Ignorant People

  I made the mistake of telling a friend ( who's around 400 + lbs) I was having WLS . She got up on her high horse and said she doesn't believe in it. That  she doesn't know a single person who's kept it off more than 2 yrs.   I won't let someone like that get me down. I used to be against it myself. After being on this site, reading the testimonies, doing research, I believe it might be the ONLY way to get and keep the weight off.   I read earlier some one asked if she needed to tell people she was having surgery. I say, " No Way. "   They don't need to know.  My loved ones I will tell. People that just comment on me losing weight, I'll just say I'm losing healthy.  Does this bug anyone else ?  

I tell everyone that will listen that I had the DS. Many people haven't even heard of it, and know folks that have failed other surgeries, so are skeptical of all WLS.

I'm going 4 years and maintaining easily, and have lost all co-morbs. i feel obligated to tell anyone that is interested how I've managed to finally do this.

It is vital that you make your own choice about whether to have weight loss surgery, and you have your own choice regarding whom you share with.

I share on an as needed basis- if I think it will be helpful to someone, if it is a close supportive person, if I choose to. Otherwise when I am asked how I lost the weight, I will simply say "Healthy choices. I needed to take care of myself and my wellbeing."

WLS is for sure not the easy way out, but it sure is one powerful tool. I would do mine again in a flash without a second thought, I am that grateful for it.

Maintenance over the long haul is hard work, but so what. Anything worth it is hard work.

I suspect your friend is just scared. You might set an example for her. Also, we each have our own process with knowing when the time is right.

I totally cant stand when people make some of the comments that they make. I remember telling a co-worker of mine that I will be taking time off soon to have weight loss surgery and all she can tell me is "are you really going to do that' "you dont need to do taht you are too young, who knows what can happen" i simply told her its my life and I feel that its the only way that will help me lose the weight and get healthy! I cannot believe how damn rude some people are its so annoying! Especially when its coming from another bigger person that should be trying to lose weight too!!! Keep your head up girl and just remember this is YOUR decision noone elses's and if you feel its right then it is!!!!

People who havent experienced living life the way we have have no basis by which to understand what its like and the measures we sometimes have to take.  Its your body and its your life....and you should do whatever you feel is the best thing for you to be able to be healthy and happy.  No apologies, no regrets.

It doesnt quite bug me because Ill flat out tell it like it is.  Ive even gone so far as to tell someone who had strong feelings against me doing what I was doing that it was none of their business.  Also that until the day they walk a mile in my shoes and live life the way I have to live it right now, they arent ever going to fully understand what its like.  And then I just shake it off.  Another person's negativity is just not worth the effort it takes for me to carry it.

Do whatever you need to do FOR YOU and to hell with the naysayers  

"That she doesn't know a single person who's kept it off more than 2 yrs. "

Clearly your "friend" doesn't know too many people.  :)  Hope you can find some more supportive and nurturing friends. 

We're here for you!

Best,

WOW..Chris ..I haven't been here in a long time and I haven't seen you in an even longer time...you look FANTASTIC!!  Congrats on all of your success!!!

Chili

Aahhh.... Thank you so much!  That's so sweet of you!  It's so good to see you!  It's been too long!

Best,

I didn't tell; only my husband and son. You can tell later if you want.  You can't take it back. I am 2.3 years post op, below goal and I would do it again in a heartbeat!! People are quick to judge.  Good luck to you.

I said I was doing it in a healthy way; I am off all meds, it is a beautiful thing! 

I only told folks that were my support system.  Mostly 3 people that had already had success with the surgery and then my immediate family.  After the WLS - when people started noticing that I was loosing the weight so fast that's when people started saying something and I would respond that I had WLS for medical reasons and I was very glad.  Now most of the people at work know, but are very supportive because they know that I am getting healthy.
I did have one friend that found out right after my surgery and they said - "oh I would have talked you out of that as we know a friend that died"  I responded with, well I didn't make the decision lightly, and I am very happy with MY choice to get my health back.  I'm 42 years old and I would like to be around to know my grand kids one day.
We are all here to support one another.  Hang in there!