Ignorance and WLS goes hand in hand?

[Delta Dawn 66]

I'm getting Sleeved in 3 days. Since making this decision I have pondered many things for example; Will I look like one of those wrinkled faced little dogs after losing weight? Will I be so beautiful that I cause traffic jams in my town population 5,000 ( ok had to throw in a little humor)? Will I be a smooth sailor or will I end up with every text book gone wrong moment with this procedure happening to me? and so on and so on. My most recent ponderable has to do with my intellect and how it will change after this procedure. I've been told by many people that I'm crazy. They tell me in different ways you know like......your not that big......you don't look that bad.....and there are many others but my favorite is, YOU'VE LOST YOUR COTTON PICKING MIND!!! After pondering that sentiment I think that they are probably right in their assumption but their timing is off. I haven't lost it yet. It occurs to me that most of my life when it comes to food I've been thinking with my stomach and not my brain so I see (after removing a large portion of my stomach) where it could affect my intellect. Isn't that what we are doing it for? To change our way of thinking about food? So I intend to stand firm in my decision to have this procedure even if some people think I've lost my mind for doing it. I certainly hope that it affects my way of thinking about food and I am positive that I am more intelligent for choosing to live a healthier life.

[Sleeve_Sistah85 193]

Stand firm hun! Try and ignore those negative opinions from others...or just stop telling folks! I find that people are very negative towards WLS and consider it cosmetic or the easy way out. Especially for us folks who are right on the cusp of the 35-40 BMI.

Hang in there! You are doing the right thing. You are doing this for you! Visit this Bariatric Pal website often...it will keep you connected and grounded in your decision.

[NavyMom2006 119]

Good for you!! I decided that I've lived the last 50 years for my family, so the next 50 is for me!!

[nikki9 70]

I totally feel the same way. Especially the you're not that big part. I stopped telling people that I was considering the surgery. My date is the 30th and only 3 people know. I figure that I can always tell them later.

I'm looking at it like preventative care. I don't want to wait until I'm very sick and wishing I had done it sooner.

I realize that others may not understand but I need to be healthy for me.

[alwaysvegas 702]

If you focus on the health benefits of the surgery rather than the aesthetics, you may find that you are much happier with your decision. If you're worried about sagging skin or how pretty you might be at a lower weight, then you're overlooking the fact that you could be saving your life.

Having the energy to jump out of bed and take my dog for a two-hour walk has added much more to my life than a new wardrobe. Having said that...I loooove all my new clothes!

Best of luck to you on your journey!

[onmywaytoonederland 236]

Most people have no idea what it feels like to be obese. It is physically and emotionally draining. I don't think that the people that care about us see the "fat" us. I am sick of making myself invisible so no one will notice the fat girl in me. One of my male co-workers thinks I am "chunky"....not morbidly obese! He thinks that because I work every day and am not bed bound that I could just add a bit of self control and exercise and voila....skinny! I am 100 pounds over an ideal weight for my height....I do believe I passed "chunky" about 75 pounds ago. He means well, and I am not offended, just sad that he is so very uneducated in the school of "chunky". I sure wish I was one of the lucky ones who have a great metabolism. I would love to have their energy. In my case, every female in my family is obese, aunties included. I don't have genetics on my side. I am so ready to be lighter, healthier and have energy to get out and move again. This is definitely a gift I am giving myself. I want my health back and if I have to go through this crazy surgery to get it, then so be it. Good luck on your journey....maybe we are all crazy!

[NavyMom2006 119]

Most people have no idea what it feels like to be obese. It is physically and emotionally draining. I don't think that the people that care about us see the "fat" us. I am sick of making myself invisible so no one will notice the fat girl in me. One of my male co-workers thinks I am "chunky"....not morbidly obese! He thinks that because I work every day and am not bed bound that I could just add a bit of self control and exercise and voila....skinny! I am 100 pounds over an ideal weight for my height....I do believe I passed "chunky" about 75 pounds ago. He means well, and I am not offended, just sad that he is so very uneducated in the school of "chunky". I sure wish I was one of the lucky ones who have a great metabolism. I would love to have their energy. In my case, every female in my family is obese, aunties included. I don't have genetics on my side. I am so ready to be lighter, healthier and have energy to get out and move again. This is definitely a gift I am giving myself. I want my health back and if I have to go through this crazy surgery to get it, then so be it. Good luck on your journey....maybe we are all crazy!

I soooo agree with you!! My family doctor described my parents as 4 x 4's and said I was genetically on the losing side of weight loss. Oh well, not anymore!! And to hell with the folks that think this is the "easy way out" - they don't know anything! We're all working hard at getting healthier every day! Yes, the clothes and being able to look at myself in the mirror andin pictures will be awesome, but not having heart disease and diabetes is the best reward!!