Al Roker and the Dateline Program

Members of my family watched the Dateline program Friday and it became the topic of discussion at Sunday's family dinner. Comments were made like: "That surgery is the easy way out" "All you have to do is eat less and exercise more" "Why would ANYBODY want to have that surgery for?" "Why risk you life just to be thin?" Then they got to talking about the guy that died after having the surgery. I have not mentioned to my family that I am in the process of getting approved for this surgery. When I mentioned before that I was researching it, my family was very negative. My husband is the only one truly supporting me. As for the comments.....what is easy about getting your stomach cut open (I am not a candidate for the lap procedure) and having your stomach made smaller and you intestines moved around? What is easy about having to consume liquids for 6 weeks while the world around you eats "real" food? If it is so easy to just eat less and exercise more, why is it that these family members are not thinner? Why would anyone want to have this surgery? For many it is their last option, everything else has failed to help them shed the pounds. I am quite aware of the dangers of this surgery and how my life will change. I am ready to live healthier and feel better. I am ready for the challenge. I know success is up to me and my willingness to follow the doctors intructions.

Keep your positive attitude and you will go far. Some people find it impossible to be supportive when we chose to do what they are afraid of doing for them selves. Be grateful for your husbands support and lean on each other when you get knocked around. God Bless

Paulette, I had very little family support except for my husband. I had my surgery on Oct. 22 and since they found out that I got along so well,they have pretty much changed their tune. My Aunt did everything to talk me out of it and she watched the Al Roker special. She is still on the fence about this surgery, but she's greatful that I'm o.k. I don't think if you haven't walked in our shoes, that they would know why we made our decisions. Good luck and maybe you can surround yourseld with a good support group. Debra

My daughter had the surgery back in Feb and she looks fantastic! The majority of my family were all against it also especially my mom. Since my daughter has lost over 65lbs she not only looks great she feels that way also and the family sees how good she feels and looks. She feels more confident and you can tell just by looking at her. Now my mom has changed her tune. My daughter convinced me that I can do it to so she has me on the bandwagon of getting this done also. I just hope that it all is possible someday! You are absolutely correct when you say IF THEY HAVE NOT WALKED IN OUR SHOES THEY HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING HOW WE REALLY FEEL OR HOW HARD IT IS!! Good Luck, we will all be rooting for you!! Shelia