My partner is starting a medically supervised weight loss program. It means eating special bars or shakes in place of 2 or 3 meals a day. The products are made of things that I can't tolerate, especially due to being very high fiber.
I recognize that is something that needs to be done but it feels very odd to be on the other side of this situation. Normally, I'm the one whose diet requires extra consideration.Also, after a year of very limited diet and discomfort, my situation has improved (at least for now) and I can eat out, order take out and be ok as long as I stay within what I have come to recognize as my GP imposed limits.
I was not overweight before GP and lost about 30 pounds due to GP. I have gained about half of that back since I am able to eat more now.
What is best way to be supportive and handle meal times together? It was hard for us to manage at the
start of my GP when my options were very, very limited. I'm concerned about what it will be like to be at what seems like opposite ends of the spectrum.
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How to be supportive of spouse's diet
- By Katie1978
- Posted June 29, 2009 at 7:48 pm · 5 replies
- In Relationships
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- By JoAllison
- Posted June 29, 2009 at 8:47 pm
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I'd think that basically you have to eat together, but not eat the same things. At least that's what my partner & I do. Don't try to offer him things he can't eat & vice versa. And try not to make him feel weird. Tell him that you're glad he's doing this to get healthier because you want to be together a long time.
And if you're spiritual or religious, pray for him as he's doing this & if he is, let him know you're doing so.
Jo
- By margamouse
- Posted June 30, 2009 at 9:30 am
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I think if you can handle changing things to accomodate your diet restrictions, you can handle the changes for your partner's needs. You will have to make two meals, etc. But just eating your meals together will help you stay close.
It may not be easy at first, but change never is for those of us with gp or any other chronic illness. We've come this far so we know we can deal with it!!
Compared to some of the things I'm sure you've had to do to survive with gp, this probably won't be as difficult. Talk to each other, support each other, encourage each other. That's how you deal with it.
I have every confidence that together you will make it!!
margaret
- By busyteacher
- Posted June 30, 2009 at 2:28 pm
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My husband can eat regular food, and I can't. We just make our own food, and either eat together, or spend other time together, depending on the day. "Eating together" becomes less important that "time together". This is a lot like the problems we have because so many social functions center around food we can't eat, and other people just have to get comfortable with it. It was hard to give up cooking together, but there are other things. Or, we can cook for other people together--but, apparently, the impulse is just not that strong....
- By Juliettesue77
- Posted June 30, 2009 at 2:40 pm
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My boyfriend always wants fast food. It is so hard because every time I eat that food I am sick for days. He is understanding, but it is hard for me because I have to tell myself that I can't have any. I have always loved any food, and now I feel that food is the enemy. Please help
Jen
- By Katie1978
- Posted June 30, 2009 at 8:42 pm
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We really don't cook. We are both busy litigators and neither of likes to cook.
We are lucky to live in a neighborhood where I can buy healthy pre made breakfast and lunch. For dinner, if we aren't out with friends or work obligations, we order take out.
There were months when I was unable to eat a lot of take out but managed to find a few options that worked and we would often order from 2 different places.
Recently though we have been able to compromise and enjoy Thai food or organic black bean burgers or Chinese food. The ordering out thing probably seems odd (i'm sure it is some part of the reason weight loss help is needed) but living in NYC as two busy professionals, I think it is somewhat common.
Even when I was very sick, I could go out for an evening and sit thru a meal. I would order something and eat a bit and bring something with me to supplement but this program kind of shuts down that aspect of our lives and that is going to take some adjustment.
I am trying to be encouraging but the products taste terrible and it is hard to see someone you care about suffer.
For others on the board with weight loss experience, have you been successful with a program like this?
Thank you for the supportive replies.
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