OT post regarding obesity/employment and living in NC (somewhat lengthy)

Hi Barb.. im in raleigh.. where do you usually go for support groups.? K

i'm from NC orignally. although i think life is tough for obese people in general i do think that NC is forgiving. there are lots of overweight people in NC as the other members have written....probaby the more east the more forgiving. sometimes we just have to follow our heart...go where you heart sends you and then go with your heart regarding the surgery. for me it was a wonderful choice. i think fernandez at baptist is wonderful. probably if you move to raleigh you'll go to duke for the surgery....or you could choose winston-salem which is where i live. ask lots and lots of questions. one day you'll make a decision to go forward or forget it..and whichever will be the right decision for you! before moving perhaps check with some of the docs...some of the waiting periods for appointments is amazing. you don't want to go with the quickest but the longest isn't necessarily the best either. my dad is a retired doc in greenville so he really wanted me to see his friend that does it there. i would have had to wait about 6 months. things worked great for me elsewhere much quicker...both doctors turned out to be great. goodluck with your decisions. change is always stressful so take care! susan

Hi Felicia - I moved to NC from East Hampton NY, and believe me when I tell you there is no place more superficial than "The Hamptons!" To be here in the southern state with the most wonderful people...local or otherwise...I must say that as a "super dooper morbidly obese" woman, I do not feel the judgment being imposed upon me from the people around me like I did "back home." Sad really. "HOME" should be a comforting place to be. That is why NC is my new home. You'll be welcomed here and will prosper. Blessings, Mare

Thank you SO MUCH for your perspectives on this subject. It is very heartening to know that being SMO may not be the huge obstacle to employment and general living as I was making it out to be in my mind. If I do move, I hope to meet some wonderful, kindred spirits such as those on this board. Take care, Felicia

I guess I have always felt that my size has kept me from getting some of the jobs that I have interviewed for. Maybe it is that I don't project enough self confidence. There is definitely a prejudice out there for obese people seeking employment. But, that is everywhere. I moved to NC about 8 years ago and do find that some places would rather hire the young, gorgeous types. Especially in employment recruiting, sales, etc. High profile public positions. The government is more likely to go on the merit of your experience and talents. Good luck with the move if that is what you opt for and welcome to NC. E