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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: Obesity
  
I wish they had a little standing ovation icon too!
Very well said!
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Posted 5/2/06 10:51 PM  |
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neenie
Member since 5/05 22351 total posts
Name:
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Re: Obesity
some irony though...
My dad wanted this so badly. was on a strict diet, and meeting with his Dr. and nutrisionist weekly... but actually couldnt have the procedure because he was TOO high risk. 
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| Posted 5/2/06 10:52 PM |
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MrsERod
Praying for Everyone.
Member since 5/05 26170 total posts
Name:
MrsERod™®
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Re: Obesity
Posted by neeniebean86
some irony though...
My dad wanted this so badly. was on a strict diet, and meeting with his Dr. and nutrisionist weekly... but actually couldnt have the procedure because he was TOO high risk.
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| Posted 5/2/06 10:58 PM |
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Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
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Re: Obesity
Posted by pmpkn087
I really don't think any of those surgeries are cop-outs because it is a tremendous life change and takes a lot of work to adjust. and, after you get surgery, you have to LEARN how to eat right and exercise...those things become necessary.
Edited for bad spelling and to say: And, if people go into it thinking it is a short cut, they will have a rude awakening!
What you said couldn't be further from the truth.
This is a subject very near and dear to my heart. I am a post-op gastric bypass patient as is my sister, my cousin and MANY of my very close friends. There ARE some people who will use the surgery as a cop out but there are many people, probably more who SUFFER daily with the extra weight they carry.
The information below is somewhat of a repost from an old LIW post. Perhaps my perspective, in addition to the other ladies here with the same experience will help inform.
My procedure was done almost 4 years ago in the summer of 2002. I lost 115 pounds. I went from a size 24 to a size 8/10 and I have never been healthier in my life.
It is very important NOT to live vicariously through other people's experiences. Unless you have lived through the experience of this surgery yourself, it is very hard to give an accurate account about it. Everyone's experience is different.
Having this surgery was a very personal and difficult decision. It was long researched. Anyone who has this surgery needs to make informed decisions. The person in question in thie original post, does not seem as if she did that. Gastric bypass is NOT something to take lightly. It is not something to do unless you have exhausted every effort possible. Even the best of surgeons will ask (and probably require) a patient to have 6 consistent months of doctor supervised diet attempts before they will do the surgery. Insurance companies won't approve you for surgery unless this is done as well.
If a person wished to pay out of their pocket for this procedure, it is not anyone's business but I would question the intergrity of the surgeon who would do it. After my procedure, I looked to see what the hospital and the doctors billed the insurance companies. It is so high up in the tens of thousands of dollars.
There are risks. Yes you can die from the surgery. One in 200 die on the table. But more than that die from heart attacks, diabetes related problems, high blood pressure and sleep apnea - ALL OF WHICH are associated with obesity. There are risks to every type of surgery. That is fact. When someone goes to get a tooth pulled, they sign a release that there are risks involved, but would it keep them from pulling the tooth? I hardly doubt it. A person can die in heart surgery, but would it keep someone from having it just so they can die from a heart attack? I don't think so. This is nothing short of the same thing.
Another fact that I am sure many of you know (or maybe you don't) is that 95% of people who go on diets will gain it back. Those numbers are NOT good. It is also not good for the heart to gain and lose and gain and lose. It is too much stress.
I was quite a success story as far as this surgery goes. I was a borderline diabetic with high blood pressure and joint problems in my knees. I had difficulty breathing and doing everyday tasks that most people take for granted. I followed everything that my doctor told me to do. I was evaluated BEFORE surgery by both a psychologist AND a nutritionist who determined that I was mentally and emotionally fit and equipped to handle the lifestyle and behavioral changes that were ahead of me. I used a nutritionist and a personal trainer POST-operatively. I started working out at the gym three times a week as soon as I got medical release from my surgeon (6 weeks post op) and 6 weeks after that, I started abdominal work. It was grueling but I did it.
I saw my future ahead of me. My mother had been close to if not over 300 pounds for as long as I can remember. She has every obesity related illnes you can think of - diabetes, high BP, high cholesterol, you name it. Her joints are shot. She has had open heart surgery and lives with CHF. That was not the life I wanted for myself. I needed a better quality of life than I had - now I have it.
