My Letter to Oprah

Yesterday's Oprah show kinda sent me over the edge. I am not sure what Oprah's beef is and why she is compelled to continually portray the negative aspects of WLS. So I decided to write her a letter. Here it is ... Dear Oprah & Staff, I would like to tell you many people have positive and life changing results after Gastric Bypass surgery. I strongly encourage you to do a show that portrays the positive aspects of this surgery and show lives where the outcome is a success. I had RNY in January 2006. I have lost 113 pounds and gained a whole new life. I would like to lose 23 more pounds. Honestly, if I do not lose one more pound I consider this surgery a success. I can do multitudes of activities that were impossible before this POSITIVE life altering surgery. For example, I am mothering 4 children under 3 years old; 34, 25, 16 and 11 months. One is my biological child and the other three are foster children, two of whom we hope to adopt. I would never have had the energy to take on 4 kiddos weighing 306 pounds. Additionally, I have swung on the swings with the kids, rode in a plane without a seatbelt extender, spent 4 days walking Manhattan, went to a Broadway show w/o squeezing into the seats and many, many more wow moments! I do not drink, smoke, use drugs, or have sex with strangers (or anyone I know except my husband.) My husband has not freaked out and become jealous, abusive or a jerk, he still loves me and supports me as before. We go to church, are involved with various ministries and attend bible study. I am a stay-at-home mom and my husband has a normal job. My family has supported & encouraged me through this process. I have skin issues which some people look at as a negative result of surgery. But, you know what, I would rather have 30 pounds of loose skin than 113 pounds of FAT FILLED skin. I will take my saggy arms, legs and belly over tightly stretched FAT FILLED skin any day. Please be fair on this topic, thousands of people have regained their lives as a result of this surgery. GOD BLESS! Jen Johnson

Sounds good to me Jen, good for you on writing a letter.

Way to go, Jen. I too watched the show last night - I had tivo'd it. (is that a word?) I may write something too. I just had too much going on yesterday and today to do it. Good job. Karla 337/200/150

Hey Jen, good for you! I have been inspired to do the same, now, I wonder what Oprah would do with a mass mailing of letters form us OH Janury 2006 folks Where do we send them too? Karyn

Jen: This letter is FANTASTIC! I would like to write a letter, as well...where are you sending it? Thanks! Jersey

Well said Jen, I think that some people are prone to addiction regardless of what they weigh or end up weighing after surgery. I personally ate because I was depressed. I can't say that I am still not but I am trying to work through my demons and I will prevail. I think that having a support group as we have hear definitely helps tons.

Very good letter Jen, but see my post on the other thread. Oprah has supported WLS and has shows that showed the incredible success people have had with bypass. Just wanted you to know.

Here, here!!!! Susan

Great Job!! I never get to watch Oprah, but I had a Dr. appointment yesterday, and was home in time to see it... I thought it was an awful odd coincidence that I actually got to see the show on GB. Anyway... I was really kind of ticked...too... I thought about writing, too... I'm sure she will get a flood of mail on that one... I'm proud of you Jen! Angela