Compliment or ignorance??

So for the 2nd time in 2 weeks after I've told someone I am having WLS they both looked at me and said "well, Shelly you are not big enough to have WLS." Umm, I have seen pictures of myself and I know how much I weigh and yes, I am big enough. LOL I just don't know if these people were trying to be kind or ignorant. One of the people actually was drawing my blood and said you are not big enough, how much do you weigh and I told her 260 and she freaked out saying you don't look THAT big. But the funny thing is she was 260 and she had WLS also by the same dr!!  Furthermore, who goes around asking "how much do you weigh??" I guess another WLS patient.

I am 5 ft 3 inches and 260. It's not like I am 6ft tall. LOL

I don't know if some people think WLS is only for people who weigh over 400 lbs or something. I

On another note. The lady who was drawing my blood started talking about how hot our surgeon is. OMgosh!! I am a happily married woman and my dh has met him. We are very honest with one another and very secure in our relationship. But the first time I met my Doc. We walked out and I said "oh babe" and dh said " I already know what you are going to say" LOL
It was funny all the ladies in class were talking about how easy on the eyes he is. I have to admit it is a little embarrassing to have him as my dr. But he does make me feel so comfortable.

I'd take it as a compliment. but that's just me. LOL. The day I went to our pre-surgery class a the hospital I was the second one to arrive. The lady that was at the table with me talked to me a little and then asked if "my friend" who is having the surgery was running late. I smiled and said no I'm the one having the surgery. She looked at me and said "you don't look big enough to have this surgery". I find that most people I would run into just assume that only those people who are 200+ pounds overweight are the ones having the surgery. Yeah, for the cute Dr. LOL! My high risk OB/GYN when I was pregnant with my daughters was very nice on the eyes! LOL. I always looked forward to seeing him. LOLOL.

First - can I just say -LOL!  That's too funny about your doc!

I get that comment too.  The first person to say it to me was my best friend when I told her I was about to have the surgery.  I told her that the qualifying weight was 40BMI, and she said "Well crap, I guess I could have it too!"

For me, it's the people I see all the time. I think they just get used to the way you are and don't think of you as that overweight.

It may also be the trend in our society toward being overweight. Who knows?

I think saying "you're not that heavy" is simply a "nice" response to hearing your decision. If a person were to say, "Oh Lord, I wondered when you would do it!" that would definitely NOT be a compliment! So what are they going to say? (Yes, of course, there are good responses but many people don't know what they are!)

Last summer I had arthroscopy on my knee - the x ray tech, MRI tech, and nurses ALL told me what a hottie my orthopedist is!

 Been there on the "you're not big enough" thing. Fortunately, THEIR opinion doesn't determine criteria..... ASMBS, NIH, my surgeon - I think THOSE opinions determined my surgery a bit more, no?
Gotta share a funny story about hot surgeons, because I've been in that boat too. About 2 years ago I had a perianal abscess that required 2 surgeries. Wasn't fun, but at least it taught me I could survive anesthesia! I too am happily married. But, the man who operated on my ASS (poopy issues and all) was too cute. Every follow-up I felt SOOOOO embarased as he scoped my butt, high in the air, and tried to make conversation with what had been the most uncomfortable office visits I'd ever had. I had to remind myself that he made enough money to be well compensated for looking at my anus every visit.

That happened to me when I was pre-op too.  I think it is a compliment.  They expect the woman who is 600 pounds to have surgery, but 250-350 they don't recognize the truth to that size, probably because they could fall into that same category if they thought about it.

as for the cute doctor!  YEAH!!!!!  it never hurts to look as long as you don't touch in real life or in your mind.  My gastric surgeon was very cute and my Head Plastic Surgeon (LBL Surgery is on TUESDAY!!!!) is also EXTREMELY CUTE! 

I would take it as a compliment and move on. And it's great to not look as heavy as you are!

And lol about your doc. My doc is super hot too and I was more than a little embarassed about the whole thing. I consoled myself with the thought that I was not the fattest person he'd ever worked on, lol.

Good luck with your surgery!!

It's really just a compliment, you must carry your weight quite well.  

Remember this when you are getting to goal

I always wanted to be a "normal" BMI. (for me 120-148)  I was at 146 for awhile and looked like hell.   My basic set point for 5 years was 155#  -in the OVERWEIGHT catagory!  It about killed me.  BUT I was wearing a size 4/6 and they were hitting my bones not any fat.  BMI obviously doesn't work for me!

Good luck

Pup

My mom said the same thing to me when I told her about the fact I was going to have the surgery.  She said 'you don't look as bad as some of the people I have seen'.  The sad thing is she guessed my weight with in 5lbs. (she is a nurse).  So really mom, what part of your daughter weighing 320 lbs is OK?

Funny about your doctor.


Sarah

I get it all the time, and my response is always to say thank you and tell them that they need to wipe the egg off their *****s).