It is important to realize that the surgery does not make you lose weight. What the surgery is, is a tool that puts people on an even playing field. It makes your stomach smaller allowing you to only consume a certain volume and by bypassing the small intestine, you do not absorb the calories (as well as nutrients - thus creating the need to take supplements for the rest of your life). It is also important to know that only 15% of people who have gastric bypass will reach their ideal body weight. NOT EVERYONE GETS SKINNY! MAJOR FALLACY!! I started at 260 and I am now 145 and never healthier in my whole life.
It is essential for a gastric bypass patient to exercise. Without exercise, the even playing field you have just given yourself is useless. Those who do not exercise do not have the same results as those who don't. I am not talking about those who CAN'T exercise because of skin interference. Yes I have some loose skin but I minimized my need for plastic surgery because I exercised. I have also reshaped my body into something I never could have dreamed of. Gastric bypass didn't do that - EXERCISE did.
Just recently I read the article about Carnie Wilson and having a baby after gastric bypass. It was important since DH and I will TTC very soon and i am reading so much about pregnancy and nutrition both here and in other sources My feeling? so what. People do it all the time. As far as having children after surgery goes, it isn't hard at all. Surgeons will say that a person can expect to lose all of the weight from surgery within a year and a half. A woman should wait until her weight has stabilized before she tries to conceive. That makes logical sense. By the time that happens, the pouch has stretched enough that the expectant mother can take in enough nutrients and calories she needs to have a healthy baby combined with prenatal and other vitamins. After a drastic weight loss, women are much more fertile. There are many women who were infertile before they lost weight. Gastric bypass patients are often told to double up on birth control because of hyper-fertility.
Another thing to consider in regard to having children is this. SOME women who are obese are often considered high risk pregnancies. They have more incidences of gestational diabetes. SOME women who are obese also have more of a chance of having a child with a disability - developmental or otherwise. In essence, they MAY put themselves AND their unborn child at risk. I teach special ed and have done extensive research in this area. NOTE -I did say SOME not ALL women.
I am an active participant in gastric bypass support groups. I have been interviewed by Allure magazine and have been featured in a national television news feed in regard to this topic. I was asked by my surgeon to participate in these events because I did what I was told to do. The people that rush into surgery without the proper information are most certainly in for MANY problems.
I am not a poster child for this procedure, but I am informed. If this helps anyone gain a better understanding of what gastric bypass is like, then I am glad. However, there will always be naysayers and negativity. There will always be the person who thinks that you are lazy and taking the easy road. If you are a person who wishes to or is going to have gastric bypass, you are making a very brave decision to extend your life with better quality. I would do it again in a split second!
Message edited 5/3/2006 7:55:24 AM.
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| Posted 5/2/06 11:24 PM |
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Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
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Re: Obesity
Posted by nrthshgrl
Posted by nrthshgrl
I'm pretty sure there are different types of surgeries too My friends has gastric bypass. The older term (and surgery) I thought was referred to as having your stomach stapled. There is not actual reconstruction of your stomach but a band is put in place.
Never mind - just read up on it - they are the same procedure. I don't think of the term as offensive either. It's commonly known as "stomach stapling" according to the articles I just read.
There are and have been many types of surgery. I prefer not to call my procedure "stomach stapling". I say I am a gastric bypass patient.
In years past (and some surgeons may perform this still today) the VBG which is actually traditional stomach stapling not involving the intestines. Simply makes your stomach smaller.
GASTRIC BYPASS involves staping as well as shortening and bringing up of the small intesting. There is malabsorption of calories and a person can get ill with too much consumption of sugar.
THE LAP BAND involves the band around your stomach but does not involve rewiring intestines. HOWEVER if you take in easily digestible and highly caloric foods in an easy form such as powdered beverages, chocolate milk, ice pops, etc, you may not and will probably not lose as much weight as quickly. The band is adjustable. I didnt do this procedure because I felt it truly didnt teach control and its like you can sort of trick the surgery by opening and closing the band.
American Idol's Randy Jackson had a sort of combination of a gastric bypass and band. Many LAP band patients do get revisions to gastric bypass because tey were either unsuccessful or gained weight back.
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| Posted 5/2/06 11:38 PM |
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pmpkn087
Life is good...
