I have a friend whose husband has just gotten weight loss surgery and I am completely stumped as to how to help them out. Everything I would normally do involves food. Make or bring them take out food. That won’t work… He is super tech savvy and subscribes to every cable-media opportunity and is avid reader so has overflowing shelves of reading material. He will be home for a bit and then working from home, and my friend will be going back to work tomorrow. Other than cards and flowers, which would wouldn’t exactly help them out much, I can’t think of anything to do. Hoping some of you have better ideas than me.
This is easy-offer to do errands for him. When my friend had this surgery, she couldn’t drive right away and needed things picked up or dropped off, or rides to doctor’s appointments. Offer to help your friend out in this way-I’ll bet he’d appreciate it.
Maybe some nice herbal teas that can be used hot or cold in iced tea?
Offering to help with errands or chores in the house or yard as I assume he will be recovering for awhile? Gift of a “rent a husband” handyman service?
Herb container garden?
It is interesting how things like this as well as most social events revolve around food.
The offers for errand running would be much appreciated I’m sure. Don’t know your schedule but if you are free and able to take him to any doctor’s appts while she is at work would be really nice.
Slow walking, if you can. My friends who have gone through any kind of surgery (including bariatric) all need someone to walk slowly with them at a certain stage of recovery. You can’t walk alone… And you can’t walk fast.
Yes, thank you. Will offer to run errands. Fortunately my friend has quite a bit of household help but I should just ask her husband directly because she keeps telling me they’re fine. And yes, @doschicos, this has really highlighted how much of my world revolves around food. Both my friend and her husband are serious foodies, so I do like the idea of finding nice teas that are acceptable although the husband has been one of those 8 cups of coffee a day people. I appreciate all the suggestions.
If you know how your friend will be changing his diet, a gift along those lines – a fruit basket, potted herbs, a membership at a CSA could be appreciated. As could a personal training session at a gym or a yoga class or whatever. All of these need to be handled carefully, though, aND align with your friend’s wishes as you don’t want to have your good intentions come across as one more opinion on how he should be living his life. I like the walking idea from @dmd77 best… it feels very supportive and non judgemental.
I have a friend who went through this also. If your friend does not yet have one, buy them a Magic Bullet. They will love it!! Also, they will be drinking LOTS of protein shakes for quite some time.
My friend looks fantastic!!