Vent-Urgggg

Ok, I have tried to be fairly open and upfront iwith my co-workers about my planned VSG for Dec.  Why is it that people don't hesitate to tell you how nervous they are about you having WLS, but don't seem at all "nervous" that you are 90lbs overweight.  I guess I expected more from healthcare professionals.  I know that I shouldn't let it bother me but I am nervous enough about surgery and the reason that I shared was so that I could get some support.  Guess I just have to take the good with the bad.

I've been lucky.  My sister wasn't thrilled but it was because of the hospital and germs, not really the surgery.  My best friend, who is almost a foot taller than I am and rail thin, is just confused by it.  But every is supportive.  I guess if I had someone who wasn't, I would try to not discuss it with them or give them information to read.  They are probably just being protective of you, even if it doesn't help.  If you are nervous, spend some more time reading and researching.  Get more information so you can feel more confident.

Price-  Thanks for your support and comments.  I have been surprized that many of the people that I have told have been very supportive, including my boss (who I had to tell in order to arrange for time off).  The person that I am talking about is a PA in the office that I work.  She is my healthcare provider so I shared my decision with her, her answer exercise more and don't eat as much.  You would think I would have thought of that myself.   I know that they are thinking about all of the things that could go wrong and I just have to let the comments roll off.  Thanks again.

Sharon

 Sorry they are putting you through this!

Are you a doctor or a nurse? Where do you work? They may just be thinking of everything that could go wrong, unfortunately. I wish you all the best!

Happy thoughts and prayers are going your way!

Hugs, 

Liz

Liz- I am a Nurse Practitioner, I have tried tons of diets and don't have alot of time for exercise (doesn't help that I hate to exercise).  I will lose some weight but it always comes back and usually with a little extra.  I am tired of the up and down I want to do something that is permenent and feel as though a VSG is a good fit for me.  I have researched this until I am blue in the face and I well know the risk of being overweight.  You can't know how much your thoughts and prayers mean to me.  Hopefully, everything will go off without a hitch and my co-worker can see how successful WLS can be instead of focusing on all of the negatives.

Sharon

 Sorry that happened to you.  I didn't tell people at work and only told my closest friends, son and brother.  Come here to get your support.  You'll get good information from people that understand and care.   It really is amazing how inconsiderate people can be.  Two of my friends tried to talk me out of it.  I simply said it was a decision between my physician and myself since it was a medical decision to make.

I agree with Lee, this is a good place for support. I found too that people were willing to tell me about all the risks of the surgery, but nobody wanted to talk about the risks of my staying obese. I have to think that some of that has to do with prejudice towards the obese. I think sometimes people who are thinner then us, want us to stay "fatter" so they can feel better about themselves. I might be wrong,but who know...

Lee- Thanks I have found that the OH poster forums are great for support.  I have been lurking mostly because my surgery isn't until Dec.  In hind sight I probably should have made my decision and had my surgery right away then everyone wouldn't have had time to "worry" so much.  The people who are most important in my life DH and close family and friends have been supportive.  I guess I just expected more from my medical community co-workers.  It really is sad how little healthcare providers know about WLS and WL in general. 

Sharon

Many people, including health care professionals, can be uneducated about WLS.  The risks of WLS are the same as having a lap gallbladder surgery.  That's how advanced it has become. 

I had a bad experience with one person pre-WLS and decided not to tell anyone else until I lost a considerable amount of weight.  When I tell someone I had surgery I often hear "wow you look so healthy"... they hear the horror stories, not the successes, and its hard to argue with success.

Just keep your eye on the prize.  This is for YOU not for anyone else. 

Jody- You are right it is hard to argue with success.  I think for now unless someone ask I am just going to rock along until after surgery.  Hopefully, all those who were concerned will be pleasantly surprized and will even feel more comfortable offerring patients WLS options after they see that it can be a positive experience.

Sharon