Member since 9/05 18504 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Obesity
Speaking as an overweight person, it is very hard to just "eat right and exercise." And, the heavier you are, the more difficult it is for you to exercise. I always struggled with my weight, gaining then loosing then gaining, etc., but never really being way overweight. Then, once I went on BCP, I gained about 50lbs and now I can't loose it!
Don't get me wrong, I eat healthy, but not 100% and I don't know of anyone who eats healthy 100% of the time. But people don't notice when thinner people are pumping themselves with junk and fast food. Like Marymoon said, the one time you do eat something "bad for you" people look at you like "she shouldn't be eating that!" ETS : And, they also don't notice when an overweight person eats salad every day for lunch and yogurt for breakfast, or whatever, you dont' hear them say "she is really trying to live a healthy lifestyle."
I also used to (I can't now that I am preggo) go to the gym at least 3x a week doing spinning, cardio and weights. I just can't loose the weight. I will loose a few pounds here and there, but not what I want to loose, or even worse, what I SHOULD loose.
So I would have to say that I would get gastric bypass, if I qualified. I already tried everything I could, short of starving myself (wait, I have done that as a teenager) and it just doesn't work.
I think that a lot of people need to change their perception of overweight people. And also stop and think that maybe there are factors that you might not know about to consider. Being overweight is a difficult thing to live with and it's not something that people want to be.
Message edited 5/3/2006 7:53:27 AM.
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| Posted 5/3/06 7:50 AM |
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KaRiSsA
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Member since 5/05 4646 total posts
Name:
KARISSA
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Re: Obesity
Posted by IslandGrl
If someone is 100+ overweight and insurance would pay for it who cares if its a cop out?
Thats that persons descion to take that risk but the outcome for most of those patients is being thin or much thinner then they are forever..
There are TONS of procedures that woman get done that probably arent " medically neccasary" but to each his own.
Im all for anything that makes a person have a better quality of life
I agree! 
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| Posted 5/3/06 8:07 AM |
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QuoteTheRaven424
22 Months?!!!!
Member since 5/05 13659 total posts
Name:
And If That Isn't A True Blue Miracle
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Re: Obesity
IMO, anyone who would call the surgery a cop out and lazy truly doesn't "get it"
there is no set way to lose weight. You do what works for you.
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| Posted 5/3/06 8:10 AM |
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KaRiSsA
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Member since 5/05 4646 total posts
Name:
KARISSA
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Re: Obesity
Posted by CaptainCharisma424
You do what works for you.
Yes! It might be easy to loose 10 pds. but I can't imagine trying to loose like 100pds. That's got to be tough.
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| Posted 5/3/06 8:22 AM |
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QuoteTheRaven424
22 Months?!!!!
Member since 5/05 13659 total posts
Name:
And If That Isn't A True Blue Miracle
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Re: Obesity
Posted by KaRiSsA
Posted by CaptainCharisma424
You do what works for you.
Yes! It might be easy to loose 10 pds. but I can't imagine trying to loose like 100pds. That's got to be tough.
i have lost 50 twice and put it back twice, so it is extremely difficult
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| Posted 5/3/06 8:23 AM |
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Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
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Re: Obesity
Posted by CaptainCharisma424
IMO, anyone who would call the surgery a cop out and lazy truly doesn't "get it"
there is no set way to lose weight. You do what works for you.
And remember just like I said in the above post 95% of people who lose weight through diet and exercise can and do gain it back. It is frightening. If you arent willing to make an entire lifestyle change, diet wont work. Even the people who have had ANY weight loss surgery will gain a percentage back if they arent willing to make serious behavioral changes. So it is a serious combination of diet, exercise and behavior modification for ANY weightloss attempt to be successful.
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| Posted 5/3/06 8:26 AM |
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bklyngirl
COULD THIS BE MY YEAR??
Member since 6/05 15758 total posts
Name:
Gail
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Re: Obesity
i have a dear friend who had it and looks fantastic. she tried everything. she wants to see her son grow up and she didn't like the way she looks. she had it over a yr ago
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| Posted 5/3/06 8:27 AM |
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Lisa
I'm a PANK!!!
Member since 5/05 22334 total posts
Name:
Professional Aunts No Kids
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Re: Obesity
Thank you Doodles and goldi for sharing your stories! Its nice to know that there are a few of us, WLS patients on this board! 
Congratulations to both of you for your successes!!
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| Posted 5/3/06 9:16 AM |
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jms100303
Luv my munchkins
Member since 5/05 4789 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Obesity
Time for me to step out of the closet....
I had gastric bypass 6 months ago. Believe me it wasn't any easy decision at all. I won't go on about the surgery itself, because others have done a great job explaining it, but I will tell you what brought me here. Last year I went to see my gynecologist about getting pregnant. I have PCOS, irregular cycle, and am overweight. Therefore I most likely have some form of infertility, so I knew it wouldn't be easy. Our conversation was quite eye opening for me, I think my jaw hit the floor. She suggested that since I was young (29) that I should wait to have children and lose weight first. Then she suggested GB surgery. That was what shocked me - "I am a candidate"? She asked if I was willing to do whatever it took to lose weight and was I serious; then she recommended a surgeon. The next few weeks were tough for me. I did a lot of sole searching, not to mention crying, and discussed it with my mom and husband. I didn't tell my dad or sister until after my initial consultation with the surgeon. My whole life I struggled with my weight. I have tried everything and I have had some success, but eventually I would gain it back and then some. Before my surgery I was my heaviest I had ever been and needed some control. I knew I had to do this for me, for my future. Like the others I had to go through many evaluations & tests, including meeting with many specialists, a nutritionist, a psychologist. Besides being overweight I was healthy and didn't have any of the problems associated with obesity, yet. I am only 1/2 way to my goal, but this was the best decision for me and my family and trust me it was no cop out.
Thank you to the others for sharing and making me feel comfortable enough to also step forward. Congratulations on all of your success.
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| Posted 5/3/06 12:27 PM |
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Lisa
I'm a PANK!!!
Member since 5/05 22334 total posts
Name:
Professional Aunts No Kids
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Re: Obesity
Congratulations Jennifer!!
BTW..check your FM! 
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| Posted 5/3/06 1:31 PM |
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Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Obesity
congrats to all that have lost weight!
and for taking the hard but necessary steps to do it!
I have never been considered an "obese" person- but I do struggle with my weight- and the amount of time and engery that I spend on watching what I eat and going to the gym is getting to be a full time job- it's not so easy
I am not a naturally thin person and I never have been- I have lost about 25 to 30 lbs since my heaviest- and I am only 5'2
it is something that I work at every day- to lose 10 or 5 lbs- so I could not even imagine what a person who wants to lose 100 lbs has to go thru
I am sure no one takes this decession lightly!
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| Posted 5/3/06 1:46 PM |
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LadyMaravilla
Fall Is Here
Member since 5/05 12023 total posts
Name:
Sonia
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Re: Obesity
Posted by pmpkn087
I really don't think any of those surgeries are cop-outs because it is a tremendous life change and takes a lot of work to adjust. and, after you get surgery, you have to LEARN how to eat right and exercise...those things become necessary.
Edited for bad spelling and to say: And, if people go into it thinking it is a short cut, they will have a rude awakening!
I agree! 
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| Posted 5/3/06 1:54 PM |
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LadyMaravilla
Fall Is Here
Member since 5/05 12023 total posts
Name:
Sonia
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Re: Obesity
Thank you to the others for sharing and making me feel comfortable enough to also step forward. Congratulations on all of your success.
Wow Jennifer, thank you for sharing your story. I think that GB is not only a physical change but also an emotional one as well.
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| Posted 5/3/06 2:01 PM |
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monkeybride
My Everything
Member since 5/05 20541 total posts
Name:
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Re: Obesity
I didn't answer the poll because I don't think there are enough choices.
In today's day it's not typically a matter of affording it. Most insurance companies will pay for it because if you are obese it benefits them if you lose weight and get healthier so to pay for the surgery is cheaper than everything you would needs if you get high BP, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.
I don't really think anyone who hasn't been obese can't really judge someone's choice to have the surgery or not. Actually until you've been in that person's shoes it's not your place to judge what they are going through.
I am obese but personally unless it was life threatening I would not have the surgery. It is too risky for me. The risk of death and complications far outweighs my life as an overweight person. I also know that I can lose weight if I exercise and eat right but I don't do those things and I yo yo diet.
If there were no risks I would definitely take the miracle cure but until then I will just keep fighting the battle I have faught all my life.
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| Posted 5/3/06 2:59 PM |
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jozieb0925
Double Trouble!
