Question:
Should Santa consider WLS? Help Eric edit www.santasweight.org

Hello. I was thinking that the following web site might be a way of helping promote the importance of obesity to the general public and introduce bariatric surgery to many people in a matter-of-fact, educational matter. I thought that media might pick up on the idea of a web site where people could vote on whether or not they thought Santa should lose weight, and if so, via what means. Do you have any feedback on what I have started? Please let me know. Thanks. <a href=http://www.santasweight.org>SantasWeight.org</a>.    — ericklein (posted on December 19, 2000)

December 19, 2000
Oh My, Eric. Remember Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer? Mrs Claus: "Nobody likes a skinny Santa...Eat! EAT!" Santa is a character, a much-loved one at that and if you take away his 'jolliness', you might as well take away the sleigh and the presents, too. I like that you are looking for new and improved ways to promote WLS and help people, but Santa being what he is, will never die from obesity-related co-morbidities. Next we'll have the American Diabetic Association going after the Easter Bunny! LOL. No, count me out...I like my Santa chubby.
   — Allie B.

December 19, 2000
No WAY! As long as he can work, fly in a sled pulled by reindeer and fit in a chimney, I think Santa should be left alone. If it wasn't for the fact that I couldn't hardly walk or breath and most likely would have died within the next 5 years (I am 42) from morbid obesity, I would never have had this surgery. I am one of those people who finds fat to be warm, soft and comforting. I have no intention of having a panniulectomy that doesn't leave me with a little bit of a pot belly, which, in my world, is sexy. I want Santa to be that big, round, rosy cheeked, kind and loving Grandpa of my childhood. So, Santa, you be lookin' for those cookies and rich, hot chocolate at my house, you hear? Fondly,
   — merri B.

December 19, 2000
Sorry guys but I say leave Santa alone. :) But it sure is a cool way to attract attention and get the word out about the option of wls.
   — TJSmith

December 19, 2000
My first thought was "Aw gee, Santa wouldn't be Santa if he is anything less than plump & jolly." Then, I remember when I told someone at work that I want to lose 100+ lbs. and she said "you wouldn't be you if you lost that much weight" ... I didn't say anything, but I sure thought about things I'd like to say to her. She's not the one lugging around 100+ extra pounds. I guess for health sake, Santa should lose weight, but we're talking about SANTA ... no, don't change him. If he's been overweight for a bazillion years, he should stay that way.
   — Betty Todd

December 19, 2000
OHHHHHHH.....ERIC!!! I think you better watch out...you better not slam Santa.....You better not tell Santa no more cookies....Im telling you why....CAUSE!! You will get big HUGE lumps of coal in your christmas stocking!!! Thats why!! TOOOOO FUNNY Eric...I understand your methods behind your madness but lets pick on someone else...like maybe...ummmm...Buddah...Hes a fat jolly man and he symbolizes health,wealth and happiness.....LOL...I think he needs to lose a few pounds too...LMAO
   — Tracy L.

December 19, 2000
Leave Santa alone!
   — Lisa B.

December 20, 2000
Eric ... my dear, you are too, too much! What a marvelous idea ... and a great way to get the message across without dragging out the soapbox. No wonder we all love you so much. Happy holidays!
   — Cheryl Denomy

December 20, 2000
As so many have stated, Santa just wouldn't be Santa if he wasn't the "Jolly Ol' Fellow" we have all come to know and love. But I think the idea is a good one...Might bring some positive input and reaction about WLS, since there is still so much misconception about it. Good Luck, Eric...Hugs~
   — Marni