sick of people discouraging me

Just frustrated, those who know that I am going to be getting this done. They just feel free to tell me of someone they heard about dying,getting it done. I try to tell them, each person is different and they may have had some underlying problems already, before surgery. I just had to vent. Shannon

Shannon, I heard a lot of that before my surgery as well, even from my own husband. One of my friends didn't tell a soul (not even her own mother) that she was doing it, b/c when she briefly mentioned it in conversation with a few people, she got NEGATIVE feed back. So she went and did it and didn't tell anyone. Everyone who said negative things to me pre-op, I avoid even talking to now. I found the people who talked so negatively to me were the people who wanted to keep me FAT! Don't let them get to you! Check out my profile, I had some problems in the beginning but I am doing well now! If you ever want to chat feel free to e-mail me! Ilyssa

Shannon, Hun there are many things that people like to say when they hear you are having or had this surgery. Mostly from people that have NO idea what this surgery is all about so I calk it up to ignorance. Though I know that does not help when they say something, it sure makes you feel so bad but know they do not know any better. I still get frustrated here at work because others watch EVERYTHING that I eat and sometimes makes comments on it, I know they mean well but it still ****** me off! Then I have to think about what I just told you, they just do not know about the new life we lead with having this surgery. Hun hang in there, it will all work out. ~hugs~ Debra P 285/208/125??

Yes! Everytime I eat in front of someone besides my son or husband I have comments thrown at me. Friends, family etc. "That's all you are going to eat?", "why are you cutting up the food so much?", "you should try forcing yourself to eat more than that" "why are you not eating this why are you not eating that" etc. etc. Drives me crazy! I usually just let it roll off my back bu****ch them devour 5 lbs of pasta and they question my health? sheesh! Tavia

I kept it very secret before surgery that i was contemplating having it. I now tell everyone that compliments my losses. I didnt get a good reception from my dad and step mom. BUT i didnt let it stop me at all. I am now 4 months post op, very happy with my new tool and down 101 lbs! SO the heck with them all i am much healthier then i was before surgery. LISA

Shannon you just have to do what you have to do to take care of your self and get your life back....everyone can tell you a story about what happened to someone who had WLS I know I can.....but you are aware of what complication can happen and as long as you keep yourself informed and know what to expect.....and you are still willing to have WLS than that is the right thing for you to do..... I lost to friends who had wls but I still had it and I'm glad I did.....keep putting your best foot forward and do what you think is best for you..... Wishing you the best through out your journey to a healthier and happier lifestyle... Christine

Hi Shannon, There isnt a day that goes by for me where I do not have some form of negative comment thrown at me about my WLS. Yes, I literally almost died b/c of the post-op pneumonia that put me into respitory faliure. But I'm not dead, and that is what matters now. When I talk about my experiences I do not do it to scare people but just stating what happen to me and my truth. It's not like I am running around Dr.Gellmans and Gadetalas office w/a sign saying "I almost died, run as fast as you can from here!" Having major/minor complications, (whi*****ludes death) is a reality of this surgery and I,unfortunately, am living proof of it. On the other hand, I have had every rude thing said to me under the sun. People can be nasty sometimes w/out even meaning to be. I have had a medical doctors say ignorant things to me but you have to take it as that, ignorance. I have lost a few friends b/c of the level of ignorance and lack of supportive they have shown me. Oh well, it stinks but at the same time I have gained friends who are supportive and open-minded. Usually it's a combination of jealousy,stupidity and ignorance. Your skin will grow thick and just have to bru**** off as ignorance and stupidity. My skin is like an alligators b/c of junk I have had to take from people, but I has made me a stronger person and it will you as well. Trust me I know its hard to do that, but once you hear the same negative comments over and over again it gets kind of funny. It's your life, your body and your decision. Good luck with everythings, really. Tavia

Wow.......you should read my above post.......I know how you feel and that's what I am afraid of happening to me......that's why I have told a soul other than my hubby who took alot of convincing because he with everyone else thought it was an easy out ...uuuuuugggggggg!! Dee Dee

Thank You everyone!!! I really appreciate all the great info and support. I guess I just have to ignore the ignorant. The surgeon I have chosen has an excellent reputation and excellent success rate. Not to mention his impecable bed side manner, he is just wonderful. Thanks again, Shannon Arnold Campbell,NY 257/ ??? / 130ish