recommending the surgery to others

Have anyone on here recommended WLS to somone you know *****ally needs it?  I recommended it to a friend who got it done soon after I told him about it.  Now he looks great and all his health problems are under control.  He said I saved his life.  But I know someone else who isn't really a close friend but a good person who is having medical problems due to their weight.  I would like to recommend WLS to this person but not sure how they would take my recommendation.  And what makes it hard is no one believe I had WLS.  Only the people who knew me for a long time.  I would like to help this person but don't want to step over any boundaries...        

Tread lightly.  I make no comment on anyones weight/ health/ body/ emotional issues unless I'm asked. 

Its intrusive and unacceptable that people believe they have a "right" to comment/ advise fat people because "they mean well".  This person's problems may appear to be self explanatory.  However, there may also be a lot more to it than is visible to you. 

As someone with non obesity related health issues, I have personally told those who have "kindly" suggested I loose weight to resolve health problems to go fkcu themselves.  I have also encountered a smo man with a rare disorder that no wls could fix.  As a result, he went from healthy to smo with all the related problems. 

Even if it were accurate, unsolicited advice is often unwanted advice.   Should you choose to go there, be prepared to accept any response you may receive gracefully. 

You are correct MSW.  I will tread lightly.  But this person spouse asked me to help them by taking them to the gym with me.  Apparently the persons spouse is concerned because it was a strange request.  I never asked this person spouse why all of a sudden its urgent I help them lose weight.  Maybe cause these are good people I feel I need to help them.  But it could be nothing serious and they just want to lose some weight. 

Now being asked makes all the difference.   If I'm asked I believe in full disclosure.   Having been invited in, I would definetly tell all.  How they use the info is their call. 

I'm helping a friend out now.  She's not obese and she does not want to ever be.  She knows about my wls and wants to learn to eat better and exercise.   I have told others who have asked about my diet and exercise routine exactly how I got where I am. 

I hope it works well for your friend.  It helps to have a good example to learn from. 

I do agree with MSW on full disclosure IF asked.  I may even go over board if asked......:-) 

That is tricky.  Do you have a before picture?  If so, maybe you could share that with them without mentioning anything.  If the person asks you how you were able to lose your weight then proceed with the benefits without making any recommendations to them on what they should do.

If you don't have a before picture, I would not go there.  In 2010 someone knows someone who has had a WLS.  Just like everyone of us know someone who has had cancer.  Too prevalent nowadays.   Many are scared and plain old fashioned and not willing to go out of the box.  Many have seen others who have gained all of their weight back and do not see it as helpful.  I find this very much so in African American communities.  Actually many minorities groups are slow to embrace this wonderful tool. 

My personal policy is if not asked I do not make any recommendations on this matter because it is a very personal decision.  Please let us know what you decide and the outcome. 

BTW -- Congrats to you on your success!!  You look awesome!  Keep up the good work!! 

Because of the potential risks involved in WLS, I don't recommend it to anybody.  I believe there is enough out there in the media for people to have heard of it and if they're truly interested in pursuing it, they will do it on their own.