Regarding Oprah...a kind of AHA moment

I know that many of you (me included) are constantly amazed at the fact that Oprah doesn't grab hold of surgery. I think today I had sort of an epiphany regardng Oprah.  I saw where she and Dr. Oz were going to sue over the products that people are putting Oprah and Dr. Oz's picture on.  The report stated that the moment that the program aired where Dr. Oz said to try some of the Acai stuff (that's everywhere right now) was not meant to be an endorsement.  The sales sky rocketed and just because of that.  You can't go anywhere on the internet without getting attacked by all the Acai berry stuff.

Let's just say we give Oprah some benefit of the doubt.  If she were to even give WLS a pass on her show, she would sway thousands.  If she got WLS and lost weight and it worked....OH MY GOD!!  The docs would have a stampede on their hands with thousands looking for a miracle.  No research...expecting miracles with no effort.  It would be out of hand.  I remember attending a seminar a couple of years ago and one of the big time important WLS docs said that if all the people that needed the surgery wanted it, there was no where near enough docs or facilities. 

To me that explain a lot. Oprah has a lot of responsibility and if she got the surgery and one person followed and died...well let's say that would put a huge dent in the whole Oprah empire.  She's basically backed herself into a corner regarding the surgery and I just didn't see it before.
hugs, Y

Yvonne-
You are so right... as I mentioned on some site once before just look at what she did to the BEEF industry in Texas when she stated she would not eat Beef. People followed like sheep.

The endorsements for her bookclub- even when the guy is a fraud!
then came on a gave her a NON-apology.

Or when SHE herself did OPTI-FAST years ago....(remember the little red wagon full of whatever it was Crisco representing her amazing weight loss...) what was she then a size 6? Thousands of people rushed to get Opti-Fast- and many had serious complications... the mortality rate from it revealed nutrional issues that have been since cleared up.

No with surgery she can't endorse it for the reason you stated.
Then very deserving people would not be able to get surgery. and Talk about what that would do to the Health Care System as we now know it! Yikes!

Every Tom, Dick & Harry would be trying to qualify to do the surgery- to cash in..... and every Tom, Dick & Harry who sees it as a miracle cure without doing the research would be running out to get surgery....
and the MORTALITY rate would GO UP! not a good thing at all...

So- I don't expect to  ever hear of an all out endorsement from her- it isn't needed..... THOUSANDS & THOUSANDS OF REAL PEOPLE AND OUR SUCCESS IS ALL THE ENDORSEMENT THAT IS NEEDED!

so like the DS'ers are fond of saying- "it's our responsiblity to PAY IT FORWARD..."


 

Well...first and foremost...I want to reclaim my and Ramon's use of "Pay it Forward".  We used that a few years ago and I guess it got borrowed....and that's cool because it IS a good message.

You are absolutely right about the endorsement not being needed.  If anything I'm glad she's continuing her awareness of obesity.  If some day we could get past any of the stigma associated with obesity and then WLS, that would be wonderful.

Thanks for your response.  I'd like to post a link on the main board but I swear I'm getting gun shy.  I just don't want to hear the negativity you know?  Someone will end up saying something that will make it not worth it.   Again, I LOVE your attitude girlfriend and I am so grateful you are here.
hugs, Y

I love the way your mind works, Yvonne.  You get inside an issue and really examine it, with empathy and understanding. 

I have to say that I never thought of it this way.  But I know that Oprah is a thinking woman, and would probably really feel responsible if mindless sheep followed her to the operating room just because.

Good thoughts.

Wow...thanks Kathy.  I always try to see the human being and although fame and fortune seems to corrupt the best, I still believe that every person pretty much is doing the best they can at that very moment.  Oprah is no dummy and that's how she got to where she is but I felt like I finally saw the light regarding the surgery.  I just wanted her to do some shows that allowed others to see the success but I understand now that she can't really do that unless she does it very very carefully.  Thank you for your very kind words.
hugs, Y

Yvonne - so glad you told me about the "Pay it Forward" origin.
I guess the DS'ers are giving you the sincerest form of flattery- by using the statement.

As so often is the case if it fits the situation - USE IT.

I see many people use " Nothing Tastes as Good - as THIN FEELS"

this was a saying used by Weigh****chers for many many many years-
but it is true, it applies.

Boy I'm tired tonight- girl- I'm going to read a few more posts then off to bed! This getting to bed at 1:30 2:00 is not good for me...

It's 9pm EST. bed by 10 would be wonderful! zzzzzzzzzzzzzz