Serious Question. How is WLS the "wrong way"?

[Rogofulm 2,440]

Well, yeah... I totally agree with the education part. And yes, people need to realize that this is still a hard slog. WLS is only a tool. But it's a pretty darned powerful tool! So I'll reiterate what some others have said on this thread – is WLS an easier path than just diet and exercise alone? Hell yeah, it is! That's why we did it. Because we kept failing with the "old fashioned way", either immediately or eventually. But having our hunger severely curtailed for a year or more gives us a tremendous opportunity to get our heads straight for the long haul. And as we lose weight, and are hopefully not miserably hungry in the process, we see that continually making the next good choice pays off – on the scale, in non-scale victories, in how our clothes fit, in how we feel, and in complements from others – all very motivating, right? So by the time we, presumably, reach our goal (or comfort level), we have learned what it takes. Will there be challenges ahead? Of course. But if we can remember to use our tool when it gets hard, it should be a lot easier than if we didn't have it. So is this really "the easy way out"? No, it's not easy. And there is no "way out". We'll need to stay vigilant and work with our tools for the rest of our lives. But it sure is easi–er! And that's what people who are on the fence about having the surgery need to understand. Because otherwise, what's the point? It would be just another Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Nutri System, Diet Center, Atkins, South Beach, etc., etc., etc.....

But this method is different – and that's a very good thing!

[lclemur 161]

Perhaps it is because of the perception that this is an "elective" surgery? Whoever believes that has never lived in my body. My GP, Psychiatrist, Counselor, and Surgeon recommended the surgery. How are these highly educated professionals wrong? I had/have a life threatening illness. period. end of story.