Have you ever???

[cashley 0]

Discriminated against someone because of their weight?

I've seen this question many times here the other way around but I'm wondering...

Have you ever see someone quite a bit heavier then yourself and thought of them as lazy or other negative thoughts?

Have you ever "judged or disliked" someone just because they were tiny or had a perfect body?

I'm actually asking this question because I'm "Guilty" of thinking nasty thoughts some times and then have to KICK myself because I'm not in thier shoes, I don't know their circumstances and I don't have the right to be judgemental.

The main thing I think when I see someone who is very very obese is "Why Doesn't that person do something about it?" Especially since I've had surgery I think... "Wonder if they are considering surgery" I guess that's not a nasty thought but I feel judgemental when I think it.

I realize I can't have perfect thoughts in my head all the time but sometimes I just don't know how my brain can be so hyprcritical when my heart isn't.

So anyhow I thought this could be interesting conversation. You always hear how X-smokers are more critical then non-smokers. Is it the same for X-obese people?

[DonnaB 3]

Wow, good question.

I have caught myself thinking things like "How could they let themselves get to THAT point?" before - and yep, when I catch myself doing it I feel guilty about it. Since being banded I always wonder if they've considered WLS or if they'd be interested in hearing about it, but I NEVER approach overweight people with that kind of question or suggestion.

I've never felt angry or upset with someone because of their "perfect" figure, but I often tell myself (probably just to make myself less envious) that they probably have some other area of their life which is out of control and causing them misery. Just because they don't have issues or an addiction to food doesn't mean their life is great.

[Wheetsin 714]

I've sometimes wondered what happens in their lives to make them that way. It's not judgement, just curiosity.

Sometimes it would be nice to my eyes if people put a few more clothes on, or paid more attention to the difference between "fits" and "can get it on". Those events fall into the "I could have died happy without seeing that" - but to each their own.

[MelodyJ 0]

VERY thought provoking question!!!! I have found myself focusing on weight more and thinking they might benefit from WLS....have even spoken to my patients more often about it then previously...just telling them to research and options and just seeing where they are!!! I'm definitely more aware than ever!!!

I have noticed I've felt "bad" for people that are so overweight that it produces difficulty!!

I'm like Wheetsin on wishing I hadn't seen some people in certain clothes and certain parts that I didn't need to see and would have had a fine day if I hadn't seen so much!!!

Good question.....no I haven't gotten mad at skinny people ...well not too often!! Like it was said....each has their own battles/problems!!

God Bless,,

MElody

Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

[paula 4]

This is a great conversation thread!

IF a large person is presented neatly - well groomed, neat clothes, hair fixed -their size isnt as obvious.

Its the big ones that are sloppy, body odor smelling unkept looking ones that I tend to critique. There is NO excuse for being messy, big or small. But I notice the big ones waaay more then the small ones. Im guilty for critiquing those.

Im getting off thread topic, but its to say that I DO Discriminate against someone because of their weight ONLY if they are 'messy'.

Oh, and Ive never been mad at skinny folks. A little jealous at their self-confidence or looks - but never mad.

[Dena 2]

I'm with Wheetsin........just because it comes in your size, DOES NOT mean you look good in it!!!!!!

[diva 0]

Being completely honest...I am happy to see someone overweight in the same place as me-that means I won't be the fattest person there. Sounds terribly selfish and horrible but its the truth.