Need a sounding board...

I replied to your post on the VSG board, but I'd like to say a bit here, too. I'd like to give your co-worker a knuckle sandwich!!! First, it's none of her business and second, she certainly hasn't been in your shoes. She's an uninformed and judgmental twit! You can try to educate her a bit if you feel the need, but if you don't think she really cares or isn't receptive at all, just ignore her and her words. As far as  family, they don't understand either .... or have any understanding about the surgery. I'd suggest attempting to educate and inform them, but if they're resistant, just let it go and do what is best for YOU! If you don't have co-morbitities now, if you do nothing, more than likely you will. Sixty years after surgery is wonderful.....compared to the likelihood of far fewer years than that without it. Focus on your health and what is right for you. And if others are negative or don't understand....let it go. They might understand when you're feeling better and they see the difference post op. We're all here for you and we ALL really DO understand!

Guys, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.  I love this board.  Everyone has something valuable to add and to say and you have lightened my load.  I know this surgery is something I will do; I know it is something I need to do.   No need for any physical action to the crankypants co-worker, but I'll keep it in mind.    19 days until the rest of my life!  I am truly thrilled - and feel comforted knowing that even if no one else "gets it" you all have been in a similar situation and know where I'm coming from.   You don't know how much your happy thoughts and kind words mean.  Robyn

HI there!  I am soooo excited for you!  This surgery is the BEST thing I could have EVER done.  Alot of people said the same things to me.  I told them that since they are not the ones paying the bills, nor the ones carrying the weight, I suggest they not worry about it.  That usually shuts them up really fast.  Seven months later, going from 282 to 145, I must admit, when I see those haters, I LOVE LOVE LOVE to see the envy in their eyes lol.    Just follow what your Dr. says and you will be just fine.  I look forward to hearing all about your journey, you soon to be LOSER!  Best of luck and GOD BLESS!  Remember, you have ALL of your friends on here that totally understand how you feel and we are ALWAYS here to support you!!

Everyone has had such great responses.  I think it's so AWESOME the way we take care of each other! Can I just tell you that you have a great surgeon.  He did both my RNY and my husband's RNY.  Our surgeries and recoveries were absolutely textbook and we couldn't be happier.  All these happy losers could not be wrong!!!

Isn't it awesome how much a small group of people can support each other!  Without this one "little" thing in our lives, we would have never known each other!  This is why I do what I do!  I support weight loss patients, hold their hands, cry for them, get mad with them when they are denied or have to wait, I go to so many support group meetings every month!  (oh wait..that is for me too!!)   I love it when I see someone who, at the beginning of their journey is so low mentally because of their obesity, then blossoms into a beautiful being as their journey succeeds!  Every time I feel like I just gave birth!!  (okay - bad analogy - but you see the point!) Above all else, support is where we get the biggest boost for our success!  It doesn't matter where the support comes from, as long as it is positive support!  I love coming here and helping everyone!  I learn new things all the time and gain new friends!  There were a huge bunch of us last night at support group sitting there grinning like a bunch of sillies!!   Lakegirl, we are here for you!  You tell us what you need and one of us will be right there to hand it to you!  

Hey Ruth, Robyn was there last night, but I didn't see her til we left. I'll introduce you next time.Robyn,everyone gave you wonderful advise. When it's all said and done, this time is our time and it's all about us for once. I don't know about you guys but I have spent many years trying to make other people happy and ignoring my own needs because I didn't feel important enough or worthy. My favorite quote is "sometimes you just gotta jump of that bridge and build your wings on the way down". It took many many years to get the courage to jump off that bridge. Now that I have I am a much happier person. Move forward sister, we are here along side you, Rita

A Big Amen to what everyone has said! This is YOUR life.  Why do other people think they have any right to toss in their two cents worth???  I'm with you all the way.  Everything will be fine.  Remember to listen to the one who knows you best - YOU!  Huggs, Pam 

I agree with everything that has been said and I love the analogies made by Dan.  They fit perfectly.  I was very lucky to have supportive family and coworkers.  The people I work with have been a part of this since they day I made the decision to have the surgery.  I think people make the assumption that this is taking the “easy way” because they do not realize what weight loss surgery is really about.  I know that I have opened the eyes up to many people around me.  Think about what you have to go through just to have the surgery.  You have to take all these test, put your life under a microscope for the doctors (which is all worth it).  Before you have the surgery your on a clear liquid diet, that most of my coworkers admitted that they could not have lasted the 4 days and then have to go four weeks after that before you even attempt solid food. Finally, where is the easy part?  I will still have to watch what I eat, exercise, and take vitamins the rest of my life.  So I really don’t get the easy part and feel most of them could not do what I am doing to be healthy.  As stated earlier “ who gives a rat’s ass”.  They are not living your life.

Congrats on your desision on having WLS. And you have an excellent Doctor in my opinion the best in Oklahoma. Dr. Broussard did my RNY and I am completely happy with the results. Check out my profile!! The only regret (as everyone says) is that I did not do it sooner. My surgery went great no complications and I felt  wonderful all thru it. I would do it again in a minute. Don't pay any attention to what other people say, do it for yourself. That is one stupid comment 60 more years to live with this surgery. If you don't have the surgery you may not even have 30 more years. So I would say WOW you mean I could live 60 more years if I had this surgery!! Thats the reason you want to have this surgery is to have a long healthy life. Before this surgery I was not living, I was actually dying, had to use a wheelchair when I went shopping. I was in pain 24/7 now I am pain free.!!  I am so happy that your DH is behind you, thats all you need. My family was 100% behind me and actually my brother even volunteered to pay for my surgery. They will come around when they see you are totally commited to losing. And as far as for your co-worker she is just jealous... just think about what your life will be like in a year from now.. I will be praying for you... HUGS REBA