Elizabeth N.
Herder of cats
When you go in for your WLS, we here on your support forum will want to know how things are going! Some of us *points at self* turn into mama hens who will fuss and fret if the Internet silence stretches very long. You might find yourself in early recovery--possibly even while still in the hospital--with questions, concerns, confusion, etc. and wish for connection with your support forum.
A Surgery Angel can help in both directions. If you want an angel, please post a note here saying so, and someone will show up to volunteer. In an ideal world, it would be a person who can show up at your bedside in person, but many of us do just fine communicating by phone, whether voice or text.
It would be helpful for angel and "angelette" or "angelee" to communicate at least a few days before surgery, exchange phone numbers or establish whatever method of communication is best for you. Often that means getting in touch with the person who will be with you after your surgery.
Your angel's job is simply to report on your status and, where possible, to send back whatever responses you might get on the boards.
What to expect from your Angel:
Your angel is ONLY conveying information about your surgery status. S/he is NOT your personal WLS guide, coach or "special contact" for any other stuff about your life. Now if such a relationship develops, wonderful! Just be aware that it is not part of the job description.
Angel Responsibilities:
A couple things to think about:
A Surgery Angel can help in both directions. If you want an angel, please post a note here saying so, and someone will show up to volunteer. In an ideal world, it would be a person who can show up at your bedside in person, but many of us do just fine communicating by phone, whether voice or text.
It would be helpful for angel and "angelette" or "angelee" to communicate at least a few days before surgery, exchange phone numbers or establish whatever method of communication is best for you. Often that means getting in touch with the person who will be with you after your surgery.
Your angel's job is simply to report on your status and, where possible, to send back whatever responses you might get on the boards.
What to expect from your Angel:
Your angel is ONLY conveying information about your surgery status. S/he is NOT your personal WLS guide, coach or "special contact" for any other stuff about your life. Now if such a relationship develops, wonderful! Just be aware that it is not part of the job description.
Angel Responsibilities:
A couple things to think about:
- PRIVACY! Please, talk with your "angelette/angelee" in advance about what kind of information they are comfortable communicating. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and confidentiality.
- Your own expectations. What do YOU believe this relationship is about? Get clear about that in your own mind in advance.
- The expectations of the people close to your angelette/angelee. Make sure they are aware of you are and what you're there to do.