Response from a dear friend...

Thank you for the compliment!

I'm sorry that your friend let you down and brought such sadness into your life at a time when you just needed support in your decision. I know this is causing you a lot of heart pain. I find it amazing that people who have the least facts have the most aggressive opinions. It is also amazing that this one surgery evokes such strong negative opinions. When my husband needed cancer surgery last year not one person said, "You're grown so you can make your own decisions. But I will say that I'm against it...so before you do this seriously think about what you are doing to yourself!" Without this surgery he would have died. Without wls many of us would die an early death, or live in wheelchairs and nursing homes. The doctors removed his bladder and prostate to get rid of the cancer that was killing him. They greatly altered his internal plumbing too. Yet everyone was amazed at the modern miracle of this drastic surgery that saved his life. There was no condemnation--only alcolades for his bravery. His taste buds changed too, and his hair fell out. He no longer likes fruit and vegetables! This is a small price to pay for his life! He would do it again in a minute even knowing the affects of the chemo treatments and surgery. There will come a day when the uneducated public, and yes, even our friends will have to recognize that obesity is also a deadly disease and for some, surgery is the only answer to save their life. You'll get your support and alcolades from this site from those who know where you have been, where you are, and where you are going. And, just in case you are wondering...I have my consultation with Dr. Le Port on August 11. Only my husband and one daughter know my wls plans. I may tell others later...but not now. I've research, learned from this site and feel secure that this is the answer to save my life. I know the risks and I accept them. I also know the risks to my health if I don't have this surgery. It's a delicate choice and mine to make...not my friends. I have to live in this body...my husband has to live with this body. It's our choice...just don't let the turkey's get you down! We were designed to soar with the eagles...

thank you...thank you...thank you! Sunshine

That's some whacky stuff. My sense of taste is fine. The surgery has nothing to do with your tongue. Some people have an altered sense of taste after surgery, but that's a reaction to anesthesia and is usually temporary. The way I see it, I was going to have anesthesia with WLS or without. Without surgery, I was a prime candidate for a stroke or a heart attack or a blod clot, so I'd probably have needed surgery of some kind no matter what. At least WLS has a payoff, whereas I chanced death every day I stayed over 500 pounds without any payoff for the risk. This e-mail seems to have upset you. If you think it would make you feel better to tell your friend that her attitude -- especially telling you to go on a diet and have some will power -- hurts you at a time when you can least afford to be upset, you should. If this friend will never change her tune, you might want to avoid her til you've recovered from surgery. Or forever. She seems kind of thoughtless, and her grammar leaves a lot to be desired Any surgery is risky. You have to balance that risk against the reward you seek. No one can do that for you. I've been lucky, really; no one ever told me surgery was a mistake, or told me to go on a diet instead. I lost 40 pounds before surgery, and did have one friend suggest that that weight loss meant I might not need surgery afterall. We worked it out. I explained my reasoning, and he respected the choices I made to improve my health.

Thanks sweetie! You have a great sense with writing - very enjoyable to read. Enjoyed your profile. I felt as if I was reading a book...laughing hysterically and even tearing up! Or that could just be the emotional wreck I have been - here lately. Either way ---thank you, sincerely. Take care.