Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Tired of being judged and questioned (Low BMI)



Recommended Posts

After attending the nutrition class a woman siting across from me said "I've been looking at you the whole time you are small why are you getting the procedure". I responded and said "it is a personal decision". Then the lady next too me asked "have you had your psych evaluation" I said "yes" then she asked "what did he say". I responded "nothing but I don't think no one's decision can trump the surgeon's". I am so upset and no one knows my struggle. I am tired of people placing judgment and questioning my decision with the procedure. I am so disappointed and really need some support right about now just because I don't look like I have a BMI of 36.6 I do based upon my height and weight.

There were some really cool folks in the various group classes I took leading up to the surgery, however, there were two in particular that I wanted permission to choke-slam them after tossing them into the turnbuckles...WWE style.....and then a few smacks with folding chairs.

In both cases they wanted to quiz fellow members on why they made certain decisions, why this, why that. It was maddening. We are all sitting there internalizing the material presented, getting our bearings....and these two idiots are all in your space....quizzing you......judging you.

I think the upshot of it all was these two were lost as hell....but instead of using the classroom time to sort it out like the rest of us.....they went on attack mode. The presenters were pros, however, and quickly regained control of the class and neutralized the fools. It became evident to me that there is one in every class and the presenters see it ALL the time and have strategies to negate the bullcrap. This calmed me down.....but for a minute I wanted to climb up on the top ring rope and go all Nacho Libre on them.

Your reasons for having surgery are between you, your surgeon and God. Everyone else is a matter of how much you want to let them in. Smack a fool that tries to pry. :P

Edited by Dub

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Having a BMI of 35 with comorbidities is sufficient qualification for WLS. Obviously, some people (including some WLS patients) don't know this.

Then there's the good chance we'll run into assholes who are also WLS patients.

I'm not a fan of stereotyping, but here goes anyway: There's a "type" of morbidly obese person who's the biggest, baddest grizzly bear in the room. She or he is always right, loud, snarky, over-sharing, microphone-grabbing, heavy-sighing, head-shaking, eye-rolling, and goes all alpha-female or alpha-male when someone doesn't knuckle under to her/his opinions of what's right and wrong. They're also prone to stomping out of the room when asked to tone it down. And to borrow @@Dub 's wrestling metaphor (loved it!), women of this ilk like to find another like-minded woman to tag-team with and discipline other group members.

I suppose people like this are very unhappy, and that's understandable, given their physical and emotional challenges. But jeez, I always want to ask security to escort them out.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Having a BMI of 35 with comorbidities is sufficient qualification for WLS. Obviously, some people (including some WLS patients) don't know this.

Then there's the good chance we'll run into assholes who are also WLS patients.

I'm not a fan of stereotyping, but here goes anyway: There's a "type" of morbidly obese person who's the biggest, baddest grizzly bear in the room. She or he is always right, loud, snarky, over-sharing, microphone-grabbing, heavy-sighing, head-shaking, eye-rolling, and goes all alpha-female or alpha-male when someone doesn't knuckle under to her/his opinions of what's right and wrong. They're also prone to stomping out of the room when asked to tone it down. And to borrow @@Dub 's wrestling metaphor (loved it!), women of this ilk like to find another like-minded woman to tag-team with and discipline other group members.

I suppose people like this are very unhappy, and that's understandable, given their physical and emotional challenges. But jeez, I always want to ask security to escort them out.

'Twas no metaphor.........I truly wanted to smack 'em with folding chairs.

For the record....one of them was a big ole 6-sammich eating dude.

:P

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you all for your support and phrases that I could use to give a response. With that being said I moved my surgery date up to December 8th. I am so grateful that I found this sight and appreciate the insight from everyone!!! xoxoxo!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm so glad you posted this. I go for first orientation session on Monday and was worried but the same thing. Everyone I have mentioned intentions to gives me the same response. Except those that are post op of course. ???? I have a BMI of 37 but have serious issues with my type 2 insulin dependent diabetes. My knees and joints are achy all the time and my cholesterol and blood pressure is elevated.

I can explain all of this but I am tired of needing to. Miss Macs response is perfect. I hope you don't in but I intend to steal it every chance I get. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Then the lady next too me asked "have you had your psych evaluation" I said "yes" then she asked "what did he say".

"He said if the complete stranger next to you at the weight loss group starts questioning you about your private psych results you should tell them to mind their own business"

Edited by perforce

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Then the lady next too me asked "have you had your psych evaluation" I said "yes" then she asked "what did he say".

"He said if the complete stranger next to you at the weight loss group starts questioning you about your private psych results you should tell them to mind their own business"

(Alex Trebek): "That's correct for $1000. We also could have accepted as an answer: You must continue to work hard at resisting the urge to cause physical harm to nosey strangers".

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Tell them you have stomach cancer and need your stomach removed. your oncologist referred you to this Bariatric surgeon because he has the most experience with the procedure. You've already lost a lot of weight from the radiation and chemo. That'll shut em up.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

There's a "type" of morbidly obese person who's the biggest, baddest grizzly bear in the room. She or he is always right, loud, snarky, over-sharing, microphone-grabbing, heavy-sighing, head-shaking, eye-rolling, and goes all alpha-female or alpha-male when someone doesn't knuckle under to her/his opinions of what's right and wrong. They're also prone to stomping out of the room when asked to tone it down.

Every f*%king weight watchers meeting EVER.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think being brave enough to go through surgery to have a healthier life and lifestyle should be applauded. It's not our problem as patients. It's negative people's problem if they'd rather spend time commenting than improving their own lives.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×