Steamed re: SELF article

[OH Juli 15]

I believe the point isn't if people are successful or not with WLS, but the loaded, "WLS is easy" mentality.

And I give giant props to anyone who gets weight off and keeps it off regardless of how they did it, eating disorders not with standing. It just seems like a giant brush that we, WLS users, are being painted with that implying we are lazy and taking the easy way out.

Most people don't enjoy being generalized about in negative ways. Also, it's just an extention of you were fat which is wrong and now the choice you made to no longer be fat is wrong.

What's a WLS girl or guy to do? Not support those people/publications that insult us? Speak out? Internalize the hate again? Rant to those that understand?

Just sayin'

[2BHealthE! 1]

Articles like that are soooo annoying! By-the-by, there is a similar article in "O" magazine this month (p. 116, "Beyond stomach stapling: What's new and better". Bands are lumped together with "staples". Isn't stomach "stapling" a treatment of about 1978??

Yes, we need to write to the editor(s)! We need to stand up, and educate the public that bands are a TOOL, not a quick fix. Writing weight loss with a band off as less valid is the same as writing fitness training done with a treadmill as less valid than fitness done running on a outdoor track! The principle is that correctly using the TOOL, changing one's head, and changing one's habits is the only way to lose. Weight Watchers, Atkins, LA Weight Loss, South Beach, etc. are all tools to - they just come in a different form than a band.

Also, while I am ranting (since I'm on my soap box anyway), I really get steamed when Oprah disses any form of successful weight managment. Talk about using tools to acheive her past successes - a private trainer and chef!! Usually I like her show - but she's w-a-a-y off on this topic, baby! :thumbup:

KY