Abuse of wls..when it's not needed

[Kindle 8,667]

For those of you bashing the author of this thread and getting all defensive, please take the time to re-read the OP. It was not judgmental or negative. She was simply describing her observations and asking our opinions....

.....

I belong to several weight loss groups on Facebook and other types of media. I have noticed that there are several people that just need to lose a few pounds and are already slim. They are having weight loss surgery to lose may be 50 pounds or so. They already look like they are at a good weight. Do you feel that some of these people are having weight loss surgery and they really do not need it they are just thinking this is an easy way out. What do you think about the doctors that are doing this?

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

@@Kindle, my reaction (see above) is to this specific language in the OP: "... people that just need to lose a few pounds and are already slim. They are having weight loss surgery to lose may be 50 pounds or so. They already look like they are at a good weight. "

Someone who's fifty pounds overweight is not typically "at a good weight" and definitely not "already slim."

To someone who's 200 pounds overweight, another person might appear that way. But that's not the only perspective from which to view another person's extra 50 pounds.

Edited December 27, 2014 by VSGAnn2014

[ProjectMe 909]

All about perspective. Assumptions were made. Which is why I asked the question, "how do you know a person's Before, During, and After Journey?" How's it possible that one can look at a person in a waiting room or look at someone's board posts and question their decision for weight loss surgery. That is what the OP did in both of her posts....in my perspective

[jess9395 5,450]

@@Kindle, my reaction (see above) is to this specific language in the OP: "... people that just need to lose a few pounds and are already slim. They are having weight loss surgery to lose may be 50 pounds or so. They already look like they are at a good weight. "

Someone who's fifty pounds overweight is not typically "at a good weight" and definitely not "already slim."

To someone who's 200 pounds overweight, another person might appear that way. But that's not the only perspective from which to view another person's extra 50 pounds.

Ok so remove the guess of 50lbs. Remove that assumption. I am really interested in hearing thoughts about those already in the healthy range or into the overweight category by 10-20lbs or so. No comorbidities.

My initial reaction was shock and horror, but perhaps I should revisit that? What do you think? I also think that while the initial poster might have made a few assumptions, she had an open mind and was just soliciting feedback/opinions.

[jess9395 5,450]

All about perspective. Assumptions were made. Which is why I asked the question, "how do you know a person's Before, During, and After Journey?" How's it possible that one can look at a person in a waiting room or look at someone's board posts and question their decision for weight loss surgery. That is what the OP did in both of her posts....in my perspective

Right you are. So let's talk hypothetical because it does happen. What would you think of a person with no comorbidities who has never been obese and is wanting the surgery?

Interested in hearing opinions!

[ProjectMe 909]

Right you are. So let's talk hypothetical because it does happen. What would you think of a person with no comorbidities who has never been obese and is wanting the surgery?

Interested in hearing opinions!

I have a hard time answering this question. I cannot tell if someone is 5, 10, 25, or 50 pounds overweight. Seriously. But, let's say for arguments sake that the person has been fighting for the same 20 lbs for the past 20 years. And he or she truly feels in any way as bad as I've felt over the years about their body. Who am I to judge whether the person simply needs outpatient/inpatient counseling, meds. or surgery. I am a librarian not a medical professional. I'd leave it to the professionals to decide what's best.

[LipstickLady 25,682]

For those of you bashing the author of this thread and getting all defensive, please take the time to re-read the OP. It was not judgmental or negative. She was simply describing her observations and asking our opinions....

.....

Consider the title of the thread and her follow up response. That's what irritated me the most.

Who is anyone here to judge what is "abuse" of the surgery and when it may or may not be needed?

Edited December 28, 2014 by LipstickLady

[LipstickLady 25,682]

Ok so remove the guess of 50lbs. Remove that assumption. I am really interested in hearing thoughts about those already in the healthy range or into the overweight category by 10-20lbs or so. No comorbidities.

I think it's no one's business but the person making the decision and his or her health care professional.

[jess9395 5,450]

I have a hard time answering this question. I cannot tell if someone is 5, 10, 25, or 50 pounds overweight. Seriously. But, let's say for arguments sake that the person has been fighting for the same 20 lbs for the past 20 years. And he or she truly feels in any way as bad as I've felt over the years about their body. Who am I to judge whether the person simply needs outpatient/inpatient counseling, meds. or surgery. I am a librarian not a medical professional. I'd leave it to the professionals to decide what's best.

Ok you must have not read my earlier posts. I have a friend. She is currently 20lbs over where she wants to be, she wears a size 8 and is normal weight. She has been as high as 30lbs more than she is now which was a bit into the overweight category, but not obese. She never had a weight problem till she had her kids (second pregnancy). She has asked me what I think about her getting the surgery so it can help her get skinnier. None of this is assumptions. She's brought it all to me and asked. I don't know what to say to her.

[jess9395 5,450]

I think it's no one's business but the person making the decision and his or her health care professional.

Fair enough. But if it were a close friend and she asked you, what would you say? This is my specific position, and I don't know what to tell her.

[jess9395 5,450]

Consider the title of the thread and her follow up response. That's what irritated me the most.

Who is anyone here to judge what is "abuse" of the surgery and when it may or may not be needed?

Point taken, esp the title of the thread. Still I think it's an interesting topic to discuss.

[LipstickLady 25,682]

Fair enough. But if it were a close friend and she asked you, what would you say? This is my specific position, and I don't know what to tell her.

I would tell her to do some research about the permanent changes she will have to make to her lifestyle and then advise her to talk with her doctor as the surgery is traditionally for people who are obese or with co-morbidities. Facts, not opinion.

[ProjectMe 909]

Ok you must have not read my earlier posts. I have a friend. She is currently 20lbs over where she wants to be, she wears a size 8 and is normal weight. She has been as high as 30lbs more than she is now which was a bit into the overweight category, but not obese. She never had a weight problem till she had her kids (second pregnancy). She has asked me what I think about her getting the surgery so it can help her get skinnier. None of this is assumptions. She's brought it all to me and asked. I don't know what to say to her.

Oh, ok. I'd definitely let her know my personal story, how I qualified for surgery, the steps it took to get it, and how my life and eating habits must change for life. I would also bring her to one of my support meetings so that she can see & hear others' stories. Next, I'd suggest she talk with a physician...who will also explain the above and probably refer her to see a counselor and nutritionist to help with those 20 lbs. then I guess go frm there.

[jess9395 5,450]

I would tell her to do some research about the permanent changes she will have to make to her lifestyle and then advise her to talk with her doctor as the surgery is traditionally for people who are obese or with co-morbidities. Facts, not opinion.

That's kinda what I did, while sharing my own experiences....she wanted the name of my dr which I gave her, I honestly don't think he would do it, so perhaps it's best if she just takes to him. Thanks

[jess9395 5,450]

Oh, ok. I'd definitely let her know my personal story, how I qualified for surgery, the steps it took to get it, and how my life and eating habits must change for life. I would also bring her to one of my support meetings so that she can see & hear others' stories. Next, I'd suggest she talk with a physician...who will also explain the above and probably refer her to see a counselor and nutritionist to help with those 20 lbs. then I guess go frm there.

I did share my story, she asked for my dr info which I have her. Hardest part is she's a Dr herself so she tends to go straight to specialists and tell them what she needs! Well I guess it's in her court now to follow up on or not. Just not sure how to talk to her about it these days when she brings it up.