I've decided, without a doubt, that I want the sleeve and that I am going to follow through with the surgery. I have researched for months all aspects of the surgery, more so the negative comments, side effects, etc., and I still believe that this surgery is right for me. However, I am frustrated with cheap comments, and the one that upset me the most was: “You are taking the easy way out.”

Excuse me? Just because I am utilizing a technology that aides a person in losing weight when all other avenues have failed, means that I am taking the easy way out? I am sorry, but a person utilizing a vehicle to make it EASEIR for them to get somewhere; or an agriculturist utilizing specialized tractor equipment to make it EASIER and hasten the planting and coming of their crops; or a person using a defibrillator to aide them and make it EASIER for cardiac survival; or a person taking cholesterol, hypertension, or any other medication to make it EASIER for them to stay healthy does NOT give them less integrity. All of the afore mentioned are a means to an end; a tool utilized as a means to an end. Technology is created to make things easier for us to survive, to get around, to stay healthier, and to accomplish tasks easier and quicker. So, YES…maybe I am taking the easier route because all other forms of technology have failed me…and in the end, this “easy way out” is a tool; a means for me to survive and preserve my life for a longer period of time. I AM taking an easier route, just like billions of people across the globe do every day as they utilize all the technology that is available to them.

SORRY! I had to vent!!!

Sadly so, you may hear the whole "easy way out" often. You will get to the point where you may just shrug it off. Yes, it is frustrating. I don't blame you for venting at all. It's so hard for so many to understand unless they have walked in our shoes. Congrats on making a decision to better your health. It's one of the best decisions I've made for myself. I wish you the best with your journey. :-)

Thank you! I'm glad it has made a positive difference in your life. i can't wait until it makes one in mine.

Sadly so, you may hear the whole "easy way out" often. You will get to the point where you may just shrug it off. Yes, it is frustrating. I don't blame you for venting at all. It's so hard for so many to understand unless they have walked in our shoes. Congrats on making a decision to better your health. It's one of the best decisions I've made for myself. I wish you the best with your journey. :-)

This is exactly the reason I am hesitant to tell anyone, outside of my immediate family, about the surgery. A lot of people really need to think before they speak. Just remember that you are doing this for a healthier you.

i was sleeved on 2/8/2013. I started at 390 lbs and i am 33 years old and 5'1. I have fought the weight battle my WHOLE life. Getting the sleeve is NOT the easy way out! You have to work hard! The sleeve is a tool that helps the process along. If you do not change your eating you will not lose weight. With the sleeve honestly it is easier to eat the "crap" foods like ice cream or candy cause they go down easier but you have to make the choice to eat healthly. It is hard work trying to get in all your protein making sure you are drinking enough water and not eating too many carbs etc...All the sleeve does is limit the amount of foods you eat and in some cases (including mine) limits the type of foods. It is your hard work and choices that help you lose the weight! Because i could VERY VERY easily eat 3000 calories a day sleeved eating slider "crap" foods and not lose a pound. So that is what you tell people that say its the easy way out!!

I have grown to like the, "You took the easy way out" comment.

It's quite a time saver.

What I hear is, "I'm a moron, don't waste any more time with me."

It's certainly not the "easy way". Who in their right mind has major surgery that cuts out most of a vital organ, if not to save their own life. This is not a "whim" surgery, nor is it a cure. Your results are still as always what you make of them. I totally agree- anyone who says that is so ignorant, it's a waste of time speaking with them.

-Kendra

I haven't had anyone tell me straight up "That's the easy way" (even though I'm pretty sure it's in their head). I normally hear "You lost so much on your own already, you could have done this without it" or they like to bring up their cousin's former roommate's sister-in-law had the surgery & now she weighs more than she did prior to surgery & my favorite.. bringing up the story of poor Al Roker pooping his pants in the White House.

That being said, I've chosen to share my surgery with few others outside of my family. My family has been nothing but supportive. I've come to expect that when I do share what I've done that it's going to be met with criticism. I've been judged all my life & I'm pretty damn tired of it to be honest

Well said. And this is no "easy way out". It is work, sometimes really hard work. You are right, the sleeve is only a tool. As compassionate as you sound, I think you will do GREAT with it! I'm excited for you

I've decided' date=' without a doubt, that I want the sleeve and that I am going to follow through with the surgery. I have researched for months all aspects of the surgery, more so the negative comments, side effects, etc., and I still believe that this surgery is right for me. However, I am frustrated with cheap comments, and the one that upset me the most was: “You are taking the easy way out.”

Excuse me? Just because I am utilizing a technology that aides a person in losing weight when all other avenues have failed, means that I am taking the easy way out? I am sorry, but a person utilizing a vehicle to make it EASEIR for them to get somewhere; or an agriculturist utilizing specialized tractor equipment to make it EASIER and hasten the planting and coming of their crops; or a person using a defibrillator to aide them and make it EASIER for cardiac survival; or a person taking cholesterol, hypertension, or any other medication to make it EASIER for them to stay healthy does NOT give them less integrity. All of the afore mentioned are a means to an end; a tool utilized as a means to an end. Technology is created to make things easier for us to survive, to get around, to stay healthier, and to accomplish tasks easier and quicker. So, YES…maybe I am taking the easier route because all other forms of technology have failed me…and in the end, this “easy way out” is a tool; a means for me to survive and preserve my life for a longer period of time. I AM taking an easier route, just like billions of people across the globe do every day as they utilize all the technology that is available to them.

SORRY! I had to vent!!![/quote']

I agree with ur post 200%. Unfortunately that's why I've chosen to tell just a handful of people that I knew would be supportive. Some people just don't get it.

I guess it doesn't bother me because I agree with them. While I don't think it's "easy," I do think it's "easier." It's like signing up for a marathon and biking the 26 miles. I still have to expend a ton of energy and effort to reach the finish line, so it's not easy, but it's a ton eaiser for me than the person on foot.

I've had people ask me why the surgery and I tell them it's easier for me to stick to a program when I don't have a choice. As for people who want to get nasty, tell them you'll give up the surgery when they give up their car.

Thank you all for such great, positive feedback! I was having human moment and I had succumbed to my very human emotion of anger, but I decided shortly after that I wasn't going to waste my time, energy, and emotions on ill informed people. Thank you for all the support...it brought a smile to my face!