Where do you find the most support?

[NotSoFunny]

Where do you get the most support with your lapband? Your doctor? Your family? Online? Local support meetings?

Where have you gotten the worst/least support? How did you deal with that?

[503-250]

I find the most support in my suspenders...LOL

Seriously...my wife. She really never ever ever has failed to be there with all the crap i've put her through.

Second I would say specific forums where I have these really hawt chicas who flirt with me.

[NotSoFunny]

As much as I love everyone here, I have to say that my greatest support is my husband Rob. Not only did he hold my hand through all of this, but he spent time searching out info and learning all there was to know in order for us both to feel educated. He also went on this weight loss journey with me, even though he was not that ba off to start, and has lost a tong of weight. He is at goal, and is now working on building muscle and improving appearance. He has spent thousands of dollars for me and him to have a gym here in our house since I cannot easily go out to workout. I have been blessed with him truly.

Then comes my online support cirlce. Not just for information, but for shoulders to cry on, and arms to hug me. I have met so many wonderful people that have helped me through this, and learned so much form them sometimes I feel like I have been living with the band for years!!

And I have to shout out to Photonut. The nut has been almost as much support for me as Rob has. She has helped me through good times and bad, and is always someone I felt I could go to to get the down and dirty side of the band. LOL the stuff no one is willing to talk about.

[diva girl]

I'd say it was divided between DH (who still makes me awesome soups) and these support threads, which have helped immeasureably.

[Diane]

Husband has definately been #1. I don't know how people can through this without the support from their spouse. It would be very hard for me if he didn't 100% back me up.

#2 is this place. :) :) :) I just love it here. I can bare my soul & nobody judges me.

[Kim G]

I agree with everyone here..DH and family (parents and sister) are #1

On-line has been the 2nd...I have met some of my best friends on here, we can call each other for anything not even band related. We get together once a month just to keep up with each other and help newbies that might need help.

Local Support Group - our practice just started these a few months ago and they are so informative...I will make sure to share the info each month with everyone here.

[Susan]

I also would have to say first and foremost is my hubby. He has been amazing through all this. He went to the seminars with me, agreed to let me have it done even though we would be self-pay, held my hand before and immediately after the surgery and during all the trying times in between. I am also surprised how wonderfully supportive my 13 year old daughter and 15 year old son have been. They are always telling me how much they love me, no matter what my weight, and how proud they are of me for what I am doing. They help me with food temptations and are just wonderful in general. The next place I get my support from is the boards. The family is definitely wonderful, but there is just something about being able to chat and discuss things with others who are going through the same experiences I am.

[Txblue_eyedqt]

hmmmm...support....I guess my family and friends, when I allow them to ....i hold back a lot and do not open up very easily...

[lins12]

Being that I am without a husband...YOU GUYS...I could not do it without you...

TO mention a few...TELLY, Funny, Tricia, and P'Nut...they keep me going...but EVERYONE's posts really help.

SERIOUSLY...NO ONE understands like you guys do.

BIG HUGE HUGS.

[JoyceGA]

Though my family and friends are supportive, they don't really understand what I am going through.

Most of my support has come from THIS GROUP.

I love you all.

[Diva]

My husband! He has been my rock through this. He is the only member of my family I have told. He has taken care of me, researched for me, held my hand, calmed my fears and just loved me through thick and thin!
Then it is a toss up between the people here and the people at the Obesity Control Center at NEMC. I can't say enough about them-each psychologist, nutritionist, surgeon, PA, nurses and administrative staff are respectful and always stressing that we are not in this alone. It is a completely seperate office, examining rooms and meeting rooms than the general hospital.
And you all in this venue and the other board have helped me more than you will ever realize. Whenever I had doubts or fears or just the willies you were there. In the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep you were there. When I had a stupid question or a crazy misconception you were there.
So thank you.

[jacelogic]

Online. Just the accountability..:)

[Kathy]

I'd love to be the model wife and say my hubby has been my rock, my support, my number one fan, and I couldn't have done it without him...yada yada.

Truth is, it's you guys! All my online and in-person banded friends. There is NO way I could have done this so far without you all.

Dont' get me wrong, hubby is wonderful and encouraging. But the best thing he does is free me up so I can get my band support here. He doesn't complain about my online friendships and the time I spend on the 'puter (unless it's after midnight!) and he is willing to stay home with the kids while I run off to lunch and Ashville to visit with my banded friends. And he puts his hands on my thighs and say "you have really lost in your legs"...oh, that was foreplay...oops! (it worked! LOL)

Anyhow, I love all you online band buddies. Cheers!!!!

[dawg]

I'm in a ranting frame of mind. so excuse me :)

Frankly I find support for what I (we) do in whoever is willing to support us.

Where do I find most support? Wherever I look for it. Frankly I find most support for myself by DOING something for everyone else.

By supplying this forum I feel I have supported both my efforts as a piggybacker, and those working with (or towards having) the band.

I love our local support groups

I guess my feeling is - nothing is better than feeling that I'm not alone.

Yes, I'm not banded. Would I have the life I have without the band? No.

I supply a support structure (an enablement tool) with this board. Richard F (shackdog) supplies it with Debra (sorry if I spelled it wrong) our local Dr's nurse in a support group.

The Idaho bandsters support it with a monthly meeting and a dinner.

It's knowing my situation is important enough for people to care about that matters, and that they do care? priceless.

er... I ranted... more sorry.