Question:
Can we say the lighter side?

Whenever I talk to someone that is not on this board and I talk about post op as being the on the other side they think about the other side of life. If we can start saying on the "Lighter Side" I think we will get a better response from non-WLS people. Just a idea    — Kathy P. (posted on November 30, 2001)


November 30, 2001
You are sooo right. I never like using that word "On the other side"., It sound like you have died. I do like on the lighter side like you said, or once I've lost all my weight I would tell everyone, "This is the new and improved ME" DA DA, because on the inside I'll be the same(I can't get any sweeter) but on the outside mmmmm watch out world, I'm coming out!!!!
   — blank first name B.

November 30, 2001
I never say "the other side" because it sounds like death. Also, The Other Side was the name of a bar in Boston back in the 80's, so that's the first thing I think of when I see those words! The Lighter Side sounds much better to me, too. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 30, 2001
I've seen this debate a couple of times in the months that I've been coming here. I think basically people should say whatever is comfortable with them. I had a real aversion to the term 'the other side' in the early months for the same reason you and others state. I still don't use the term myself, but I know what those who do mean by it. For the most part, I just say 'when I'm postop' lol, can't get more basic than that!
   — Donna L.

November 30, 2001
I refer to it as the "lighter side" and call us "losers"... I've waited most of my life for being called a loser being a good thing! Best of luck! :-)
   — Janet C.

November 30, 2001
I don't use any wls surgery expressions to other than the people on this board, because anything we say can be misinterpreted. As always, I believe any of us can use words that express our feelings and the rest of us should graciously welcome the expressions.
   — faybay

November 30, 2001
I like to use the phrases "healthy side" or healthier side"
   — KCAllen77

December 1, 2001
I think you should use whatever phrase makes you feel most comfortable. But don't expect everyone else to change just because you don't like the term the "other side." For many of us that is a powerful statement.
   — [Anonymous]

December 1, 2001
I think whatever expression works for you should be used, it's an opinion thing. But to me, though the other ide was a little scary at first, I know know post op that it truly is the other side the other side of life , the part that we never got to experience, or the side we haven't seen in so long. It's comforting to me now. Go with what you're comfortable, but the other side seems to stick around especially once you've had the surgery and really begun your journey. Good luck and God Bless all. Hugs, Donna in AL
   — Donna S. C.

December 1, 2001
I too never liked the saying "the other side" YES!!!(to me) it sounds like you have died. I had a charm made that said my "New Me Day 4/18/00" When people see it they ask and I tell them it was the day I had surgery to become a healthy person - a new me - a new beginning. When I came here before my surgery and would post I would always call my surgery date my NEW ME DAY. Many people have there own saying and no one saying fits any one person. Use what makes you feel good. Find something like I did to have a very special meaning to you. I still feel proud when I look on my wrist and see that charm - it reminds me of just how far I have come. Best Wishes from Georgia
   — Betty H.

December 3, 2001
i use the expression...my new birthday...because i feel that the day i have my surgery will be the start of a new life for me.
   — sheryl titone

December 4, 2001
I like the term "the other side." Why? Because after the surgery the old me will have "died" and I will be living a new life. It's like getting a new birthday.
   — [Anonymous]




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