A Beef With Oprah.
I admire Oprah, I really do. I think that many of her shows are informative and interesting.
Today she had guests on who successfully lost a lot of weight..."WITHOUT SURGERY" (Her words)
Oprah always makes you feel as if you are cheating the system or taking the easy way out if you have WLS.
I wonder why she feels this way? Surely, with her smarts and research crew, she should know that this isn't the case at all. She's a pretty powerful woman and does not seem to be educated on this subject at all. It's no wonder most of the public has misconceptions and predjudices about WLS.
This is not the first of her shows either that gives a shameful undertone to have lost weight other than "doing it on your own." Believe me, I wished that I could have, but obviously it wasn't getting me anywhere.
I still like Oprah, I'm just surprised at her...that's all.
Any thoughts on this?
~Many Blessings ~ 
230lbs(start)-139lbs.(now)-130 lbs.(new goal) Total loss-91 lbs.
I have to agree with you. I came away with the same feelings that you did. It is if she wants people who have WLS to feel guilty or ashamed for making themselves healthy and for loosing weight. I wish I understood why she is so Anti-WLS. Oh well, guess we just have more reason to support and encourage each other for our success.
Sally
Hi Penny,
I caught some of her show today and while I do not know exactly where she stands on WLS I do agree that without the knowledge or information about WLS one should not comment on the methods one uses to lose weight. The focus should be on getting healthy both emotionally and physically and whatever it takes to achieve that is worth it. WLS, slim fast, etc... everyone is working towards the same goal. Don't let Oprah get you down it only fuels my life long mission to educate and counsel others about weight loss, its connections to one's emotions and how every individuals journey is different and unique. I think it is wonderful that you feel good about YOU.
Jessica Slotnick, LCSW-R, ACSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and a member of Obesity Help's Mental Health Advisory Board. By posting, she makes no promises, guarantees, representations or warantees expressed or implied and assumes no duty or liability with regard to the information contained herein. This post is not intended to diagnose or treat any physical or mental condition. No professional services are being rendered and nothing is intended to provide such services or advice of any kind. No website or informational post can take the place of seeking professional help. If you need professional help of any kind, please seek the services of a professional or dial 911. For more information please visit www.passagesgfw.com.
I agree wholeheartedly about both admiring Oprah and taking offense at her ignorant implications regarding WLS. You should write her a letter, saying exactly what you've said here.
Amy
Amy
Open RNY 05/02/06 with Dr. Carl Rosati, Albany Medical Center
301/170/goal 160? Abdominoplasty on 8/21/07 with Dr. Jerome Chao, Albany Medical Center
301/170/goal 160? Abdominoplasty on 8/21/07 with Dr. Jerome Chao, Albany Medical Center
I guess I'm in the minority. I didn't take offense by her statements at all. I have never heard her say anything against WLS. She has had guests on before who had WLS, including Stacy Halprin more than once. I believe I saw Stacy Halprin on one of the ads here on OH.
I think she was just trying to show that some people can do this without surgery. We all know this surgery is not for everyone. We need to remember that everyone is different and whether one loses alot of weight with or without surgery is to be admired.
If anyone knows what a struggle losing weight is, it's Oprah.
Joanne
Yes, Joanne. I know the woman that you speak of and she was on twice.
Oprah was thrilled for her, yet in following shows you can tell that Oprah just doesn't "get" it about WLS. I can't explain it, just that there are certain little innuendos when she mentions WLS. It is almost as if she feels people who have super human discipline can achieve a weight loss without surgery. The rest had to resort to ...gulp...surgery.
Perhaps she's right...I don't know. That's my little hang up.
The rest of us don't have a Bob Greene showing up at our personal home gym every morning either. I don't begrudge her, but let's face it - it would make things a heck of a lot easier if that were the case. Granted, you still have to get your own rear end on the machines yourself, but having someone cheering you on in your own home sounds good to me.
I guess what I really don't care for is that there always has to be differentiation between natural weightloss and WLS. Again...that's my hang up.
Thanks for your response and thoughtful answer. 
~Many Blessings ~
230lbs(start)-139lbs.(now)-130 lbs.(new goal) Total loss-91 lbs.
I suggest EVERYONE write her a letter about what she said and how offended they were. I've personally sent 4 emails to Hapro Productions about how offended I was that she thought I did nothing to lose weight except for have surgery.
WRITE LETTERS PEOPLE IT MAKES A HE** OF A DIFFERENCE!!
201 pounds lost since surgery!! And I'm 2 1/2 inches taller too!!
And YES I still eat Carbs and Fats but I know what portion control is!!
Surgery Date: 6/5/07
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