3/22/09 - Update:

Mar 22, 2009

Nothing new to report on the doctor front but I just wanted to blog about something that happened to me today.  I was updating a friend of mine on the status of my WLS journey (I wasn't whispering or anything because in my mind this is not a secret; this is something that I need to do for me.  If you don't like it I'm sorry) when a couple of people chimed in with their opinion on whether or not I should have the surgery.   Mainly the feeling is that I should not.  They know people who have changed since the surgery, and...
     - "they are not happy, they seem depressed"
     - "they cannot eat like they used to,"  (Isn't that sort of the point -  )
I found myself justifying my decision, stating that each person is different; that they have made many strides in bariatric surgery over the years; that the whole point for many post-surgery is to stick to the plan; some can eat most things post-surgery in moderation;  the point is to know your limitations; that WLS is not a cure, it is a TOOL.

Finally, I decided to just stop talking, what others say or think is up to them, what I decide to do for me is for me to decide and no one else.  One of these people, in particular, I greatly respect.  Because I knew that this moment was coming, I have been playing out the scenario with her over and over in my mind.  Replaying many memories, usualy over the dinner table, where I have talked about this process, listening to her tell me the horror stories of those people that she knows have had the surgery but after years  are still struggling or are still unhappy.  Then it occurred to me, for many, many months now, maybe even a couple of years, she has been struggling herself with her choice for weight loss, JC (Jenny Craig), even to the point where she would not eat at the table with family.  She would eat her JC burger in the kitchen and the rest of us would eat in the dining room.  So which is worse, her weight loss choice or mine?  Who ends us feeling more deprived?

After this surgery, I do not intend to sit out at family functions.  Part of the reason that I am being so open about my WLS is so that when I sit at the table and am not eating, or am eating just a small portion, people will understand the reason.  I still want to partake in the fellowship - I want to be at the table enjoying the company of my family and friends.  The food at the table is just a product of our getting together.  God Willing, I will make it through this process alive, healthy and happy; still celebrating life's highs and lows of those I love.

Thanks for letting me vent.

God Bless.

0 Comments