Why do people think having WLS is nothing but an easy way out?

I'm getting so tired of people telling me that I'm taking the easy way out, and that I'm being lazy by having WLS. I'm getting a headache.. This has got to be one of the most emotional and stressful things I have ever done in my life. I did not make this choice over night. I researched WLS for over 5 years, talked to people that have had the surgery, and I went to 2 seminars. This is not a quick fix just so I can look cute in a mini skirt or a bikini. This surgery can possibly save my life, or improve my health so that I can enjoy life. I have talked to people til I was blue in the face about this, but they are still downing me. What else can I say or do?  HELP!!!!!

Nothing! People are stupid. Check out my profile and you can see some before and after pics. I have lost 185 pounds from my high (my before pics are about 346). My hubby's family will not say a word to me that I have lost weight. Personally, I think it's because they think I took the easy way out. This is the hardest thing I have ever done. When I was pre-op I told select people until I had a date and after the fact I fessed up to it. I was not gonna pull a Star Jones. Good luck with the ignorant people you have to deal with.

I'm trying to be up front with people about my surgery. I don't want any secrets. The only person I haven't told is my ex hubby, but he'll find out the week of surgery. I'm only waiting cause I know he'll have comments, and I'm only telling him cause of our son.

I just wish people would educate themselves first before opening their mouths. Then they will see how hard this is going to be. There is nothing "EASY" about it!

I love your pics. Your in laws are just jealous...you look amazing!

I didn't really keep secrets. This was mostly people at work that I didn't tell. If someone heard and asked me I told them but I didn't tell everyone and their brother.

I think it is the underlying prejudice against people with a weight problem.   Sometimes people treat obesity as a "disease", there is a lot of research showing genetic components, metabolic components, reasons your body fights against you and makes it harder to lose weight,  but there is still a basic feeling among everyone, including doctors, that really it is just our own fault and we "just" have to change our behavior to stop it. 

I get it a lot because I have not lost weight through surgery.  People tell me I did it the "right way", and I want to say - really?   When someone has leukemia and they don't go into spontaneous remission, they actually need chemotherapy and medical treatment to go into remission, do you blame them for not doing it "the right way"?   Even when someone is a drug addict, if they go to rehab, take methadone or whatever instead of locking themselves in a room, do you blame them for needing treatment for their problem?  

A few years ago, the jury was still out on weight loss surgery in my mind, but now there is such overwhelming evidence - what else has ever caused tens of thousands of people to lose more than 100 pounds each in the space of a couple year?    Nothing.   Doctors still tell me, they hardly ever see anyone who has lost as much weight as I have without surgery.   I want to say - get a clue - that's because surgery helps people do this when they can't do it on their own, surgery is necessary.   All the facts and data are right there now, plus the data showing chronic conditions like diabetes are cured by weightloss surgery, but people still don't see and accept that being obese is a condition that needs medical treatment, not just criticism and blame.

It ****** me off.   Maybe you could tell that.   
 

I don't blame you for being pissed off. I try to tell people that I'm doing this for my health..it's necessary. But no..people can be so narrow minded and it ****** me off too! I have a friend that hasn't talked to me in 2 months because I made it clear that if anyone had negative things to say about my WLS..keep their comments to their selves. I guess she doesn't have anything nice to say....

Oh, everyone has a suggestion or a cure for you up their sleeves. Even when they are hugely overweight themselves. I've told everyone I know, all co-workers, everything because I don't want people to think I'm gravely ill when I start dropping weight so rapidly. I posted before on some of the stupid ass comments I've gotten. It is completely infuriating, but I'm not hesitating a second to call people on their crap about it. Good for you for telling your friend if she hasn't nothing nice to say to say nothing at all. You don't need people in your life that can't be supportive of the life changes you need to make for yourself. Good Riddance!

They're stupid.  Stupid people suck.  **** 'em.

Absolutely right!!! **** 'em all!!! LOL

 I was kinda worried about how that would be received over here.  I usually post on the R&R, where we cuss with abandon.