Did Anyone Catch Oprah Today?

I taped it and watched it this afternoon. Not much new info. Basically talked about "addictiion transference." Carny Wilson was on and admitted that she became an alchaholic after WLS, but has been sober now for 2 years. The main theme was that, if you have an addictive personality, and so many SMO people do, WLS will not make you happy. You need to treat your head as well as your plumbing. I know we have seen folks here develope new eating disorders after surgery. It is very scary and maybe that's why I am such a supporter of therepy. Don't let yourself fall into this trap. If you are having trouble dealing with issues that used to make you over eat, please get help. We all need to be kind to ourselvs. OK, I am now offically off my soapbox. Please take good care of yourself. Sending hugs, Ronna

I recorded it but haven'****ched it yet. Tonight is "Eureka" and that's one of hubby's favorite shows.

Ronna, I watched it, I think Oprah has a very negative attitude towards weight loss surgery in general. My husband even commented on it. I admit that I do sometimes feel emotionally driven to eat, but I do not drink, or have sex with strangers because I can't eat my problems away. I think her show was very one sided, and alot of people come through this surgery with enough confidence to spread their wings and make positive changes, new jobs, leaving a no good husband, etc. I noticed that no one was on the show that was happy...I personally know several people who have had the surgery who 2 or 3 years out still are the same people, still happily married, etc. with all the same problems, just now thin. I don't think any of us expected the surgery to be a happy fix that Oprah was trying to say "everyone" thinks it is. Very Negative in my opinion. Nicole

I agree with you Nicole, I felt like something was wrong with me after watching this show because I have not fallen into any depression or other addictions since WLS, and now I am scared that it is bound and determined to happen, at least that was what the show made me think. I have been extremely happy, and the one thing I have been much better about is expressing my feelings, which I believe was what caused me to overeat.... before I bottled everything up and ate my feelings away, now I tell it like it is! I am being honest though when I say, I can see this happening right here on the boards, so it is possible. Karyn

Great post, Ronna...you are welcome on the soapbox anytime! Love and hugs, Jersey

Ronna, I did watch it. I guess I have a little different take on the show than some. I do think Oprah has a negative attitude towards WLS, but I didn't think the show was really negative towards it. I fealt that they were just dealing with an issue that was "created" by people who had WLS. The did say it only affects 30% of WLSers. I think the meida just grabs ahold of whatever it can that is the buzz right now. Since WLS has increased so greatly, if affects alot of people. I do think this "addiction transfernce" does happen to some people. I have seen it with a couple of people I know personally that have had WLS. We do need to be aware, and watch our selves. This is not to say EVERYONE who has WLS will have this problem, but it is out there. I did think the 2 women that were on were either not imformed before they had the surgery or were in denial. And as far as Carnie goes, she has had some kind of addiction her entire life in my opinion, if you have ever read her books. OK, off my soap box as well!! Leeanne

I didn't thionk that Oprah came off negative about bypass. In fact she has had other shows with showed the great results one can get with the surgery. I know she has followed this one girl from NY that lost over 400lbs and has been really positive and supportive. But this negative stuff does happen and we all need to be aware so we don't fall into the trap. Off the soapbox again. Sending hugs, Ronna

Hi--I've been out of town, so I haven't done much posting--but I think about all of you no matter where I am! I wasn't keen on the Oprah show. I thought it was a very cursory, facile treatment of the surgery and the effects. I expected a little more depth. I also felt that anyone who didn't know that the surgery only changes their body and not their head--must not have a very ethical surgeon, or musn't have been listening. Most of us consulted with psychs, dietitians, support groups and had informational meetings...I heard many times before surgery that I would still continue with emotionality after surgery. I KNOW I still struggle with ALL my eating and life hangups. I was very happy that Carnie Wilson pointed out that she wouldn't have lived if she hadn't had the surgery (like so many others with serious obesity related health issues). As I've expressed here so often----I think that surgery was a last option for most of us and we didn't make the decision lightly. Something about Oprah's show made me feel like the women were portrayed as having made a self centered, hasty choice and now they were getting (somewhat) what they deserved. I like watching Oprah and admire her, but I found her usual compassion lacking in dealing with those women. Cathy