Rosie O’Donnell Makes Hurtful Comments About the Lap-Band on “The View”

[Jean McMillan 2,973]

Well, consider the source...small mind, big mouth... from someone who may be misinformed.

None of us are immune to big mouth syndrome. I'm glad to be an American who's (mostly) free to express my opinion in public on any subject - health included..

I'm happy with the weight loss my sleeve has made possible, but I still fiercely miss my band. Rosie's WLS opinions sound important because she's a celebrity, but being a celebrity doesn't automatically gift you with wisdom. In the end, Rosie is still a human being who will have to account for her life and choices when she meets her Maker. And any celebrity talking about any WLS procedure probably does us a favor by shining a light on the topic of morbid obesity and its treatment (surgical or otherwise) even if their commentary is negative.

[labwalker 1,177]

Quite frankly, some (a very vocal and small minority) of the VSG members of this forum have been as ignorant and hurtful as those expressed on the View, far beyond the damage done by Rosie.

This is a support group. No one cares what your surgeon opinions are or were. From some of the comments that were allegedly made by surgeons, I'd seriously wonder why anyone would ever consider having surgery done by that group or practice? Dated opinions based on archaic surgical practices and devices has nothing to do with efficacy of lab band procedures being done in this current decade by competent surgeons. As I noted, I can quote questionable sites that diss other procedures... what does that prove??

I honestly think Alex made a major gaff in combining the various WLS platforms into on group. It is painfully obvious that a fEW VSG patients chose to be smug and ignorant and are here to demean anyone who has chosen alternative surgeries, regardless of there effectiveness. I wonder if it is even worth bothering with this site... if anyone can recommend a site that only deals with lap band patients, I'd appreciate the link.

Edited October 7, 2014 by labwalker

[gowalking 10,790]

It is worth bothering labwalker. You know why? Because like you said, it's a small but vocal minority. As a fellow successful bandster, I think it's our obligation to stick around so other folks who want to be banded same as us, have our experiences to draw from.

When I was still waiting for surgery, and terrified of what the future would bring, I found this site and read everything I could from successful bandsters. I am so grateful to folks like Missy and CG who helped me every step of the way along with many others.

I'm paying it forward and all of us who understand that bandsters choose this procedure to avoid more invasive procedures need advocates on this site. Please don't leave.

Liz

[mrsto 2,925]

Labwalker - I completely understand your feelings. I loved the old Lap Band Talk site, and though at times there was bickering about various things, it was never about which surgery, who's doctor has better credentials, etc. It was a lap band group, and we were all part of that same "club". I too wish the surgeries weren't combined, but now.....it is what it is. Though very frustrating at times, it's still a good place to come for support. Even if not support, just nice interaction with others who share the struggles, fight the fight, etc.

A few of the comments by sleeved patients in the thread were ridiculous. Worthless, actually. It makes no sense to trash others surgical path, who are seeking to improve their health, etc. The babble about archaic procedures and lack of personal research, can only come from those who are insecure at their core, and have to beat their chest like a gorilla in the wild. As I stated in my above post, there is absolutely no debate. We all moved forward with the surgical route, and chose procedures we deemed the best for us.....for WHATEVER the reason.

Lab - please stick around. I get into moods like this too....like you feel this morning. It is frustrating at times, but there was bickering on Lap Band Talk, too. Get a lot of different people together, and it's going to happen. When I start to feel the bile rising after reading some stupid s-hit, I click to a different thread; just walk away :-)

Edited October 4, 2014 by mrsto

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

when i heard rosie "mention" her negative opinions about the lapband

my jaw dropped in amazement, and i did a double take in disbelief

irresponsible to make such a statement to the public

everyone has the right to have their own thoughts about WLS

there is freedom of speach

freedom to be ignorant/irresponsible???

rosie if you are listening

you really screwed up

100 whips with a wet noodle

kathy

Edited October 4, 2014 by proudgrammy

[JamieLogical 8,727]

@@labwalker I'm sorry you feel this way. I don't think that most of the people who say negative things about lap-band mean to be offensive or "on the attack". Obviously all of us chose the surgery that we felt was best for us and therefor we had reasons for NOT choosing the other options. For every down-side to band, there are down-sides to the other options as well and I think this thread has just created a dialog about the down-sides of band. Someone who has been banded could just as easily come on here and list some of the down-sides of VSG, such as the fact it's not reversible or the fact that it hasn't been around long enough to have strong outcome data available. But, that's not what this thread was about, so it maybe feels like everyone is "piling on" about the down-sides of band.

I am actually VERY grateful that we have a site for all of the WLS options, because it really helped me when researching and reading accounts from people who have experienced all of the procedures. I also think that by-an-large, we are ONE community as we all have shared experiences, no matter which WLS we've chosen. I hope you won't let some of the comments in this one thread deter you from participating on these boards in the future.

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

Three things.

My surgeon offered me sleeve, but fully supported my choice for LapBand. My reasons were many, and he enthusiastically continues to band many patients every year. In my opinion you should choose a surgeon and surgery that both of you are excited about. If my surgeon was lukewarm about my chances, I would have run out the door. Instead I know he's there for not just me, but for many future banded patients as well.

Second, I hate these personal comments about celebrities. I am sure some celebrities are on this site under anonymous names just like I am. They are here for the same reasons I am. I don't mind when someone disagrees with a celebrity's public WORDS, but for Pete's sake, stop the name calling.

Third, I enjoy healthy contrast-and-compare dialog about the different surgeries. I learn here daily, and I never know if my life will include changes down the road. But your surgery is no better or worse than mine. My surgeon and I are thrilled with my outcome so far. And don't kid yourself folks. It is "so far" for all of us, no matter what road we chose. When we are at the end of our lives and face THOSE new medical uncertainties, we can then decide if we chose the right WLS all these years earlier. But I respect your choice today, and if you don't respect mine, please just shut up about it.

I'm here for support and learning. I can learn from your trials and successes and feel free to learn from mine. Keep this a welcoming place for all.