WLS is the easy way out

[janedoe92 260]

Was just watching GMA (Good Morning America) they had two girls who lost a lot of weight and were half their size. I guess they're featured in People's Magazine because they had the editor on there and they asked why they choose those particular girls. Her response was because they lost weight the hard way no surgery no gimmicks. It really upset me to hear that because it feeds into the idea that surgery is the easy way to lose weight, but if only they knew the dedication and hard work we put in as well. I wish people would educate more before opening their mouths about anything. I don't know why it has to be a competition anyways as to who lost weight "naturally" and who got surgery. Either way you lost the weight, you're getting healthy, no way is better than the other. Okay rant over lol

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[Djmohr 6,965]

When I saw this topic I could feel my blood pressure rise. LOL!

It irks me when I see or hear people say this, especially on TV or magazines. They have absolutely NO idea how hard we work to get healthy nor do they understand that obesity is a metabolic disease.

There is such a small percentage of people who are successful long term losing weight and ultimately keeping it off. I believe it is less than 5%.

Honestly, this is frustrating. The medical community outside of bariatric teams are somewhat clueless about it too. If only they would do better education maybe the public would understand that it is a metabolic disease and to cure it long term surgery is really the best option.

UGH......just adding to your rant. LOL!

[theantichick 2,204]

I want them to check back with those girls in 2 years and see if they kept it off. I hope for the girls' sake they did, but statistics say they won't. That's what the media doesn't get about weight loss. It's not about being able to lose it, it's about being able to keep it off. Frustrating.

[JamieLogical 8,727]

This one drives me CRAZY. I bet hundreds if not thousands of people DIE every year because the social stigma against WLS deterred them from getting life-saving surgery.

First of all, we all know there is nothing "easy" about WLS. It's weeks/months of misery and recovery and takes a lifetime of commitment and hard work.

Second of all, even if WLS was "easier" than doing it the "hard way", why is that a bad thing? As a society, don't we strive for efficiency? They are always coming up with ways of making every aspect of life quicker and easier. So why is "easy" bad?

Thirdly, it really seems to be a double-standard when it comes to WLS versus other medically necessary surgery. You never hear anyone saying that getting a knee replacement is the "easy way out". "They should just walk it off and fight through the pain." So why is getting surgery to correct other medical issues okay, but WLS is not?

[Monasmle 90]

This one drives me CRAZY. I bet hundreds if not thousands of people DIE every year because the social stigma against WLS deterred them from getting life-saving surgery.

First of all, we all know there is nothing "easy" about WLS. It weeks/months of misery and recovery and takes a lifetime of commitment and hard work.

Second of all, even if WLS was "easier" than doing it the "hard way", why is that a bad thing? As a society, don't we strive for efficiency? They are always coming up with ways of making every aspect of life quicker and easier. So why is "easy" bad?

Thirdly, it really seems to be a double-standard when it comes to WLS versus other medically necessary surgery. You never hear anyone saying that getting a knee replacement is the "easy way out". "They should just walk it off and fight through the pain." So why is getting surgery to correct other medical issues okay, but WLS is not?

Right!! No one says let's go back to using leaches to cure illnesses, thought I bet they have about the same 5% success rate just by random chance. By that logic we should stop researching cures and do everything "the hard way". Those that best cancer or heart disease can be glorified and those that don't, just "didn't try hard enough".

It's so hard to beat the stigma, even with so much research showing obesity is not about will power.

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[janedoe92 260]

This one drives me CRAZY. I bet hundreds if not thousands of people DIE every year because the social stigma against WLS deterred them from getting life-saving surgery.

First of all, we all know there is nothing "easy" about WLS. It weeks/months of misery and recovery and takes a lifetime of commitment and hard work.

Second of all, even if WLS was "easier" than doing it the "hard way", why is that a bad thing? As a society, don't we strive for efficiency? They are always coming up with ways of making every aspect of life quicker and easier. So why is "easy" bad?

Thirdly, it really seems to be a double-standard when it comes to WLS versus other medically necessary surgery. You never hear anyone saying that getting a knee replacement is the "easy way out". "They should just walk it off and fight through the pain." So why is getting surgery to correct other medical issues okay, but WLS is not?

Exactly! When I was watching it I was hoping there wasn't somewhere out there thinking of WLS and then heard that and changed their mind. It is definitely frustrating the stigma WLS has, I don't see why it is a problem someone wants to get healthy. We as a society should be commending them and encouraging about it. We're so Obesed as Americans and there is a way to fix that, but because of the stigma around surgery we figure surgery isn't a viable option when in fact it is! So sad people think that way, and don't do research.

