I've noticed lately that Oprah's weight seems to be climbing. She's not been a big proponent of WLS but maybe she should consider it? She's been struggling with weight for almost all of her entire TV career and it seems no matter how much she loses or what method she utilizes, her weight seems to creep back up again.

I think Tyra *is* actually a role model in this area. She has gone on record as saying the tabs are crazy and, while she has gained a bit, she's no where near fat in real life and is proud of her curves.

In other areas.... well, least said about that the better.

Jachut, I could love you like that, but my girlfriend wouldn't be happy with me and I think you'd have to be gay too. Also, there's also the whole long distance thing that would make it impossible.

I do think you are spot on in regard to Oprah NOT being a role model in regard to weight loss and how to show good approach to it. She's role modelish enough in other areas, her weight regardless of where it is at the moment has very little to do with her overall posititve impact on culture.

My DH says Oprah is overrated and has swallowed her own Kool Aid. He says it won't be long before someone catches her referring to herself as "We" because she's bought into her own hype.

I think Oprah has done much to bring many issues to the forefront (most of them women and children's issues) and as a result opened up a dialog in the country regarding some very difficult issues. Now there's nowhere for Oprah to go but down so she should retire gracefully and continue her endeavors away from the limelight. An occasional appearance would probably do more good than her in your face, all the time, every day.

In regards to a previous poster who said Oprah was not healthy because she is "not thin" I think that's BS and unless you're her doctor you have no idea what level of health she is at. Does that mean thin people do not get sick and die? I don't think so. Let's try to think outside the box people!

I have no actual opinion about Oprah one way or another... she is a person. She struggles with weight. I empathize with that!

Now the mindless masses that make decisions based on what she says that is another story. I just think that being as public of a person as she is.. which she chose...She does have a different kind or responsibility. What exactly that is I'm not even sure I mean how responsible can you be for what other people do based on what you say? In this country it tends to boil down to legal liability. Again something I am at a loss to understand.

Hehehe, Juli, this whole marriage, three kids and mortgage disaster gets a bit boring at times.....

I agree with Jachut (as usual) - Oprah does lose some credibility because every year in seems to be the same up and down yo-yo. I am so thrilled with the lapband and know that it is a tool that I can continue to use. Oprah has become larger than life and it is amazing to me that she can promote something or say something and HUGE crowds of people agree and/or purchase the item just on her word. I think that she is definitely over-rated.

Personally, I feel sorry for Oprah. How closed minded can someone be

that refuses to even consider WLS. She is basically saying she would rather be fat than even take it into consideration. I think that's sad.

I can't wait to see how Starr Jones does a few years from now. Even having WLS does not mean that you can keep it off. Like we all say, it's just a tool. But why not use that tool if you can afford it? Oprah can certainly afford it, but she is being narrow minded.

Did Starr have lap band or bypass? It seems many bypass patients gain some of their weight back.

Starr Jones had gastric bypass. A lot of gastric bypass patients do gain the weight back. Band people can gain the weight back too, as some people learn to eat around the band. I have a friend that got banded and is heavier than she has ever been. She has good restriction, but that does not stop her from eating cake frosting with a spoon.

Your friend should have the band removed. That's ridiculous!:smile2:

I know. I tell her all the time if she is not going to use the band the way she is supposed to, then there was no sense in even having it. If nothing else, she may as well get all of her fill taken out. She eats bandster portions but scarfs down junk food all day long.

It must be frustrating for you to watch your friend sabotage herself all the time.:smile2:

She should retire...everyone watches ellen now anyway..

Bonnie Hunt is pretty good too. :tongue2:

Personally, I feel sorry for Oprah. How closed minded can someone be

that refuses to even consider WLS. She is basically saying she would rather be fat than even take it into consideration. I think that's sad.

I can't wait to see how Starr Jones does a few years from now. Even having WLS does not mean that you can keep it off. Like we all say, it's just a tool. But why not use that tool if you can afford it? Oprah can certainly afford it, but she is being narrow minded.

I agree, Oprah is sad. I wonder if it is a pride thing that she refuses? :tongue2: