The Stigma Against Weight Loss Surgery

[TheMaximumYou]

that 225 lbs REALLY came off of me...its very real...anyone who considers it cheating has their head in a dark place

[justyvonne]

@TheMaximumYou very well stated!!

[ScaperSteph]

(cont.) He asked me why I don't just eat like I was on a WLS diet without the surgery. Ugh.... I'm just glad he isn't totally against the idea if I get approved by the insuance and the doctor isn't a quack.

[justyvonne]

@ScaperSteph I wish you the very best!! Now I'm ten years out and still kept it off. I'm glad your co-workers have been understanding. A lot of men think we can just diet and exercise (like we haven't tried yet). The WLS diet wouldn't help you without the surgery. It saved my life. I so hope ou get approved and get a second chance in life like I did.

[ScaperSteph]

I'm going to my first seminar and consultation with two different doctors next week. It's great to see a video of someone who has kept off their weight for so many years! So far the people I have told seem pretty nice about it. I asked for some time off to go to a consultation in the afternoon. She told me she was thinking about it herself. The other was a co-worker. She knew someone who had it. Then there's my husband... all he can think of is what bad stuff might happen... (cont.)

[gastricsleevecarolyn]

Thank you. I am so conflicted whether or not I want my immediate social circle to know I had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy 5 weeks ago. I have lost 34 lbs already, and people are starting to really compliment me. I started at 260 just like you did. I fought gettting surgery because I too was influenced by the stigma, the "easy way out" talk. I was probably guilty of the bias myself. So, to tell or not to tell...I am so happy I did it, but not sure others will be non judgemental...

[ANAMALAK319]

just had my sleeve surgery 2 wks ago, lost 21 lbs. so far, i want to loose 100, still in pain. just want to say u look so beautifu!

[GastricBypassBarbie]

"Don't be so quick to judge those of us who made it out of our big bodies..."

I just love that statement. Yes...I DID make it out of my big body, and I DO love my little body -- yes L-I-T-T-L-E body. My big body was my prison; gastric bypass surgery is the key that will keep that cell unlocked. Forever. As long as I'm willing to use it to maintain my freedom. Thanks to people like you, I'm on the right path. :-* One day, one bite, one chew at a time!

[justyvonne]

@GastricBypassBarbie So glad you saw this one! (you did recognize me in the brown wig right?) I am keeping count of the amount of times someone calls me tiny and I got 2 last weekend! (7 total) It still blows me away but making statements like that can get me in trouble when it shouldn't. I waited 30 years to hear them and yet I feel like I am suffering from survivor's guilt. I LOVE "one day, one bite, one chew at a time"

[METALMAMA74]

I am going to Plano to set up my gastric sleeve surgery Friday, April 30th. I have encountered some of the same characters you have represented here. Very funny but not funny because these people are definitely out there, I think some of them are jealous because they are obese themselves. It is not the easy way out. I am very proud of you and you give me inspiration to go forward.

[justyvonne]

@METALMAMA74 Thank you so much! I am so excited for you!! Congrats and please let me know if I can be of any help or support.

[Miranda082]

I have not had weightloss surgery, nor have I had to overcome obesity in my adult life. However, I just wanted to tell you that you look wonderful! Weightloss surgery or not... who cares! you are healthy and happy! That is just about as stupid as someone saying you should not take your" diabetes or blood pressure meds. b/c it isnt the natural way"! LOL

Girl.. you look great! Be VERY PROUD, don'y let anyone else tell you any different!

[justyvonne]

What a kind and understanding person you are and a terrific point you made, Unfortunately it has become the norm to be accused of taking the easy way out. Thank you for your kindness, it is very much appreciated,

[Miranda082]

My sister and aunt both went thru gastric bypass surgery. They both still have days when they still think that they are "fat" the emotional damage has already been done. Unless you have "been there" it is something that no one else could comprehend. Life is not natural... we all wear make up and color our hair... etc. None of us live "naturaly"! I was very overweight thru my childhood and adolecense. It took a mental tole on me as well. But nothing near what you or my sister and aunt faced.

[johnpentony]

Quick question. I found your video linked off of the Nicholson Clinic site. Is that who did your surgery? I am considering Dr. Nicholson.

