I started this website in May 2001, while my wife was laying in a hospital bed of an Intensive Care Unit. I remember it was about 3:00am and I needed something therapeutic to do, I could not sleep.
I never knew at that time how this site would take off. I received so many emails thanking me for this story. I realized that other future WLS patients would use my story as a tool to research their own up coming surgery.
I remember one day, I read an email from a young lady in the mid west who said:
"Your wife died for those of us who are obese; she died for me."
These words have never left me and I knew I had to give something back to the community that was so supportive of me during my wife's illness.
In August 2001, I founded...
A Husband's Journey, Inc
"Advocacy & Support to the obese community"
P.O. Box 506
N. Bellmore, N.Y. 11710
At the present time, we are an internet support group, trying to expand. We DO NOT offer advice, but share our experiences and opinions in the hope that they will help another future WLS patient. We are also hoping to become a non profit organization in the future.
Some things we started doing are:
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Continually seeking volunteers
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Newsletter publication
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Contacting Bariatric Surgeons across the country, asking them to use this website as part of their support group meetings, further enhancing their patients awareness
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Working closely with PULSE - Persons United Limiting Substandards and Errors in Health Care
During my research and with type surgery being very trendy these days, we only hear the good, not the bad. It is very important for future patients to educate themselves about both possible outcomes. I feel that after reading this story, people will agree that I have brought out some very good points. Additionally, please keep in mind that post-operative complications can occur with any type surgery, not just weight loss surgery.
I would like to thank you for reading my site. It is people like us who will make a difference in someone's life.
Please feel free to Email me with any questions you may have.
Take care and God bless you.
Michael
"Some people live a hundred years and never know contentment or happiness; other's live but a few years and know a lifetime of wonder and love"