, so to speak.

Does anyone out there think it would be good to have a support group meeting with some time specifically dedicated to our husbands, wives, partners, kids, etc. We could ask someone like Andy Abrams and/or Russ L'Hommedieu to come and speak, and be available to ask questions. I was thinking that it would be good to give THEM time to ask questions, and hear all of the wonderful testimonials that we hear every month.

Let me know what you think.
Nanette

[Sissy]

I think that's a great idea!!! My husband could use someone to talk to about his "NEW" wife. I'm sure this has been a difficult time for him as well as the rest of my family. I'm blessed to have a very loving and supportive family that I'm sure worries about me!! Hearing from others in the same situation would be very comforting & ease their fears for me a great deal!!! GREAT IDEA!!!!! Darla

[Anita]

I think it's also a great idea. I'm making my husband come w/me to the next meeting (hopefully, I can get my mother-in-law to come as well). Just so they know kind of what to expect before & after my surgery. I think they need to hear about what's going on from patients that have been years out, recently out & preparing to go in (as well as those thinking about it). I love going to the meetings & everyone seems so shocked when I tell them that Dr. Allam, Nanette & Pat are ALWAYS there! Big bonus!!!!

I think for the families to have their own group would make it a lot easier for them to cope w/wahat's going on w/out any unecessary surprises to them & feel more comfortable as a "family unit" rather than the family w/the member that had "that operation".

Anita

[Regina]

Not that I don't think it is a good idea but isn't that what our support meetings are for now. For not just us but for family members also? I can remember meetings where there have been husbands, parents friends etc there to support the people that were having the surgery.

In fact, Nanette for instance your husband has attended many meetings and I know that Elaine’s husband Kevin and even Christines mom all have been to meetings. They have all said that it has helped them to understand more about the surgery.

I understand what you are saying about a separate one and I have no objections to that at all that is not what I am saying. What I am saying is why not have all this family people come to out monthly meetings and here the testimonies of all there. Don't you think that they will have a better understanding of what there loved one is going to go through and what to expect from the people that have walked in the shoes?

In addition, as Anita just said we are lucky that we have Dr Allam Pat you and guest already coming each month to our meetings. So, is it fair of us to ask them to give up another night? Not many support groups are as lucky to have that. In fact, some our run just by people that has the surgery not even the doctor is there.

Sorry if this sounds like I am shooting the idea down cause that is not my intentions. What I think is that we should have them come to our monthly meetings and let them see and hear the real stories from the ones who already had it.


Maybe I am just missing what you are trying to do here but i just thought that our group meetings where for everyone to join in at.

[NCatena]

Does anyone out there think it would be good to have a support group meeting with some time specifically dedicated to our husbands, wives, partners, kids, etc

I am not suggesting a seperate meeting, nor am I suggesting that this happen every single month. I am suggesting that we dedicate some time in one upcoming meeting specifically to our families and friends, so that they can ask questions, and voice their fears, concerns, or whatever. If it turns out to be a good thing, we can then find a way to incorporate it more often.

Thanks for all of the input. I will get to work! See you on February 20th!

Nanette

[sarrah345]

Hi Nanette,

I think it would be a great idea to include a family member or spouse or friend to the support group meetings. I'm not sure I'll make the one in February since it is so close to my surgery date. I guess it will depend on how I feel.

My husband has already expressed interest in reading all the paperwork I have in the "blue folder" and I believe he's read the info from Pat the nutritionist.

He is behind me 100%, so maybe he might like to come with me.

I was really impressed at the January meeting, with so many people with their friend or mother or husband, there to be of support to them!

I think it's a good idea!

Love,
Cathy
sarrah345@aol.com

[Regina]

Does anyone out there think it would be good to have a support group meeting with some time specifically dedicated to our husbands, wives, partners, kids, etc

I am not suggesting a seperate meeting, nor am I suggesting that this happen every single month. I am suggesting that we dedicate some time in one upcoming meeting specifically to our families and friends, so that they can ask questions, and voice their fears, concerns, or whatever. If it turns out to be a good thing, we can then find a way to incorporate it more often.

Thanks for all of the input. I will get to work! See you on February 20th!

Nanette

thud OOPs sorry I took it as a seperate meeting. Maybe reading this board at 5:30AM is not a good thing for me. LOL

I'm for it and sorry that it sounded like I wasn't I just thought you were talking about two meetings.