[justyvonne]

No, mine was so long ago that Dr. Nick wasn't practicing yet BUT I would go to him in a split second. He is one of the best in my opinion. Good doc, good man, good program. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

[juleigh1959]

This is why I will not tell many people about my lapband surgery when i get it. I am in the process of getting through the diet and lead up to surgery as Im on the public list here in Australia. Yes and I lost weight before many times over, once I lost 55 kilo but it all returned. I am hoping lapband will be the answer for me and the last thing I need is negative comments from people who have no Idea of what its like to live fat

[justyvonne]

Thank you for your comment and you are right, some people have no idea. If you have a chance you might want to check out my blog too. There's some good info about stuff that goes in our brain. Search for my site (Bariatric Girl) and click on the blog. Congrats!!!

[kaziemae]

I take offense to your assumption that anyone who has lost weight without the aid of surgery will put it back on... surgery, as I am sure you know, is not a gaureente that you will keep it off. I have lost 160 lbs and kept it off for 3 1/2 years so far. feedback I get from people is oh, you lost sooo much, you MUST have had surgery. weightloss begins in our minds, not in our mouth or stomach. for weightloss to occur, you have to change your thoughts first.

[justyvonne]

I'm sorry that you assumed I thought that because I think you're a super star. It seems you are really upset about people that think you've had surgery and I believe that's the big problem...that people don't give you credit for what you've done. They don't give me credit either and in a perfect world they would tell both of us they are happy we have lost the weight, we are healthy now no matter how we did it. Congrats to you because you have accomplished something that is very hard to do.

[sammythesiamesecat]

WOW...this video is so inspiring..I support you and admire your strength..it is YOUR life...Obviously..WLS may not be for everyone but no one have the right to belittle such accomplishment!!!!YES..it is an accomplishment...So..now it's like you're living a whole new life...how promising. Good Luck!!

[justyvonne]

I can tell how you found me by your user name! If you didn't find me because of your user name, that would be a bizarre twist because one of my most beloved fur children is Sammy the Siamese cat! Thanks so much for your kind words. I'll be checking your videos out shortly. Thanks so very much again for understanding!

[joannebrown1023]

WOW!! what a great video, so inspirational and so true. I am almost 4 years post op and I live one day at a time staying focused on my success and it is FEAR that keeps me from going back. There are way too many prejudice people out there against obesity not to mention how many jealous ones there are when they see how well we have done. WLS is a life saver, yes it may be dangerous but it's just as dangerous not doing it and staying obese and unhealthy. Thanks so much for such a powerful message

[MsLindaEaves]

Yes! Bring WLS out of the shadows. No more stigma. Having the surgery was the best choice for me at 46 years young. And the only choice to keep it off. So true, each time I dieted my body fought back to regain the weight plus a few friends for good measure. It won every time. I was tired of doing the same thing over and over. Now it's different. As of this writing I've lost 98 lbs. of my excess body weight. Halfway there! Yvonne keep on talking, people are listening. This weight loss is real.

[justyvonne]

I can't thank you enough for your kind words. We have the same story don't we?And so many others do too. You can do this and please let me know if I can offer any help. I have a blog listed in my info and there is a bunch of good stuff there about how to do this journey. Thank you so much for making my day!! Keep me posted too! Many blessings, Yvonne

[lvrofwolves]

oh! I guess this explains a lot, I've wondered why people I know who had WLS don't want to talk about it, that's a real shame, WLS is the best tool to lose and keep off weight, currently known to man. I guess some are under the impression you don't have to do any work, or it's 'cheating' ,how sad and ignorant. I'd shout from the mountain top if I had it!! who knew success would be frowned upon?

p.s WOW Yvonne, you're 54?never would have guessed that! lookin good! :-)

[justyvonne]

Thanks so much!! I DO shout it from the mountain top and I really appreciate the compliment about not looking 54. I'm technically that old I guess but not in my mind! Thanks!!!!

[ChubbyBear1960]

Just found this video and had to thank you for it. Had my gastric bypass surgery 2 weeks ago and have been dealing with the nay sayers myself! Thanks so much for this! It was awesome. And congrats - 8 years - may I be as successful!

[kittybookitty]

How ever a person loses weight, I think they should be congratulated.

[justyvonne]

Thank you kittybookitty. I LOVE your user name too!

[fab50Kate]

LOL our "fake" weight loss works better and longer than her "real" weight loss!

I have to say, I was a surgery nay-sayer for years. Then I woke up and realized that what I was doing (and everyone else was doing) wasn't working. Now WHY do people continue to judge? Because the verdict is already in: weight loss surgery works.

[sxynaeone]

Well Stated. Stay up., Weight down.....Congrats...........yo­u look beautiful

Peace

[justyvonne]

Thanks for taking time to comment. It takes a special person to take a moment to say something kind because there is so much hate. I spent 30 years in that place and I don't want to go back....ever. Too much hate...it's in the past now cause I got on down the road with my life!

