Just Saying!LOL!

So I was so excited about getting approved today and I could not get ANY of my family or my best friend on the phone.  
I had to tell someone because I could not contain myself. I was in one of my facilities and I am pretty familiar with this nurse. I have been an acquaintance of hers for three years. She asked me how I was doing. I told her I was so excited and having a blessed day because my WLS was approved. Her reply....her reply....was.....Oh, why in the world would you do that. I cannot stand WLS as an out...You need to do it the natural way like I do. Eat healthy and exercise. You should try that first. (this girl is about 60+ pounds over weight and has been for the three years I have known her.)

It was all I could do to contain myself from sarcasm....I will instead say here what I really wanted to say to her but held my tongue.

In a sarcastic voice I wish I could have said....

"REALLY? I had no idea that exercise and healthy food could make me lose weight!! I will have to try that instead. I have done nothing but eat like crap and sit on my butt for my entire life."

OR

"YEAH...Well how is that working out for ya chubcheeks." (like I said she has been overweight since I have known her)

I kinda like the second one better....Anyway the lesson I learned today is to just keep my mouth shut because the general population are ignorant of what us lovely, large and beautiful people go through. From now on I vent my WL business here with my brothers and sisters and not out there with the wolves.

You know - I have been waiting to have that reaction from people and have been very surprised that I've only heard lots of positive comments.  However, I did not tell very many people before my surgery (superstitious I think) so maybe just fewer people wanted to say something negative after they know I've already had the surgery.

You know you've made the right decision for YOUR life - that's the only thing that matters.  Congratulations on being approved, and very best of luck with your DS journey!!

Thank you! I am really in the best mood ever and so darn thankful! 

I like the chubcheeks better...I would have had no problem saying that to her face...just sayin...Just remember all the positive in your life.....because it is going to change;)

LOL, I love you Lizzi. We share the same humor. It is going to change for us both! 

Here. Here. You got it!  

--gina

 

The night before surgery, I got an email from a cousin of mine begging me not to go to the hospital in the morning. She said that WLS had a terrible failure rate, and high mortality rate. That I needed exercise and proper eating to get my weight down. I guess she doesn't know that my doctor told me not to exercise because he was afraid my heart would fail. 

I am guessing that she has seen that TLC program on the super obese where the mother died after wls. I understand WLS is not a simple surgery, and that there are risks, but for me the risk of staying this size could not continue.

Anyway, i thanked her for thinking of me, but headed to the hospital in the morning without a second thought.

I am so happy that I had the surgery and I do realize it is a tool, and not a magic bullet. 

I wish you good luck on your upcoming surgery, and keep your head high. 

Oh yeah, I had that rude awakening when I first got approved for surgery.  You would think that anyone would be happy for you taking such a big step toward good health, but no.  Some people will criticize and judge things they know absolutely NOTHING about.  I've learned to celebrate myself!  I am my own celebrity.  I get star struck every time I look in the mirror and see progress!!!! 

Everyone won't celebrate something good happening for you.  If you be your own fan, then you'll have the best fan club ever!

Abe

The only people who new I was having surgery before I actually had it, was my mom, my dad (who had the DS 4 years earlier), and my husband. There was one other person I told, and she gave me the speech about what if you die, you need to exercise, think about your family, they need you....blah blah.

Telling my friends after surgery.....every single one was supportive. No one was negative or double guessed my choice. Not one! Maybe because we could sit across from each other, and I was alive, I was the same person.

If I had to do it again, I wouldnt change a thing. My choice for the DS was strong and unwavering. I was educated. No one was going to change my mind. It was nice not to deal with other people's drama about it!

Congrats!

I love reading these replies. We all have a story to share. That is why I love this forum!