PBS Documentary about friends having WLS

PBS did a documentary called "All of Me" and you can watch it for free, online, without ads, legally, at the link below.  It is 55 minutes.  I didn't find it to be ground-breaking or earth-shattering, but there are quite a few topics that we talk about on OH with some regularity - self-confidence, changing relationships, the difficulty of maintenance...it's worth a watch if you have a spare hour, IMO.  Comments welcome!  I would love to know what y'all think!

All of Me

• Aired: 03/25/2014
• 55:32
• Expires: 04/23/2014
• Rating: TV-14

The “Girls” have been friends — and morbidly obese — for years. They met via the Austin chapter of the National Association to Advance Fat. Now they’re going through the life-changing process of weight-loss surgery. The experience presents a host of issues and consequences — some they knew they were in for, some they feared, and some they never could have imagined.

http://video.pbs.org/video/2365190806/

Thanks Dcgirl.

I am going to check this out-thank you!

Austin, TX?  That's where I live!  I'll definitely check this out and thank you for letting us know!

I think the one woman hit it on the head at the end when she said that bariatric centers do not do enough follow up, surgery's done, here's your list have a happy life and out the door. Sure they do follow up with labs and visits typically every three months the first year, and annually afterwards. Some offer support groups, some of those are good, some not so much. I think more emphasis should be put on the psych/head work after surgery.

It was an interesting glimpse into their lives but I wi**** was a series or longer to show more of the grit.

I thought they spend too much time on the whole BBW scene. I wish more had been spent on other aspects of their journey.

Mrs Litch and Laura in Texas-I totally agree! It didn't show enough to help someone decide to pursue or not pursue WLS, IMO. I found it sad but unsurprising that some friendships ended as well as a marriage. I was just out tonight with a friend who is probably a size 20 and she NEVER remarks on my weight loss or offers any kind of support. I think it was ok when I was the fatter one but now she sees our roles changing and isn't comfortable with that. One hour isn't enough time to explore the topic of WLS but I'm glad that people talk about it (and make documentaries about it) so that some of the stigma is removed. 

It's interesting to see how friends respond. I'm fortunate that most of my friends I've had since high school when I graduated at 103 pounds so they are used to a smaller me. However, I do find it interesting that they touched on the subject about our changes whether it be self esteem or empowerment or what not that changes relationships. My putting up with BS meter is way down, it doesn't take much for me to write someone off these days. I agree it needs to be discussed more. I was the subject of a health article in our local paper at 9 months out, I'd do it again because of the overwhelming positive responses from people asking questions that led to their own wls, to just a "way to go".

That is so cool that you were the subject of an article in your paper!  I am really open about the fact I have had WLS with friends, family, coworkers.  I haven't gone local paper yet, but I would if it was going to help lead someone to WLS.  Just how great I feel 3.5 months out is enough to make me want to shout it from the rooftops.  I wish I had done it 10 years earlier.  

From me, "Way to go!".  It's really awesome that you share your story and experience.

I think it was a great documentary - something different than the show "My 600 lb Life".  I agree that there should be more follow through after the surgery from the bariatric centers to encourage compliance - the health insurance companies should offer better incentives to us for gym memberships - like 75% off memberships w/ a percentage of attendance over the first 6 months (or something along those lines).  

Getting different insight into others lives before and after the surgery is very interesting and will help with my journey.  Too bad this isn't a series that is aired on a weekly basis - or one that they could film focusing on different groups from around the country airing more frequently.

 

Thank you very much for sharing the link!

Now on w/ my day!