[rosewolfe48]

O my word I always wondered why Oprah puts herself through all of that when she has ooodles of money...I did 30 years of dieting too and now I have been thin for a few months (10 months out)this is so great I can't believe 10 years ago when I first started to study it I didn't go for it then...great video...you are lovely

[justyvonne]

Thank so much. I'm so happy for you and welcome to the other side. I wish for you all the greatness you deserve in this life....all you have to do is take it. Respect and honor your miracle of surgery and you'll be fine. Many blessings....

[MelissaMermaid]

WTG, Toots... Congrats on your surgiversary. It'll be five years for me in the Fall. Love the schtick... Nice touch! LHK

[winelover215]

You are a shining example Yvonne. Congrats to you. What a great video!

[justyvonne]

Thank you my love! That means a lot coming from you!!

[Babybrat71]

Congrats! Can't wait until I have lost all my weight too..........

Marquita

[justyvonne]

Miss Janie, you are an absolute sweetie! Thanks for the well wishes!

[MissJanieHere]

happy surgiversary!!!

[topCkurvy]

HAPPY SURGAVERSARY YVONNE!!! You look marvelous, ALWAYS love your attutude and you are truly adored! :) Thanks for being such a fantastic role model to the wls community. hugs and best wishes always ~ Caprice

[justyvonne]

Caprice you are a beautiful person inside and out and thanks so much for the attitude comment because I try hard to put it out there...and wow...to be mentioned as a role model makes my day. Thanks so much for your kind kind words. You are an awesome addition to the WLS community,

[Fabydee]

Happy anniversary Yvonne, you look awesome. I absolutely love my new life too... Fab

[justyvonne]

Don't worry, we're gonna get you taken care of. Have you joined the Texas Message Board on ObesityHelp? We affectionately call it the TMB and there will be tons of people there that can help. Message me if this doesn't make sense OK?

[crosspecans]

happy surgaversary..!!! i am going to san antonio wed for a siminar. i hope the dr can see me the next day. i hope he takes me as a patient. ive lost 10 pounds just hanging out with youtubers. thanks for all your help. i may need your help after wed. if this doc wont take me..waves~~~

[SarahWillBeSkinny]

Well, you look GREAT for 54 girl!! i never would have thunk it!! :) Happy surgiversary!! :) You're an inspiration to us all!! :)

[justyvonne]

Thank you my darling. You made my day!!! I'm still in awe of your inspiration video. You are a very talented videographer and artist.

[SarahWillBeSkinny]

Aww, thank you VERY much for the compliments!! That really means SOOO much to me!! :) If you wanna see more of my "dorky hobby"... type SarahSmiles99 in the search box up there!! :) {If you ever get bored!!}

[justyvonne]

I rarely have time to get bored but if if has to do with you, I'll FIND THE TIME!!!!

[mydailydetour]

Happy anniversary beautiful!!

You are living the life you deserve!!

Love you!!!

[justyvonne]

I rushed it a bit. I got all inspired. My actual day is March 30th but it really CLOSE!

[Irishcoda]

Bravo! I appreciate you saying what needed to be said...WLS is *not* the "easy" way out but it is an action of last resort for us. And it works. I'm like you--lost, gained it all back plus, lost, gained it all back plus more and now I have several comorbid problems to deal with too! I'm having my surgery in April at last. I'm 54 too and looking forward to my new life as a healthier me!

[justyvonne]

Congrats!!!!! You'll be amazed how wonderful 54 can be when you get your life back. You're a lot smarter too!

[hotrail1]

THANKS FOR SPEAKING FOR US ALL ! AWESOME ! WE ALL HAVE WALKED IN EACHOTHER FOOTSTEPS . I MADE A VIDEO TO MY WLS FRIENDS AND YOU ALL ARE MY HEROES ! ITS HARD NOT TO JUDGE THE PEOPLE THAT DONT UNDERSTAND AND I GIVE YOU CREDIT FOR STANDING UP FOR US ! WLS GIVES US A CHANCE TO LIVE A NORMAL HEALTHY LIFE . WE HAVE FOUND THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH..ITS WITHIN US !....THANK YOU ...SHERi

[peterrabbit31]

here here... this is a great video. I hate the stigma. a guy at my work lost 50 pounds and everyone was gushing over his weight loss even though i lost 80 at that time and they just gave me "the look". its funny how they say it's the easy way out but when someone doesn't succeed, they are the first to say... See, the surgery doesn't work.