Advocate?

I've never had an obese person ask me about my surgery but if one ever did I would certainly try to answer their questions to the best of my ability while at the same time encouraging them to do research on their own and consult with their doctor. I would feel irresponsable if I didn't mention the risks involved but I would also mention the benefits too. Either way I would let them know that it is an extremely personal descision and not one to be made lightly. Tim

This is a great question. I have been very open about my surgery. I also have the added advocacy of explaining the DS which many people are unaware of - so I see this as an added responsibility. I would never encourage anyone to do this. I think it is a decision that an individual needs to come to on their own - because let's face it, it's a serious commitment and you need to be ready. That being said, for those that ask, I encourage them to research, ask questions, and I am available to share my experiences. Case in point - a dear friend at work - her husband has just had the DS with my surgeon. He went into this surgery at 450 pounds with significant co-morbidities. He's struggling - multiple complications, now back in the hospital with a major infection and another surgery to try and repair it. These are real risks, and you can't go into this thinking it won't happen to you - which I try and explain even though I had what is considered a picture perfect surgery and recovery. Anyway, I am a cautious advocate - I won't be the one to bring it up, but I certainly will educate and inform when asked. Sharon

Sharon, Hey girl! I was hoping that with you being our resident DS'er, you'd speak up. I have to say that I was probably mis-informed about the risks of the DS surgery since we had a local celebrity who had it, suffered from complications for a year and almost died. He had to fly out of the country to have it reversed. It scared me away. The media is really good at that! Ha! We also have a local surgeon, Terry Simpson, I'm SURE you have heard about him. He has become quite contraversial in the wls world particularly among the DS'ers. He stopped performing the DS becasue he said the risks were too high. I think this is a shame. He was a well respected, well qualified DS surgeon and it's too bad that he joined the ranks of the lap-banders. I have since done a lot of research on ALL weight loss surgeries and I think the DS gets a bad wrap. I'm sure if more American surgeons performed it, It would be considered the new "Gold Standard" in wls. I think it sould be offered as an option to all diabetic patients since it's the only surgery that actually reverses it. For me it was impractical....my surgery was covered 100% by my insurance and I wasn't willing to pay out of pocket for what my insurance called an "experimental" surgery. (although I know that many DS'ers do) "Experimental" in itself, is an unfair term since it has been around for quite some time (not sure how many years). Anyway, glad you chimed in! Malibu

I am so open about it- told everyone before surgery (basically so i wouldn't chicken out).. so everyone around me knows i had it- and how "easy" it was for me.. the hard part- was since month 5 1/2 not losing... but yet having people say- WOW- you've lost weight since i last saw you (nope..but thanks)... i tell people- that i had it easy- though- and what other people might experience.. and to really research it.... pros and cons.. jennifer

I tell anyone and everyone who asks about my WLS. I am very open about it. I would consider myself a definite advocate. However, I also don't gloss over anything. But, I don't have a lot of heavy people talk to me about it, either. I was kind of always the heaviest one around. Since I have lost so much weight & had so few (read = none) complications, I always give the "Your results may vary" disclaimer. But really I haven't talked to many (except in support group) obese people about my surgery. Just curious friends & acquaintances. But if I were to have a serious heart to heart with an obese person, I would certainly talk to them about the complications. And my Bariatric Clinic is also *very* open about the complications and they ensure that you understand them very well before you go under the knife. I feel so lucky & privileged to have had my surgery when & where I did. Good questins Malibu! Like so many have said, you are the glue that holds us together! Love ya! Lisa