I have heard a few comments from people that any WLS is just taking the easy/lazy man's way out of losing weight. I must confess that I wondered about that in my own case. As I said in another thread, I am alway telling myself if I would just shut my mouth and have a little willpower, I wouldn't have to do this surgery. Now after reading about everything you guys do day in and day out....it's not any different than any other type of diet, you still have to restrict your food intake, you still have to learn to live without certain types of food...the only difference I can see is that you are using a tool to help you maintain a feeling of being "full". Why would this be any different than the long list of diet "helps" that everyone else uses: pills, herbs, supplements e.t.c......To me it all adds up to the same thing. This is NOT a CONTEST.....the only winners are the ones that lose weight and achieve a goal of being happy and healthy. Who cares how you get there? It's like comparing how you were born. Is a baby born by C-section any LESS of a baby because it wasn't delivered "naturally". Is a person that has lost weight by WLS Less of a "thin person" than one who did it without any "help"? Of course not

Kim,

THat was eloquently said. And you are absolutely right. It shouldn't make a difference, but it does to a lot of folks. Obesity itself is seen as a sign of weakness and those who have lost weight without WLS and kept it off (3%) are usually the judgemental ones. For all the rest who feel this way, I imagine in some way they are jealous because they themselves need to lose some weight or just flat out predjudiced of the obese.

Also, many people have a different breaking point and think that WLS is really meant for someone who is 300 lbs over their ideal weight. Most people probably including some of my family members think if I just dieted and exercised, I would be thin. WLS is really meant for someone else like the really morbidly obese. Most people can;t believe that I am about 160 lbs overweight and just the number is daunting to me. !! Now,some people think if they are 10 lbs overwieght, they are disgusting and revolting. Some people its 50lbs and for others it can be 100lbs or more before they were prepared to do something about the obesity.

My thought process here is people that have never been morbidly obese have never lived in my tight shoes. They do not know how many diets I have tried or the embarrassment of not fitting in an airline seat and all the things I have not been able to do over the last 15 years or so. So my feeling is let them think what they like. I don't have room for negativity in my life and I don't have the energy to change their opinion. Besides, they are entitled to one even if I dont agree.

Babs in TX

334/245/180

-89

6/23/03

What she said. (Wow, this is easy!)

Well said ladies.

I'm not really interested in losing weight with "style points" anymore to gain someone's respect, and I just want to lose weight and keep it off already.

Bob

Babs: I am impressed! -89 lbs since JUNE!?? Wow, I'm not only impressed, I am JEALOUS! LOL. I just pray that I am that lucky (and committed). What an inspiration you are. I can't tell you how much this site has helped me in just 3 days. I had so many questions (and still do), but reading through the old posts has answered a lot of them. Thanks everyone for sharing your journey.

Hi Kim,

Don't be jealous. You will be there soon too. I do work hard at the weight loss, keep my caloric intake to 1000-1100. I work out at least 3x times a week at Curves and chase my kids around. I have two, surely not as many as you. (you must be exhausted!) I struggle through the plateaus for at least 10-12 days a month and inbetween have managed to consistently lose 8 pounds a month for the last 3 months. Before that it was 9-12 lbs, so now it is getting harder to keep up the big numbers. I do violate every once in a while (like today). Had some egg beaters for lunch with ham and 1 slice of cheddar, no Breakfast and ate a chicken and meatball parmagian sandwich barely nibbling on the italian bread and eating the innards. I followed that up with a real brownie! But the portion was small and in no way close to what I ate pre band. I think its good to play with your metabolism once in a while so your body doesn't get complacent. The trick is to get back on the band wagon at least 90% of the time.

Babs in TX

334/245/180

-89

6/23/03

Congratulations on hitting 90 lbs. Wow! What an accomplishment. You must be SO proud of yourself. I will definately use you as inspiration when it's my turn.

It's very frustrating when people are ignorant enough to think that WLS is an easy way out. Obesity is an addiction that one can't possibly hide from the world (at least that's my opinion); if there was an easy way out for an alcoholic or drug addict no one would critisize them for taking it. The fact that there is any way out at all is good news for those with the problem.

In my experience, my wls WAS "the easy way out." So was my c-section. In both cases, the "the hard way out" was dying.

Sue can I use that as my signature line?

I would be honored.

I second what you said babs I did believe in the beginning I would not have to do any work with the lapband but, that is not the case. I really feel I am on a diet all the time just like before, but, the band makes me feel fuller at a sitting (granted after a couple hours I am hungry again) My family-same thing...If you just excercise and eat less you'll lose weight.....well technically they are correct, but, it was more than that for me. Food is an addiction. Very few friends know about my surgery. My mom doesn't even know (I had it 6 months ago) I will tell her once I get to my goal weight though, or if there are complications.

If I had to do it again???? I don't know.........ask me that when I get closer to my goal. Sometimes I feel like a failure that I had to do it, but, then sometimes I feel with my health, i had no choice