Beth,

I have just watched your three videos. This is the first time I came across your profile and your videos. I absolutely give you kudos for having the courage to tell it like it is. I dont think your videos are negative and not sure why you "freaked out the internet". The truth hurts and this procedure is not for everyone and the "risk/benefit ratio" CANNOT be overlooked. We all have "stars in our eyes" when thinking about how much better we will look but you really gave me "food for thought" (pun intended" with your candid comments. I think that people really need to be aware of the risks of the surgery vs. the risks of morbid obesity. It is a personal choice for us all and the most difficult one we will probably ever make. Thank you for your honesty whether it was popular or not. Sally

Beth, I just wanted to let you know how much your words mean to me...no I take that back, there is no way to tell you how much it meant to hear you.
I am 53 years old, 5ft 4 and 290 ish with a long list of medical problems for which "every doctor (9)" subscribes to MO or Diabetes. I think if I got a paper cut it would be because of my weight. I finally decided to get WLS and pay out of pocket. The 2 closest surgeons to me both recommend RnY. The 1st one was about 4 years ago. He found out my ins wouldn't cover it and would not even talk to me. The when I called the 2nd one to inquire about the seminar, I was told he would prefer to do the bypass based only on my BMI. I have read of other people who was "talked into" bypass for the same reason, the band doesn't work for someone with this much weight to lose. My first thought was "could it be because the perceived lack of success or slower rate of loss with the band make him appear less successful." The risks are down played in a lot of cases.
I have made the decision to have the band based on what 'I' feel is best for me. I have had to many Drs shake their head because my symptoms, tests and exams didn't match up to anything they expected, than to be talked into something as drastic as any type of bypass surgery.
Do I need the surgery, YES, I will DIE without it. That is not based on anything that I have been told, but because of what I feel in my heart. If something is going on that is not weight or diabetes (strictly controlled) it is not going to be found. If it is the weight then with God's Grace, my husband's support, my hard work, and the band it will be fixed.

YOU are without a doubt a great inspiration to a lot of people. I know for sure you are to me.
So please don't let anyone stop you or censure you for what you do for WL. Keep telling it like it is.

Hugs
Rita
Oh yes, it has nothing to do with your name , LOL my name is Elizabeth, I shortened it to Beth for my youngest daughter Amanda Beth, her daughter Bethany Shiann (both deceased) and granddaughter Adriana Beth age 8 going on 21.
Warmest Hugs

Hey Beth,
I just got out of school and finally had time to watch your videos (although I read your threads on obesityhelp) and I wanted to thank you for your candid commentary. Although I was in a different position than you when I had RNY (41 with high cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, gerd and elevated liver enzymes) I think a voice of reason is needed in this area. For the "healthy" overweight person, I feel the surgery is drastic. That being said, when it becomes scarier to live the way one is living than to have the surgery, then I think the time for action is at hand. Although it is a personal decision, I think it is important to focus on the balance between the quality of life pre-surgery versus what might be after. No one likes to think there will be complications, but we have to openly confront the possibility that there may well be. In that case, would the trade off be worth it? That question has to be answered by each person. Thanks for reminding us of this!
Tracey

Thank U! :)