Member since 5/05 4358 total posts
Name:
Josie
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Re: Obesity
If I were in her shoes and extremely overweight, I would also probably get it done. It's either that or she continues eatting whatever she wants and risking possible death.
I am not overweight, but find it so hard to diet and excercise..you need lots of motivation and will power. I can't even imagine what someone like her goes through everyday..
Maybe the surgery is the push she will need to get her health back on track..
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| Posted 5/3/06 3:09 PM |
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IGLover
Y'all come back now, ya hear!!
Member since 9/05 2361 total posts
Name:
Kristen
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Re: Obesity
I wish some of the 69 people would post as to why they think it is a cop out. I should have added some more choices. For instance, if diet, excericise and a healthy lifestyle all fail, then go for it.
I am not obese, but I could stand to lose about 10 lbs. I know, not alot. It is actually very hard for me to shed 10 lbs, so I can imagine what it would be like to try and lose 100+. But at the same time, the more you weigh, the faster you lose if you follow a good diet regimen, and SOME excercise. I am not saying walk 20 miles a day on the treadmill. Even a 10 minute walk can help, every day.
I do not agree with Gastric bypass unless it is the last resort, and done for health reasons. I also do not feel that overeating is an excuse. Overeating is a serious addiction, and there are places to get help for it. I have a friend who weighed close to 300 lbs, and she is now 150 lbs, and looks fabulous, feels great, and owes her success to WW, and excercise. She had no health conditions, and considered gastric bypass, but wanted to do it on her own, and I commend that.
For the girls who have had it, I dont think any less of anyone, and if your results have been great, then I think it is awesome. I applaud you for having the courage to go through surgery, and wanting to change your appearance.
All my best.
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| Posted 5/3/06 6:36 PM |
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IGLover
Y'all come back now, ya hear!!
Member since 9/05 2361 total posts
Name:
Kristen
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Re: Obesity
Posted by monkeybride
I didn't answer the poll because I don't think there are enough choices.
In today's day it's not typically a matter of affording it. Most insurance companies will pay for it because if you are obese it benefits them if you lose weight and get healthier so to pay for the surgery is cheaper than everything you would needs if you get high BP, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.
I don't really think anyone who hasn't been obese can't really judge someone's choice to have the surgery or not. Actually until you've been in that person's shoes it's not your place to judge what they are going through.
I am obese but personally unless it was life threatening I would not have the surgery. It is too risky for me. The risk of death and complications far outweighs my life as an overweight person. I also know that I can lose weight if I exercise and eat right but I don't do those things and I yo yo diet.
If there were no risks I would definitely take the miracle cure but until then I will just keep fighting the battle I have faught all my life.
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| Posted 5/3/06 6:36 PM |
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IGLover
Y'all come back now, ya hear!!
Member since 9/05 2361 total posts
Name:
Kristen
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Re: Obesity
Also, to all of the ladies who shared their stories, I commend you and your bravery. I know it was not an easy decision.
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| Posted 5/3/06 6:56 PM |
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PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
Member since 12/05 17450 total posts
Name:
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Re: Obesity
I am responding kind of late in the game but I agree with an earlier post about diet pills. Why judge a person who wants this surgery vs a person who takes diet pills, they are both looking for results. But besides the point, Me personally I wouldnt do it bc I am not overweight but I do think if it helps you live a lifestyle that is healthier by doing the surgery...I am all for it. I was unsure if you thought she gained the weight by eating only bad food but I would have to assume that there are many factors involved aside from eating habits. I say if it makes you happy who cares what anyone else thinks.
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| Posted 5/3/06 7:19 PM |
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Re: Obesity
Sorry about bumping this late in the game but I have been (and still am til Sat) on vacation, DH and I are up late tonight.
I am obese. Personally I would never get the surgery but I also happen to agree with others getting it.I know its not for me because I am obese because of a culmination of several different illnesses. If surgery is a possible option for someone suffering from obesity, I say go for it - if it will change your life and make it better, go for it.
Its hard when people think that all I need to do is cut down my portions and excercise! I wish it were that easy - those who are in the same situation can understand. its difficult - it effects every second of everyday of your life, every decision you make and everything you do. If surgery could change this for you, you and your doctor and your family agree, go for it.
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| Posted 5/4/06 5:44 AM |
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