Good Morning. Casualties of war

Don't be a casualty. Recognize the recent nest-kicking posts on the various boards as a tactic of getting attention and getting the word out about a WLS, the DS in this case, that is misrepresented by many ignorant, malicious and greedy medical and insurance professionals.  

Pre-ops, if you have done your research on all the possible WLSs and picked the one best suited to address your eating demons, you're golden, and good luck. Now, find the surgeon with the best possible record and outcomes for the surgery you've chosen. Travel if you have to. If you are a pre-op and blindly believe the TV ads or 1 anecdotal story or 1 doctor, please do more independent research and honestly assess whether you can handle the responsibilities of the surgery you choose and understand the potential complications and lifestyle changes required.

If you are post-op, these posts aren't about or for you. If you respond in kind to the tone and inflammatory content of the posts, you're a casualty of war. Don't fall into the trap. Many will, but you don't have to be one of them.

If you want to vent, have at it, the floor is yours.

--gina
               

I dont get involved in the sugery wars on the other boards.   But I will say this, I wish there were more people out there like you who explain the facts about the DS without shoving the surgery down ones throat and make those of us that had other surgery types feel "stupid" because we picked the "wrong" surgery.   I did my research. So far, Im thrilled to death with my choice.  

Im assuming we are talking about the same "Pay it forward DSer" here.  When I first joined OH, I was trying to decide which surgery was right for me.  Her posts actually pushed me away from learning more about the DS.  

Ive learned more about the DS since hanging out here on the LW board since that and I think the DS is an awesome surgery choice.  If I had someone like you tell me the facts, I would have probably considered the DS.

While I admire her passion, I think her delivery is terrible.

Oh and Im soooooo glad we dont have those wars on this board!!!    Cindy 

War free is the way to be. Were supposed to be here for each other and support ones own decisions, not ridicule. That is why, my Friends, I stay here, where I am comfortable and I can open up and not be afraid.
Luv U Guys

While I HATE surgery wars and dispise how they are presented, they do seem to have served a purpose. It's like the obnoxious commercials you can't stand but can't get out of your head. They make you think in spite of yourself.

I agree, Cindy, the presentation could be handled so much better. But it's the arguing in the threads after she posts that really get me, they get into a mudslinging match that isn't pretty. And I don't see why that is necessary. It doesn't show either side in a good light. If they would just post and then leave well enough alone, it might be better but to stir up a hornets nest and then brag about stirring up one really is beyond the pale.

Coming in here and asking questions gave me more answers than asking on any of the other boards cause everything was explained in a calm rational manner and no one called people names. We all adhered to the LW creed.

I knew about the DS before coming to OH because the surgeon's seminar I had attended mentioned all for surgeries. What I found out on my first visit to the surgeon was he didn't do the DS on anyone under a 50 BMI, his partner did but I didn't know that at the time.

Now, the surgeon's office was a COE facility, something else I had to consider. I know for many that is just an insurance scam but to many of us, it means the difference between getting the surgery and not getting the surgery. The only other LOCAL bariatric office in town (out of the University of Tennessee, didn't even offer or mention the DS, which is part of the "pay it forward" mentality.

So yeah, I'm also trying to pay it forward but in a nicer way, like *I* was taught here on this board.

 The message is not the problem ...it's the tone and the delivery...I was shocked to see it and thought it was an advertisement....I was just cruising around the other sites for curiosity's sake...well no more..SEAVIEW

As I posted on the main board, I DO understand the reason for the vehemence. There was a Chicago Trib pull-out special a few months about about WLS that my mom sent me. It mentioned "the 3 weight loss surgeries," and specified the band, RNY, and sleeve. This, even though U of C has a great DS center (or so I'm told). Just like an adolescent, you can't ignore them and shove them in the corner forever or they will get downright MEAN, and I think some of that is what's happened.

I still don't like that that surgery is so ignored, and I still don't like that some of the DSrs are so blasted mean, but I do understand where they're coming from.

Rebecca, Have considered a letter to the editor mentioning that they need to correct that?

Liz

I did - no reply. 

I know my surgeon does not discuss the DS unless a patient brings it up.  I did, but had already ruled it out in my case so we did talk about it.  He did not dis it, just stated that he did not perform it.

A mentor of mine reminded me frequently that just because I was invited to a war did not mean I had to accept (I tend to fly into battle to support what I perceive to be the underdog).  I guess I'm finally learning that lesson.

LOL, that is so true. And here we know that education is the key. As long as people are educated to all their options before their operation, and have made their decision, we accept it. If they've had their surgery, we accept it AND MOVE ON.

We don't make anyone feel less of a person for their choice. We are all here to support one another as we all have a big enough battle to start with...we have the battle of being a lightweight.

Liz

Just sport.

That's my theory on the vitirol of the posts and the replies.  I think these people are bored and just want to stir things up for entertainment.  The false empathy in the pay it forward's posts definitely comes out.  That's sorta why I switched to this forum recently as a main resource.  All surgery types are represented.  Ya'll give out straight, non-judgmental answers and opinions.   I appreciate that.