Sorry to butt in, but...

Many of us do know what to do, and that's awesome! But I worry so much (and in fact get SO frustrated) about those folks who don't do their homework and get educated before going into this, and don't know what they have to do after surgery... hence placing their health at risk instead of the opposite. That is why I posted this rant... to stress the importance of vitamins and PROTEIN. As I was saying on another board, it's about the general idea. How you consume your protein (drink it... eat it... whatever) is up to you and not the point... what matters is making sure you do concentrate on your protein intake. Wish you all the best on your journeys!!! Hugs, Angie http://www.geocities.com/tiger_angie

Thank you for posting. I, for one, am printing it out to keep on my bathroom mirror. I agreed with everything Susan Maria said. I know that she's aware that there are people who truly cannot tolerate the protein shakes due to allergy or whatever, but they're the rare exception. Most people (myself included) just hate them. But, we need them. A rant is not a place to point out exceptions. It's just that...a rant. I also know that A LOT of surgeons do this type of surgery for the $$$$$$$$$$, no doubt, but there are many many many many other types of surgeries that they can do, some of which pay much better than the "eligible charges" that they are actually paid for this type of surgery. Remember, the doctors are NOT paid what they charge the insurance, only a significantly lower contracted amount. That's not to say they're not living in big expensive houses and driving expensive cars. I'm sure they are. It is to say that just because they're paid to help their patients, doesn't mean they don't care about them. Most doctors become doctors in the first place because they want to help people. Most. Not all. I watch so many people flush their chances of long lasting health down the toilet because they want to lose weight without working. Now, I know everyone is making adjustments, and I don't mean to demean anyone, because I'm talking about people I know in person (at work), not people here that I don't even know. There is one woman in particular that I'm thinking of. She doesn't take any vitamins, she hasn't followed up with her surgeon since her first post-op appointment, she doesn't drink her protein shakes, she doesn't exercise, and she doesn't reach out for any kind of support (support group, this forum, anything) from other WLS patients. Now, yes, she dropped a lot of weight. However, she looks like death warmed over (pale, weak, tired). She is overeating already (at seven months post-op) and gaining weight. She listens to her husband ("you're not eating enough..here, have some of this..") instead of doing what she knows she's supposed to be doing. It makes me feel really sad for her, and a little angry at the same time. She wants my sympathy constantly, and it's all I can do to bite my tongue and remember that it's her journey...I have my own. I just feel like I know where she's going to be in another year, and there's nothing I can do to help her because she's not willing to help herself. Is it wrong of me to feel ? Maybe. Maybe I'm being judgmental. Or, maybe I'm just fully aware of what I DON'T want for myself, and so I'm grateful for people like Susan Maria for putting it out there in bold print to remind me of it. Flame me if you'd like...but why? Julie

I hope your co-worker sees the light before it's too late for her. I just don't understand... Angie http://www.geocities.com/tiger_angie

Julie - I won't flame you. When someone's unwilling to do what we must do after WLS, then they shouldn't seek sympathy for their problems. I don't think its judgmental at all to be angry in that situation. My problem with the initial post was that it was a broad brush at all WLS patients. Most of us do the vast majority of what we're supposed to do, e.g. vitamins, protein, small meals, exercise, etc. We don't need a lecture on what we're supposed to be doing, and that our surgeons, poor things, have done this for us and what are we doing? How dare we screw up their work? That kind of thing... Its almost a gift that you have an example of what NOT to do in your life as a reminder to keep at it yourself! ("almost" a gift...its never a good thing that someone is letting themselves fail, but maybe some good can come in your life from that example - I hope I'm making sense!)

You make perfect sense, Tom. I understand the other points of view too. I was just trying to offer my opinion about the subject and point out why I didn't find the re-post of Susan Maria's rant offensive. I get it, though. Julie

Because it was indeed a rant, it was a general statement, an opinion... rants are seldom "politically correct"... tee hee... I sure didn't take it personally because I understood where she's coming from since I actually know people who BY CHOICE are sabotaging their surgery... Besides, she doesn't know me... so I know she's not talking to/about me Anyway, as I said before, most of us thankfully know what we need to do and actually DO it. But I was hoping to reach those who don't... my focus was on the "take your vitamins, EAT YOUR PROTEIN" part As for the surgeon issue, well... maybe I'm "too nice" or something, but I totally read that as more of a caring thing... the surgeons worrying about our following up the surgery properly. I don't know every surgeon in the world, but I know mine and what I love about him the most is that you know he truly, really cares about his patients... and he is saddenned by patients who don't care to do the right thing. I know one personally who's ended up in his operating room twice after surgery because she has the "why should I have to change my lifestyle and eating habits?" attitude. MY GOD, WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT PICTURE??? OK... I think I'm done now expressing my point of view TTFN Angie http://www.geocities.com/tiger_angie