Question:
Can WLS effect your personality
Hi, I am pre-op and pretty much decided to go for WLS but I have been wondering about something. I have heard that there is a relationship between emotions and a person's digestive system. I have heard that irritable bowel syndrome is sometimes treated by anti-depressants. So in having a gastric bypass can it or does it effect personality. I have always heard of the "jolly fat person" and it is true I know that I am that way at times so Does this go away or is it that it is a defense to avoid the issues of MO Lisa — Lisa B. (posted on April 3, 2002)
April 3, 2002
"THE JOLLY FAT PERSON!!!!" What a joke!!! C'mon how jolly do you
really feel about your fat??? Get real, that is a myth perpetrated against
ourselves because we feel guilty about not living up to "NORMAL"
society's idea of what is attractive. We feel as if we are
"inflicting our ugliness on the world" and try to make up for
that by putting forth a facade of congeniality to block our pain from being
visible. I for one have never been "jolly" about being M/O, but
on the other hand have quite often felt that I had to be the life of the
party in order to be accepted. So to answer your question - No I don't
think WLS will change your personality, but it may finally give you the
chance to get to know your true self. At least that's one of the things
I'm hoping to get as a side effect of my WLS. Good Luck
— Elva C.
April 3, 2002
Hello =) Speaking as a person that is currently MO, (Over 400 pounds) I
can say that I am a very happy person as a rule. My body size does NOT
define who I am as a person. Of course, I do suffer with all of the
everyday difficulties a MO person goes through, such as not fitting into
chairs, hateful stares, aching legs and feet, etc. But, I do not let that
dictate my lifestyle. I am an active musician and Gospel singer that is in
front of people on a regular basis. I shop, do activities with my kids as I
am able, and just live my life. I have lots of real friends, and have had
some over the years that were NOT real friends at all. Needless to say,
those are no longer a part of my life. I like myself enough to deal with it
when people treat me badly. I DO stand up for myself, including when issues
come up about my weight. I am also a very nice and polite person, but I do
not believe this is because of my obesity. This is because this is who I
am, and who my parents raised me to be. I think if you are being the real
you now, you will have no problems. If not, then if a problem arises, you
can always deal with it then. Thank you for your post! A very interesting
question to say the least. It made me really think about who the real me
is. =) Take care!
— ScatCat
April 3, 2002
I do think that I will be different after losing my excess weight. My
innate personality traits will stay the same, but I know that I will have
more confidence and be more out-going. I will still be loving, considerate,
and hopefully 'jolly'. I like being a happy person and I don't think being
thin will make me into an unparalelled b*tch. I think it's all how you
percieve things and react to things- (glass half full...). I do see how
some people compensate for their obesity by being the happy one, but it's
not something I do- I'm happy becuase I have a wonderful life and a lot to
be thankful for, not because society expects it of me. This won't change-
fat or thin.
One thing to ponder though- if a MO used food as a 'friend' it may be
harder for them for the adjustment- not having Ben and Jerry there to
comfort them may make them depressed (not so Jolly) for a while. I think
that some counceling and remarkable weightloss can help with that though-
that's more of an emotional thing than a physical thing. Good Luck with
your journey!! :)
— Angela B.
April 3, 2002
i HAVE READ MANY ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC, INCLUDING ONE IN THE NEWS SECTION
OF THIS SITE. AND EVERY ANSWER IS "YES." IT'S A GOOD YES THOUGH.
AFTER WEIGHTLOSS PEOPLE TEND TO GAIN SELF ESTEEM AND STAND UP FOR
THEMSELVES MORE. OTHER ARTICLES SAY THAT DEPRESSION IS MORE OFTEN CAUSED
BY OBESITY THAN THE OTHER WAY ARROUND AND AGORAPHOBIA WITH PANIC DISORDER
(MY PERSONAL FAVORITE) IS CURED IN ALMOST ALL PATIENTS. I AM PRE-OP STILL,
BUT I CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE THESE CHANGES IN MY PERSONALITY. GOOD LUCK!
— Laurie V.
April 3, 2002
At one year out, I can tell you that you do change, but __you__ make it for
the better or for the worse. I have discovered myself again. You learn that
you are allowed to have good days and bad days, and don't always have to be
the
"up" one, unless you feel like it. You don't have to just deal
with others dumping on you. The best part of this journey has been that I
have found ME again. Love and lots of hugs, Donna in AL
— Donna S. C.
April 3, 2002
I have to agree with Elva, "JOLLY FAT PERSON" that makes me so
mad I could scream. I am not very jolly at all I am rather depressed,
unattractive feeling and tired all the time. But no not jolly!! Btw most of
the time very uncomfortable.
— Angie H.
April 3, 2002
I think the 'jolly fat person' is largely a myth. I know that I would laugh
and joke and wear a smile because if I didn't I would just want to cry. As
the pounds drop, my confidence and self love goes up and I do feel
generally happier. I still get pissy and sad at times, but I'm not afraid
to show it.
— Donna L.
April 3, 2002
Many people have said that my personality has changed for the better. I am
more energenic,appreative and understanding. I'm also not so judgemental.
Go figure------- Good Luck
— Robert L.
April 3, 2002
Well are you TRULY HAPPY at your present weight? I kinda doubt it or you
wouldnt want surgery. <P> I was always a open fun loving person but
now find I am 10X that. Surgery has helped me to be truly happy for the
first time in my life. I now laugh at a lot of irritating stuff that a year
ago I would of bitten somneones head off over. Dont worry you will be fine.
— bob-haller
April 3, 2002
My hubby and friends say they like me SO much better now. I'm more
grateful, understanding, etc. and less focused on myself and my next diet.
Yes, I think WLS DOES affect your personality, but only for the better.
— Terissa R.
April 4, 2002
Ahhh, the "jolly fat person" myth... It is a myth in my opinion.
We'd rather be labeled jolly instead of grouchy (or lazy or stupid) AND
fat. Some of us try to "overcome" being fat by excelling at being
humorous, ambitious or super-intelligent.
— Anna L.
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