The Media Has Me Pissed!!!

Hi ALL, This is my take on this whole darn 1/50 mortality rate from WLS thing. When you are Obese the statistics say blah blah blah % of Obese die. They say we are lazy that we have low self esteem and that we need to just pull back from the table. So, what do we do? we go on a diet and start to loose weight spend tons of money on the weight loss crap. Then what? We gain it back and then some, they say we did not try hard enough, we have no will power. Ok then we have a more permanent form of weight loss which is what? the surgery and now they say blah blah blah % died due to complications from the surgery. I said all of that to say this, we are in a no WIN situation with the Media and their @#$$%&$!!!! Statistics. I say to hell with them all, because we stand a greater RISK of MORTALITY by being Obese than we do haviing the surgery. Complications arise in every facet of everyday life. There are people who die from a routine exploratory surgery, do we hear about that? No. There are women who die giving birth, there are people who die after having a tooth pulled. But none of these things are broadcast. It is just another way to TRY and I stress TRY and keep the BIG KIDS DOWN!!! But here on OH we got news for them, we are NOT backing down, we say have fun with your statistics and CRAP because we are finally going to do something for US and we are going to stand up for what we believe in. That is why this site is so vital and it is so important to support one another because we have so many odds against us. This is not the worlds fight this is our FIGHT and together if we stand TALL we can win this thing. Good Luck to all of the PRE- OPS and just know that although this is not an easy task you have a lot of support here for you when you cross over. You can email me anytime and I will respond I will even call you if you need to talk. Just no that you are not alone we are here to help. Love ya!!! Adrienne

Adreinne- Thank you for saying what most of us are thinking! I honestly don't pay much attention to what the media says about the risks. I stick to what my surgeon's statistics are. I've known a lot of people who have had the surgery and only one passed away. She would have died anyway with or without the surgery, it just came a little too late for her and her surgery was extremely high risk. I also have little fear for myself. I've been blessed in many ways. I do have sleep apnea, but it improved greatly since I move to Utah into a higher elevation. I have arthritis, but haven't heard of a death associated with inflammation to the joints! I don't have heart problems or high blood pressure. So, when compared to many with my BMI, surprisingly, I am considered to be on the healthy side. I think that will help tremendously. The biggest problem I've had with the media is with family and friends. They have to pass along every new research statistic or reported death to me. I explain why those don't pertain to me, but I can feel their faith wavering. I think the best way out of it will be to have the surgery and live! Thank you Adrienne, and I think it's is great for you to open yourself up to others for support. It is appreciated! Denise