CLARIFICATION REQUIRED

Yesterday I wrote what now appears to be a somewhat contraversial, if not offensive post and I would like to briefly clarify what I meant.

WLS surgery is difficult: physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Going through the program, the waiting, the Opti, the actual surgery that may include complications and all of the planning and commitment it takes. Some may lament that it is too hard and my post was simply saying so is being overweight. It is not easier and the difficulties we face being overweight - from healthcare issues to mobility, to how we are viewed by society - not easy. The post really was meant to compare what we could decide to do by not committing ourselves on the journey towards better health, to the status quo.

I stated that I am only 6 months out and I learn every day how to do better - and not just with WLS. We don't know each other, but in the year that I have been a member on the site I have only wished to encourage, support, share and inspire. If my post was offensive, I am sorry as it was not my intent. It did, however, provoke thought and conversation which isn't a bad thing. Some of the comments made, in my mind, were not necessary and I got over it quickly understanding that this person didn't know me from Adam. That's the beauty of freedom of speech.

Thank you for the P.M.s of support. I was surprised by the negative inference and wanted now only to clarify my intent.

Enjoy your day.

I don't think you needed to clarify, apologize, or anything if the sort. I loved your post yesterday. I thought it was thought provoking, insightful, and had so much truth to it. 6 months or 6 years is irrelevant... it's your truth and it's worth posting. Don't ever let anyone take your voice away.

I think in the surface, it may seem controversial... but at its core, the essence of what you wrote is so true it's hard for so many of us to face.

Choosing not to do anything about our cir****tances IS a choice. Your post was BANG ON for me.

I'm not saying it has to resonate with everyone. But I really appreciated it.

Keep being you and posting your thoughts. They do inspire.

I was surprised by it too. I don't think it was controversial or offensive at all. The purpose of forums like this is to ask questions and engage in dialogue that with help yourself and others. You can't always please everyone, and by no means did you step out of line by what you said.

I just popped back to see your post and i found it very important. in a place (OH) where so much is "how great it is, how much weight we've lost," i found it important to remember that this is work. and it is hard. and yes, it is something i have thought of before. it is something i have actually not voiced but have thought even one month out. how much easier it would be in some ways to have not gone through this. to not have to take great big vitamins and protein shakes. and all that other nonsense (important nonsense, but things i have been struggling with right now) i in my wallowy moments thing, " i could have just languished in self pity and plus sizes forever" but i want this and within time, sometimes a moment sometimes hours, i feel renewed inspiration. and i get off my ass and get moving.

but i agree with your post. and i can see how it was inspiring conversation. I think it was an important post. thank you for making it.

Cheers

I agree with your post RCE, it is important to know it takes work and is not all roses. There have been quite a few posts as of late telling the real side, not just how great it is.

I have personally made it a point to be very open about my process with those around me. I don't want the stigma of taking the easy route or that I just did this to lose weight when "so many other options are out there". I have told people the diets I have used, my struggles with hypothyroidism (that weight is really the easy part of it compared to the other impacts) the complications with the Lapband and the process it takes to have the surgery. I will continue to be open about how much work it is and the struggles one has on this journey.

I think what you have to say is great Linda. You are always honest, inspiring and kind. Thanks for that.

Barb

It's all good Barb. I have absolutely no ego and I truly am so thankful for this opportunity. I just wanted to clarify that although it is challenging, so is remaining to be overweight and as hard as this may be - now and into the future - it will still be worth it.

My rose coloured glasses broke along time ago. And it is coloured, not colored - lol.

lol!

Could not have said it better myself!! ;)

Linda, I did read your post and understood the point you were trying to make. I thought it was insightful, and a great way to look at both sides of the decision to have surgery or just go on struggling with obesity.

There will always be someone who's offended, or shook up by the truth. They have a right to their opinion, but it would help everyone on the site if we all try to be more constructive while participating , or commenting on others posts.

Thanks for sharing Linda