The "Easy Way Out"

I'm not much of a writer, but this is what I've got!

It's been a while since I've posted because I've been contimplating some things people have "implied" about WLS. I do believe that the majority of people who imply such feelings on WLS are obviously ignorant and haven't done thier homework. The truth of that matter is that obesiety is a disease. Can it be controlled in some cases? Sure. But the long term results tend to just get worse. If you've struggled with weight, you know what I'm talking about. When you have 120-175lbs to lose, it's very overwhelming and depressing. I've lost a little over half of my excess weight (90lbs) since my bypass and have never felt better.

Answer this, if an alcoholic or drug addict needs help, why is the american population in support of rehab? Because it's become socially acceptable and applauded when someone who is suffering from addiction and decides to accept "help" for it. So, why isn't WLS socially accepted when a morbidly obese person decides to get "help" with losing weight? People tend to be ignorant at what they don't know. Losing weight has been hard for me. Keeping it off has been harder than any breakup, quitting smoking, moving away from friends/family, losing a loved one or anything else I've ever done in my life. So I accepted help as an alcoholic or drug addict who is ready for help would. Don't judge me for taking the steps to admitting I had a problem and then accepting the help.

It's not easy when you take that ONE extra bite and it literally gets stuck in your esophogus because there's no more room in your new "pouch". The feeling of being absolutely STUFFED and the immense pressure in your chest is not easy. Not being able to drink while you eat, making sure to get ALL of your vitamins and water in every day when you are extremely FULL, remembering to eat protein first, 3 bites of protein, 1 bite of fruit, 3 bites of protein, 1 bite of veggies, chewing to applesauce consistancy, understanding what your body is telling you, knowing the difference of "satisfied" versus "full". These are all NOT easy things when your new stomach can hold the equivelant of a 1/2 of a cup at a time.

When you learn to eat a certain way, the way mom/dad taught you, it's not easy to change that after 25+ years. What about all of the changes your body is going through because of the rapid weight loss? I often contimplate how I will look if I lose the weight, how will people react, how will I feel about myself, will I be more active, what about fatigue, mobility, etc... All of the answers are positive so far. That's after 6 months post-op. I went to the DR and had my blood tested and am more healthy now than I've EVER been.

So, anyone who hasn't walked a day in a WLS patients shoes and haven't done your research, shut up with your ignorant and negative comments. This has been the best damn thing that I've done for myself. Many WLS patients I've talked to say the same thing. Are there bad stories from some who didn't succeed or had lots of problems? Of course. But, in my opinion, this is a psychological surgery. If you aren't ready, you won't succeed. I prepared for this surgery for a year and a half. Sleep studies, monthly doctor appointments, supervised diets, supervised exercise regimins, seminars, psychological evaluations, etc... I was determined to make my health better. Judge me if you will, but what is your weakness?? Just because mine was different than yours, doesn't give you the right to judge me. Walk a day in my shoes...