Al Roker said it best...

I'm sure you've all seen it, but here is a terrific quote from Al Roker supporting the idea of WLS: "In this country, if you have an alcohol problem or a drug problem, you can get treatment," says Roker, 48. "If you have a weight problem, it's lack of willpower: 'Just push away from the table, tubby, and you'd lose that weight.' But you can stop drinking, you can stop sticking a needle in your arm. You cannot not eat."

Ya Know, Chris,
I'm the kinda guy that's never been into celebrity or the opinions of celebrities.
But, when getting ready for WLS, I actually found Al Roker to be a big inspiration. I liked his whole attitude about it.
During a couple of pre-surgery days of second thoughts, I caught a TLC/Discovery Channel special on Al's Weight Loss Journey. It helped to calm me and get me in a better state of mind.
He never sugar-coated it... he just put it out there.

I'll always remember the sheer joy on his face and in his voice when he explained about the simple pleasure of buying new underwear at a regular store for the first time. All I knew is that I couldn't wait to be that happy about such a seemingly trivial experience.

Thanks for the reminder.

Be Well,
A.J.

A. J. Al was also  my inspiration and the one who got me thinking and searching for information about WLS. Dan

Hi Guys,

I like Al as much as the next guy, but my impression was that he was not having that great a success with the surgery and maybe had surgery 2-3 times. It would be nice to now how he's doing with it lately.

Best Regards,

Dave

Al Roker never appears on TV here in Japan, so he could have lost, gained and then lost again and I never would have known. Someone on the main board showed me a video of Al. He looks like he's lost a lot, but still has the body of someone who promotes food all day.

Dave

hey dave, you're right, i think he's having a hard time. he gained some back that's for sure. also, can you imagine doing this surgery with the whole f'n world watching? i would not want that pressure. everyone looking at you everytime you put something in your mouth. that's why i never copped to the surgery. i don't want to be judged or have dumbass opinions thrown my way. i really feel for the guy. he struggles, you can tell. i think he looks a little heavy too. i could not do what he does in the public eye and watch my weight. i give him huge credit for being honest about it to the world. oh well.......

It's true CB. I wonder why he went public with it in the first place? He does admit to psychological eating.

The price of fame and fortune is a big one. Very little time or energy to take care of health and exercise. Then, you throw in the fact that his work is mostly food-related...

In spite of all of that, it would be helpful to hear him report back on his results. Wonder if we ever will?

Best Regards,

Dave

Al was who got me seriously thinking about getting an RNY.  He reminds me a lot of how I see myself - big guy who uses his wits to charm his way out of uncomfortable conversation about weight in a self-deprecating manner. All of this talking about society's condemnation of obesity reminds me of a famous Churchill quote about his own tendency to enjoy the sauce.... When a woman on the street pointed out that Churchill was hammered, here's his response: "I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly.  " Nicely handled - never forget Sir Winston - one of those *****minds us that we all have two middle fingers for a reason.  Live your life your way, and be happy(!)

My dad quit somking and said it was relatively easy becaust the solution was to never put another cigarette in his mouth.  For his that was it.  He is also a lifetime yoyo dieter and has said the same thing.