Gay connotation to wls?

I gotta admit, at some support group meetings I've attended, there is plenty of girl-talk but it is just WLS talk for the most part by the people that have had the surgery, which is predominately women.  They do have some unique isses guys don't face the same way of have different results because of the composition of being male versus female. But, in answer to your direct question,... this is the first time I've even heard it brought up.    I'm not out here looking to get hooked-up but to talk about issues and get answers and give some help where I can like I have received from so many other willing and helpful guys on the boards.  Our topics sway to stuff other than WLS once in a while but it is an excellent support area.  If I'm hanging with a bunch of closet gays, I don't know it and it really doesn't matter.  I haven't been offended or upaset by anyone posting out here since I've gotten online. I have met and know a number of guys that have some mannerisms, speech, and/or body language that seem feminine but that doen't make a perosn gay.  I've also know a few studly dudes that I found out were gay.  So I don't worry about labels and what others think. I second the previously mentioned point that we are all in this WLS thing together and we deal with it irregardless of ethics, morals, etc.

Joe, My question was meant to get the opinions of the board about whether or not there was a PERCEPTION, that wls was considered gay or feminine. Not whether you liked gay guys or not.  Thanks because you did let me know you had never heard of it.  I HAD heard it, and I heard it again yesterday, and thought I would post about it. Thats it. Steve

I think anytime a man does things to better his appearance, in general...is at risk at being told it's a "homosexual" act by someone.   I remember when I met my wife, she told me she didn't like my skin regime because it was "gay"......my skin regime included toner and moistureizer.   Hey, i didn't want to be like my father who looked like he was 60 at 30.  People have a perception that WLS is out there for people to "look good"...i guess the fact that most SMO and MO peopple have multiple comorbidities or are at risk for other comorbidities, and the fact that after a SMO or MO person loses weight they will probably have redundant skin issues escapes their attention.   Either way, most of the people on this forum are straight (at least it seems that way), but there are some gay and bi people on this forum too.  Scott 

That's a fair question.  IMHO, Anything a man does to enhance his appearence will be construed as "gay" by some of the more ignorant,  poorly educated members of our society. However, WLS is not like a tummy-tuck, or a microwave tan, or a perm. It is a legitimate medical solution to a legitimate medical condition.  I wouldn't put my health at risk, because Bubba and Barney might call me names. Educate them if they do. Wall-to-wall counseling can be an effective learning tool. DD

Double Dee, Thanks man. I think you got the true meaning of what I was asking. I truly, dont give a hoot if EVERYONE in here was gay. I just wanted to know if there was a PERCEPTION that prevailed, that wls was gay or feminine. You got it,,,, and God knows Im glad you did. Steve Que

I do not want to have sex with another man, but generally I prefer the company of men.  I do want to have sex with women, but generally don't want to hang out with them.  Does that make me gay?  Not that there's anything wrong with it. Sonny

But sonny, is there a PERCEPTION out there, that YOU have experienced or seen, or witnessed, that wls is gay or feminine? Whether you are gay or not, was not my intent to find out. I should NOT have asked that question. Thank you for your response.

To answer your question, no I don't believe there is that perception.  To want to address a person's health that is being affected by one's obesity really is neither gay nor straight, feminine or masculine.  It is more a question of appropriate or inappropriate.  That is what I am struggling with.  I have a relatively low BMI and have lost weight several times in the past through diet and exercise.  I have however, always gained it back.  For me diet and exercise has been a temporary solution to a permanent problem.  That is why I'm pursuing WLS...but that's just me. Sonny

thanks sonny, and good luck with your endeavors. Steve

Hey pkque, Don't sweat the question.  It was a legitimate question. I didn't take offense and I didn't intend my answer to sound judgmental. I was trying to answer the question as I understood it. I have heard the perspective amongst the general public but it is infrequent and I do not perceive any such thing on this website irregrdless of which board I post on.  I chat with everybody on the Main, VA, and Mens Boards and have never encountered any concept direct or indirect that guys that do WLS or post on this website are gay or feminine. Didn't meant to get you flustered. If it is a concern, I am glad you felt comfortable enough to bring it up. Joe