Question:
My dad is very much against this surgery. How do I reassure him that it is safe?

   — Theresa B. (posted on October 8, 2001)

October 8, 2001
I wrote my Dad a detailed email letter with links to several websites to reinforce my points. I used the Alvarado Clinic website of Dr. Wittgrove and also Dr. Champions website. You can easily find them using your search feature. If your Dad isnt a computer guy... you can print pages that explain the surgery and the success stories. I finished up by showing him the Before and After pictures on this site... he was in tears after spending a few minutes looking at the amazing transformations... Dad told me he has visited the site several times to see the new people listed. It really made him see me in a different light and recognize me in these people.
   — SusanMaria

October 8, 2001
If he lives nearby take him to a support group meeting, or introduce him to some post ops. My BEST FRIEND of 25 years who is really like my adopted dad thought I was NUTS for even considering surgery, and said I needed mental treatment. It was tough but I ignored his advice and he is now pro WLS person. He recommended it to his daughter who could really use it, and shows me off to his overweight friends in the hope they will have surgery too. You may have to ignore your dad, do whats best for you and watch his approval and happiness for you once your a post op.
   — bob-haller

October 8, 2001
No surgery is "safe". There is a real risk of complications, and even death, although it's low. Explain to your Dad that even though it has risk, it's less risky than spending your life morbidly obese. You are much more likely to die from that.
   — [Anonymous]

October 9, 2001
Does your father think that living with obesity is safe? He may not be aware of your current health risks. Also, he probably believes that you could do this a safer way. He has been brainwashed by the daily barrage of commercials and thinks you can take a safe and effective pill and use your will power and that you just want to take the easy way out. Or, I may be way out of line with those guesses. I'm not sure. At any rate, the surgery isn't really safe, it's just a measured risk. You measure it against the risks you take every day, like driving a car, and the risk of remaining overweight and possibly needing hear surgery or something in the future.
   — kcanges