Taking the easy way to lose weight

 I haven’t even had surgery yet and people have made derogatory comments like I’m just looking for the easy way out. I too believe that statement is very disrespectful and ignorant and the sad part about it is, not many people realize the repercussions stupid comments like that have. Those whose never experienced weight problems to this extent don’t fully understand what we go through every single day, physically and emotionally so how dare they judge us? This is actually one of the many reasons why I only plan to tell only a selected few that I am considering bariatric surgery. Family, other WLS or morbidly obese people, extremely close friends are the only people I plan to tell. It’s a shame I can't count on the support of others around me, but that’s life.

When I hear people say that, I tell them that until they are willing to go through the endless preop testing, classes and doctor visits, lie on an operating table, be cut open with their insides cut out and/or rearranged, have to learn how and what to eat all over again and face weeks or months of recovery with staple removal, vomitting, etc, they have no right to judge what is easy. 

Kristin, Thanks for the great, thought provoking post.  I haven't had surgery yet (hoping for early May), but I've been thinking of what to tell these rude people who butt into my business... I've decided that I am really going to enjoy telling them flat out that my stomach was causing me lots of problems, so the doctor cut it down to size and chucked the extra into his scrap bucket.  I can't wait to see their faces... On a (slightly) more serious note - there is a wonderful lady at my support group who says she tells people, "Yes, I had weight loss surgery... and it was the best decision I could have possibly made for myself."  She says that will generally deflate even the biggest blowhard... might be worth a try. Peace, John

EASY?  There ain't nothing easy about this...it was definitely my CHOICE-- but easy....never.    BAH to people.  AND if it were easy.. so what?  Easy is cool -- who needs more difficulty?   Struggling only made me bitter, angry and frustrated and resentful... nice to be around.  Yah Right!!!  BAH! 

I so much agree - it is a tool that greatly helps us but it still takes lots of work and attention to details - exercise; protein, carb,fat and liquid counts.   When I get this kind of reaction I think to myself - either jealous or very inconsiderate.  Recently a "good friend?" said - you better watch yourself with that diet - you are going to be all wrinkled.  My shocked reply was - "you are something else". I think that was enough said but her comment really did hurt. Oh well, such is life.  - this is for those making the unkind comments.   Donna