Question:
How are you helping other obese or morbidly obese people in

your individual neighborhoods or communities? I would like to share with mine, but want to hear how some of you are helping in the neighborhood 'cause we don't want to offend anyone...I usually feel it best to wait until I'm asked, then I'll share; especially if they ask me "what should I do?" What are your thoughts or ideas? Thanks for your input! Proximal LAP RYN 9/3/02 265/139/115-126, 5'2" Hadiyah, a.k.a.~~~    — yourdivaness (posted on January 12, 2004)

January 12, 2004
Since I decided to have my surgery I participate in every WLS meeting we have, I really enjoy helping the people there and helping them learn and make the decision that is best for them.
   — Saxbyd

January 12, 2004
I have alot of friends at work that are mo and they now ask me about it and I am very open. I try and answer the questions I can or else I try and refer them to their doctor or to look at this website. I think the best thing is to be open about the surgery if you are comfortable about that. At first after surgery I didn't tell anyone but now anyone who asks I tell. That is the best way I have found to tell people and since at work I can come in contact with hundreds of people, some of them regulars that have known me since I started their five years ago, I am bound to help at least one or two people. 292/193/160
   — horserider0146

January 12, 2004
I am more than glad to answer any questions that people ask, but would not bring up the subject myself. The things I stress are, that you have to want this, and you have to do research and reading about it. I also say to go to the best surgeon you can, even if it is a little inconvenient, ie. you might have to travel a little, like an hour or so. You will be happier in the long run if you seek out the best treatment you can get.
   — Fixnmyself

January 12, 2004
Well I got the pittsburgh press to run a story, that helped spread the word, I will tell anyone whos interested, help bring more folks to support group meetings, agreed to be a MOD here to give something back to the community that helped me so much, and will do anything else to spread thew word. Right now I am trying to get CBS morning show to run a follow up on a lady from pittsburgh who had surgery 3 years ago. That story is how I originally found out how to save mny life. If ANYONE knows someone who works for CBS please e mail me!
   — bob-haller

January 12, 2004
I am a nurse in a pulmonary office, every day I see patients come in that are on oxygen in wheelchairs and weigh 300+ pounds. I have to stop myself from telling them that they should look in to WLS. One of the doctors I work with is thrilled with my progress, and if after talking to the patient, he feels they are intersted....he sends me in to see if they have any questions. I love being able to help people see that there is hope for them too. It is really hard for me though, cuz not every one is able to make the commitment to the life time change.
   — jennap

January 12, 2004
I was a year post op on 1/7/04, currently 7.5 pounds below goal and still loosing. At the local suppport group meeting last month I was thanked for attending and being a "role model" for those just starting the process and early into the process. Who would have imagined it! I definately feel that this is my contribution to our WLS community. 252/122.5
   — sherry H.

January 13, 2004
Yes, it is the right thing not to broach the subject with anyone unless you have been asked to do so, though I know how tempting it is. I see obese people all the time, some walking with canes because of their weight, and I feel bad for them and wish they had the benefit of this surgery. But thinking back to when I was obese, I may not have been receptive to a stranger approaching me to talk of the surgery, in fact, I probably would have been mortified. Who, me? As for helping the community, I faithfully attend my surgeons monthly WLS support group meetings and separate seminars (people seeking info on the surgery), to answer questions from those considering the surgery, as well as the new post-ops and it is most rewarding.
   — Cindy R.