Mixed Reactions

There were a few of us talking at work today in between taking calls about MS and fibromyalgia and how docs will sometimes make us feel its all in our heads and  we somehow got off on the topic of weight loss surgeries and this one gal says out of the blue "I'm so against those weight loss sugeries" I didn't get the chance to ask her why but I am wondering if anyone else has come across this attitude from slender people as well? Do they think its because all we need is self control or more willpower or a better exercize routine or what? Do they just not understand that this is about getting healthy and not so much about being skinny?
I can talk to one or two other people at my job and they think the idea is terrific if it helps us get healthy so I know there are a lot of mixed reactions out there and was just wondering what you say to someone who says they are against these surgeries for whatever reason?

I have come across this attitude a lot. I have taken it as ignorance about what it involves and what it takes to go through this. They seem to see it as the easy way out. Education seems to change some minds. 

It's NOT just slender people---there are plenty of MO people out there who feel the same way. Iin 99% of cases, it's due to ignorance about WLS.

Totally agree. I have a very good friend at work. She is heavy. I discussed my surgery with her (ONLY her) before I had it. She has stated several times how she will NEVER do that, she just needs to diet a little, etc. She is MO. I talked to her about my journey in the beginning, but don't any more. I will wait. She has seen that I have been fairly successfu and I know she is happy for me. I just hope at some point she will come around and ask more about it. I won't force it on her anymore.

It depends. Sometimes I make an effort to educate, sometimes I just shrug and say, "Well, ignorance is bliss, I see." I've also been known to tell someone making such a remark that they are a fatist bigot :-D. But I'm more likely to either walk away or to attempt to educate.

Ask your acquaintance if they are also against open heart surgery?

 I think if someone said that to me, I'd say, "Oh really?  Why?"

I have come across this too often lately....to the point where yes, I do shrug it off as ignorance, but also to where I wish I had never even told anyone that I am having surgery. I just figured they would find out anyhow when I disappear for 2 months and lose weight rapidly over the next year or so...but I do wish I had kept the details to myself. I try to educate, but sometimes it's just no use. Most people don't listen and already have their judgements made... I try to explain that I am not having an RNY (because usually I am encountered with someone who knows someone who had complications with an RNY) but they just assume it's all the same!
Oh WELL!!! They are not living my life, right? That's what you have to keep telling yourself.
So many people also assume we are trying to "get skinny" or "catch a man"...etc. They don't stop to think and realize it is a TOOL to become healthy and live a long, happy life hopefully with no more pain or depression or what have you (everyone's different obviously).
Ignorance is bliss, like EN said...and I personally choose not to be ignorant!

I am new here!  I am wondering if not RNY, which one?  I am so confused that it makes my head hurt

Do some research (meaning reading real scientific and medical literature, NOT just people's experiences) on all four currently performed surgeries: RNY gastric bypass, duodenal switch, adjustable gastric band (or better yet just ignore that one completely) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

You can learn about the duodenal switch, which I consider the absolutely superior option in the vast majority of cases, starting at www.dsfacts.com .