PRE-OPS ONLY! Post-ops, read about the DS at your own risk.

I am very grateful to one of Diana's posts last year which brought me over to the DS boards to research the DS. 

I was actively reading the lap band boards to try to understand why after 2 years I had lost 20 lbs and gained 30 lbs back!  I was considering revising to RNY (following my surgeons advise) since he only performed 3 surgeries. 

I consulted with several DS surgeons and went on my way to revising to the DS.

If you have the lap band, and are considering a revision due to complications or unsuccessful  weight loss, IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT!  Please consider the DS also when researching your options. 

Janine

I didn't like this post AT ALL. So, basically, now I understand why people on most boards disparage DSers more than anything. The post would have been perfectly fine if not for the nasty ENTIRE MIDDLE SECTION. What I took away from this post was the disrespectful insulting tone, indicating that anyone that doesn't get  a DS is 'stupid, lacking, sheep-like, passive, submissive, weak, dim-witted, and self-loathing'. This tried to be a smart post...with actual statistical facts...and instead turned into just another smart-ass post of opinion. Quite shameful and distasteful. Stick to your own board, or the Main board, with this nastiness.

 I didn't get that *at all* from Diana's post.  Naturally she's promoting her surgery of choice, that's clear, and she made it even more clear from the title.  But, to me it says that although she believes the DS is the best wls choice available, it's not for everybody.  It does take extra research, knowledge, and follow-through with post-surgical protocol to succeed and be healthy.  

I applaud Diana's post for being proactive about spreading the news about the DS to all pre-ops, who truly *should* be aware of all wls options.  If you saw her post about plastic surgery a couple of days ago, you know she also has been a tireless advocate for getting plastic surgery approved by insurance for post-weight-loss bariatric patients, and is sharing the wealth of her efforts and knowledge with everyone, regardless of surgical choice.  

The way a post like this becomes "surgery wars" is by others choosing to take offense, and then other people jumping in to justify their choice of surgery.  But then, that usually works out to the OP's favor, because more hits on the thread means more people view it, and the message gets a bigger audience.  

I am a pre-op. I haven't even made my 'FINAL' decision on which surgery I'm going to get...so I am not 'pro' ANY specific WLS. I do applaud her for standing up for what she believes in, and for being an advocate for her choice as well. Her desire to help people to attain their goals is admirable. However, there is, I believe, no other way to *take* that post. In the middle of the body, the comments like 'Too stupid to follow the simple rules" and "Too lacking in self-control" are completely uncalled for insults. Not only to overweight and obese people in general, but to other WLS patients (whether successful or not, but especially if not).  You will see posted on OH over and over again that OBESITY is a DISEASE, and an ADDICTION to food. You don't make a DISEASE go away by 'following simple rules' that accompany ANY WLS....people that promote these things are the people that are actually doing a disservice to pre-ops.

REGARDLESS of which WLS a person chooses, in order to be successful, they MUST realize that their surgery ISN'T a cure, but it IS a tool. A tool to help them fight their battle with obesity. We must all learn to eat better foods in reasonable portions. We must learn new ways of doing things. We must take vitamins. Without learning these new behaviors to utilize the tools we're given....ANY WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY WILL FAIL.

SO, to clarify, I congratulate anyone on choosing WLS to help them with their obesity struggle. I believe that every single surgery has it's pros and cons...and if someone is considering surgery, they should consider ALL AVAILABLE OPTIONS. They should research what their options are, and should fight for what they feel is the BEST option for their behavior/lifestyle. It IS unfortunate when stories pop up on OH with people who are post-op and just learning about  all the changes that they will have to make to their lives and they are surprised....that just aggravates me.

Bravo katmom!  For a pre-op you are incredibly astute - there is no doubt that whatever surgery you choose you will be successful.

AND you can spell and write readable paragraphs.  Really hope you stick around!!!!

I didn't like this post either, for the same reasons. It would've been so much better without the insulting tone of the middle section...but of course, WE are just over-reacting. Riiiight. Just like the nurse in a hospital doesnt know how to spell tumor..... you gotta admit that sounds a little suspicious.


I'm happy that DS is available..we should all do our research but damn it, posts like this disguised as being helpful do not help at all.

(prior post deleted b/c I was trying to reply to Kat, not lucky...shrug)

And you think all DS people are mean??  You slammed me for being a hard worker and too tired to spell....  one word

There are days I can't spell ball, I am sooooo tired..... guess you don't work in a high stress area.
Nor have a home with 4 grandchildren in it , 2 of which  are TCS kids born with no ears, sign , have trachs, and feeding buttons, and have had 35 to 40 surgeries between them,,,

yep sometimes I can't spell,   or walk   or talk,   god forbid type.............

Read my profile of you think it is not valid... 

I apoligize for that comment, Pycca..to you and everyone else.  My hackles were raised because of the intentional stirring of the hornets nest (as described by Diane herself on the DS board):




Post Date: 2/11/11 4:40 pm
I have just made this post on several message boards.  I'm hoping it will generate some interest and questions this weekend.  Please jump in if you see newbies coming by to ask questions!  I can't do it all myself!

Remember, there are lots of newbies since the end of the year, and some of them have landed on their surgery fora without knowing all that they need to know - so I posted on the following sites:

• Main board
• VSG
• LapBand
• Realize Band
• RNY
• Revision
• Failed WLS
• BMI >50

If you'd like to go over to those boards and respond there to any comments (rude or otherwise), I would greatly appreciate it!