Decision on sharing with others!

I have thought alot about this and listened to alot of people. I think the prevailing opinion is that it would be hurtful to most people to point out that they are fat! I agree, I would not have liked this and as I am not an expert, I don't really know everything. However, I know that wls is a scary thing for a lot of overweight people due to the negative opinions by a lot of people! Even doctors and other knowledgeable people. I would like to spread the word so to speak to help others. So I have decided that when I am at goal, I will get a T-shirt from OH to wear around. Or maybe have one made that says something like, "Ask me about how my life was saved by weight loss surgery" or something like it. That would give people the option of asking me if they are interested, and I would not hurt anyone in the process! It was pointed out that I was not an expert by someone and I know this, but I feel so good about this option and know that the fear is so strong away from it. I personally put off doing it for 5 years because I did not know anyone personally with a good story. I hope this is the way to go and if you disagree please feel free to tell me why. I don't want to do anything foolish or hurtful. I only want to help others in my place. I was quite big super morbidly obese and believe this saved my life. Wendy

Wendy i really understand your want to help people. I too look at people everywhere and wish i could help them, and also wish someone would have helped me. But you know how low our self esteem was while being obese, and it would probably have hurt a lot for someone to approach us . Recently i started a new job and work with my mother in law. While she is very meddeling (sp?) , she is also my biggest fan and tells everyone about my wls. She also carries pics of me before and after, which gets embarassing. My mother in law is 110 pounds and never believed in wls until now, she always asked why i didn't diet and exercise to lose weight. Now she understands i just couldn't do it, it wasn't laziness. Anyway, a few days ago she approached a co worker and started her speech about me and asked the lady why she liked being fat and didn't do wls....i could not believe it!! The lady was in tears, as she had already tried for approval and was denied numerous times. You can just imagine the write up my mom got for all of this, but she honestly was trying to help. I think the tshirt idea is ok, but why not just put some of your surgeons cards up at the grocery store or make some fliers? Obesity is very painful, i feel so sorry for anyone going through what i did. I for one will do everything i can to promote wls, but only to those wanting information. Our new lives are something pre ops can not even conceive. I have decided to do seminars and post as much as possible any support i can give. Good luck to you. Hugs Linda