Archive for January, 2008

Relationships change a lot when you have gastric bypass surgery. The ones with my parents changed as well… very positively. My parents are my biggest supporters. I remember when I first decided to have the surgery. I called a friend who had the procedure five years prior, and asked if she could come with me to visit my parents. She and her husband drove about 30 minutes, knowing that the subject would come up that day.

My parents had met her years previous, but I re-introduced Maria. I explained that she had gastric bypass, and had lost approximately 150 lbs. During our lengthy visit, Maria shared her experiences with the surgery and how much healthier she became as a result. Mom remembered Maria; dad did not! He kept asking questions later, trying to jog his memory. I’m still convinced that he could not remember meeting her in the past because of the dramatic change!

I was sitting at home that evening and my mother called. “Your dad and I were talking while ago… we are excited that you are going to have this surgery. We know you will be beautiful when you lose all of that weight. You will feel so much better, and be healthier.” It gave me the extra support and affirmation that I needed to proceed with my decision. But as my mother says, it didn’t really matter what her reaction or response would have been. I had already made up my mind, and there was no stopping me.

Dad was very supportive. However, as time grew closer to my surgery, and I had lost weight from the Succeed program, he began to question whether this was a good decision. He asked lots of questions, but I believe it was just his way of knowing I was truly ready. It helped me see that I had done my homework and research, and that indeed, I was ready. MORE than ready!

My mother stayed with me in the hospital the entire time during my surgery stay. She was always there by my side. She made sure the nurses took care of me, made sure I drank my liquids, got up out of bed and walked down the hallway, helped me with clean pajamas and bedsheets (she would not let the nurses change my bedclothes!). Although I have never given birth to a child, or been pregnant, I have found that there is no love like a mother’s love. I have been on the receiving end many times of my own mother’s love and affection. It makes me eternally grateful for her in my life.