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[TXJess 98]

Just like people who fight over natural child birth vs. an epidural. Whatever - at the end you still have a baby. Other than that, it should be what works for the person.

I actually didn't have the surgery to lose weight. I can do that without surgery. What I have been unable to do in the past 15 years is KEEP IT OFF. When I tell people that, anyone who has ever dieted understands that struggle.

BUT, I do think it is a disservice to pitch WLS as a magic bullet, miracle cure. I hope doctors educate people that this is not the case because there is the same hard work to lose the weight as if you didn't have the surgery.

[LittleBill 2,231]

My grandma had a saying. "Wish in one hand and poop in the other, and see which one fills up first." People have a remarkable resistance to educating themselves, while at the same time displaying another remarkable ability to sound off about stuff about which they know nothing. It affects people at all levels of society, regardless of station, education, or income. It would be nice if they would change, but they won't.

I have a couple of prepared replies for when I meet someone like this. I have yet to do so since I embarked on my WLS journey, but I have encountered them in the past. Anyone is free to use these or modify them as you see fit.

"Yes, I was fat and am working hard to lose my weight. You on the other hand seem determined to remain stupid for the rest of your life."

"You can think that if you want. It is not my responsibility to cure ignorance wherever I find it."

(This one is borrowed from a movie)

"If I am to be insulted, I must first value your opinion."

These are just a few examples of what I have ready to fire in defense of boorish behavior. I create others on the spot as the need arises. It is fun and satisfying, and every now and then a barb goes home and causes the other person to think. But I don't really count on that.

[LittleBill 2,231]

When I saw this topic I could feel my blood pressure rise. LOL!

It irks me when I see or hear people say this, especially on TV or magazines. They have absolutely NO idea how hard we work to get healthy nor do they understand that obesity is a metabolic disease.

There is such a small percentage of people who are successful long term losing weight and ultimately keeping it off. I believe it is less than 5%.

Honestly, this is frustrating. The medical community outside of bariatric teams are somewhat clueless about it too. If only they would do better education maybe the public would understand that it is a metabolic disease and to cure it long term surgery is really the best option.

UGH......just adding to your rant. LOL!

The problem is, the medical community can't even educate ITSELF, much less the general public. People are remarkably stupid on a number of issues because they lack the desire and even the ability to actually research anything. Compounding the problem is the refusal to change their minds about long held beliefs. It spans the entirety of human behavior. We just see it more in areas where we are interested.

[DeletedMember 715]

Now that I think about it, I was taking the easy way out by controlling my high blood pressure with medication. Now I have done it the hard way by losing weight. Excellent.

[clc9 644]

Particularly at this time of year, I find myself being very cynical when seeing weight loss success stories from weight loss plans, on the Today show or in People magazine. My first thought is always, "Tell me how they are doing in 5 years. Then maybe we'll have something to Celebrate." I say this as someone who has lost hundreds of pounds in my life the "hard way". They just passed the first mile of the marathon and the rest is straight up hill. If they finish, I'll be impressed.

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[ProudGrammy 8,322]

Just like people who fight over natural child birth vs. an epidural.

@@TXJess

have to give this comment a thumbs up

great anology!!

kathy

[Christina.Rose 287]

That kind of stuff is what makes me embarrassed to tell anyone besides my close family.....and all you people lol

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[Cander 66]

Seen a post like this on another forum I visit. It has a fitness section. A guy asked about WLS and got th typical bro comments "it's not hard to lose weight less calories in more calories out" , don't rake the easy way out etc. I would wager 95% or more of the people who say these things have never been obese. Needing to loose 20-30 pounds in a different animal than needing to loose 150 pounds. And I'm always thinking if it was so easy to be fit wouldn't everybody be fit? No matter what we tell our selves no one wants to be obese. I never woke up and was like alright I'm 404 today kick ass. I realized if I didn't do something I might not see my kids grow up.

Drastic times call for drastic measures

[Wonder WomanNJ 119]

YES - omg I saw that too and I nearly lost it. Granted - WLS is a tool for us but this process is in now way "easy". It takes determination, strength and valor to make the decision to go through this. It takes perseverance to not let our "brains" take over and fail at this. I have cried at times because my family is eating great tasting food in front of me and I want to throw my shake out the window but here I am.

We should all write in the Good Morning America and that chic from People magazine.