OK, bound to happen sooner or later... I RANT.

[husbandand2girls]

I want to thank you for standing up. And the way you did it was awesome. I'm researching and watching youtube videos on this surgery, becuase I think it's the next step for me. I was so ironic that I came across this video because my best friend said the exact same thing to me tonight...."Don't do that, it's a cop out". Again, THANKS! I pray that all is well!

[flossam1]

you both have done amazingly well - never forget that x

[RachelMarie81]

Congrats on your accomplishment! :) I'm 370lbs and considering surgery. I meet with a surgeon in one week and I'm nervous, scared, but also anxious and hope that my insurance will approve. I can't wait to use this as a tool. I completely understand how hard it is to work out when you are this heavy. It's painful. Thanks for sharing your story. :)

[sig1288]

You are simply an inspiration. Thanks for the videos!

[tummytuckgirlnat]

great video - you are totally on point with your rant. BTW you look amazing. Congrats.

[ShrinkingShay]

Fantastic video 5 stars! Unfortunately we're never going to be able to change everyone's minds about gastric bypass. Those of us who have had the surgery know this is one of the toughest things you'll ever do.

[happycath72]

I have had to seperate my family and friends from my journey, the comment about NOT, not eating is so true and sadly only those who go through this can understand, with my weightloss at the moment on salads and optifast, it's not sustainable, people can tell me til the cows come home that I can do this without the surgery but they are the thin ones who never have had our issues. If I could do this without the surgery I would have already. :)

[morimotodevo]

Viagra is 1$ per pill WLS is around 20,000$ - 30,000$... What does "all else fail" mean? Is it more painful to eat healthy than have major surgery? WLS restricts the amount of food you can eat but you still need to eat healthy right? The surgery doesnt make you like health food, so why do you eat health in smaller portions, but not in larger portions? Why exercise after major surgery but not before in better health? This is what confuses me.

[morimotodevo]

Tried diets and excersize? Meaning you did it for a short period of time then stopped, why did you stop? Was there something preventing you from eating health and excersizing? Did you pay for the WLS yourself or did insurance pay for it? I have no problem with WLS I just wanted to know why people would want such a thing done to them. I want to understand.

[crafterbynite2]

Hi A.J

I'm new here and Gastric bypass is a hard decission to make, You are a inspiration to me. I decided to have gastric bypass because not only its a weight problem but also a health problem. My date is Aug 25 for Surgery and this is a hardest decision I ever had to make. Everyone has a purpose and I think you find your. A Inspiration to so many of us who is going through this life changing event. You are a Hero even though Im a RED SOX fan.

[snydesar]

I really appreciate hearing your honesty about your procedure. I recognize that out of my own personal issues, I think that anything other than exercise is a cop out. Thanks for calling me out.

You seem like such an amazing person. Also, I'm really proud of you. Hopefully I can store your words away and use them to my benefit.

Time to go for a jog and think this over.

[wdsDarlin]

Great response. Well said. Love the ending! :D

[fatgirlslim2008]

I totally agree with your thoughts.

[journeytoaminime]

OMG - AJ you continue to inspire me. I thank you so much for verbalising what so many of us have been or are going through.

[joeprogo]

Good points and great job.

[rosethorn12010]

Im new to watching your video's and have to say that you have came a long ways and congrats on that. I also have to totally agree with you on this video ..There is alot of comments I have seen posted to other peoples video's that have had wls that say that they had taken the easy way out with the surgery. I got so upset with those comments cause its not the easy way out , there is alot of work that goes with the surgery..I think that those people need to watch more videos and be educated more..

[DestinationOC]

I love this. I went to a group for overcoming various forms of addiction... Guess what... Many of them were over eaters but in the middle of the table were cookies, lemonade, danishes, and when it was my turn to share, I spoke up about why they would have such food at a place like this. Eating is socially acceptable, they would not put a bowl of crack in the middle of the table, there are no commercials promoting buying drugs on tv like there are commercials for food!!! Nice post!!!

[SickofthePoop]

This is an awesome vid.  I am currently doing research on wls. I tried a million different diets and all were unsuccessful. You said something that totally made sense....some are addicted to drugs, liquor. I challenge anyone to NOT drink a beer when they wanted one. I challenge a drug addict not to take a main line. The difference is, those who do have this surgery DO HAVE TO not eat. They DO have to retrain their brain.

[macface2adore]

I know you are not into the beauty community...lol. Go to the video of my 5 random facts. At the end I state something that I may want to reveal...it is my WLS. What do you think? Will I be judged by the makeup community?

[macface2adore]

I have just started watching some of these vids. I make videos in the beauty community. Like I didn't exercise and diet my ass off are you kidding..lol. Yes, I had WLS and it has set me free. Per the docs I saw only 1% of those that diet and lose after being morbidly obese can keep it off. Yeah, after going up and down like ten times I was done and went for it. I still have to watch what I eat and exercise, it is a tool and I respect it. It is pure jealousy...i did say that. Congrats hun!

[raineysummer]

you rock AJ :D

[watchmegetskinny]

THANKS! This was some of my best work...

[kaseypb]

Amazing video AJ!!!! You rock! Beautiful.

Peace!! : )

[cjradio]

Anyone who thinks that this is easy.... like you said, walk a mile in my shoes... stop drinking carbonated beverages, no caffeine, no sugar, only eatting 4-5 ounces, worrying if what you eat is going make you dump....Research the effects it has on high blood pressure, diabetes, and tons of other medical conditions. Research what it does for your esteem. Research how safe it is as you said...

Thanks AJ for standing up for what we believe in...

[cosmobud]

AJ, that was Awesome!Well done.KFC buffet?Now that brings back memories.You guys will always have my support.I bet 90% of my friends on here have had surgery.

[mywlsjourney]

Great job AJ.....very well said!!!

[07011755]

Great video AJ, I said ones and I will saY IT AGAIN YOUR A Insperation to me and to allot of people and I know where your coming from because I had gastric bypass and my starting weight was 280 pounds I'm now 233pounds I have lost 46 pounds and I have had to encounter many challenges,and I have had to overcome many challenges just to get where I'm at wright know.stay positive AJ united will make it your friend Jenmandy.

[krobar1976]

Great Video AJ. The people who haven't gone through what we have gone through just don't understand what it takes to go through the WLS. Well said and well thought video. Thank you for putting this video out and saying what alot of us are thinking....5 Stars!!!!!!!!!!!

[jade9298]

Well said AJ. Thanks for putting yourself out there for all of us. You are definitely an inspiration for me.

[Nicsaprincess]

Great Video AJ:-)

Weight Loss is a Choice:)

Regardless of the Method.

Your an Inspiration.

[bratlee2u]

Great video, AJ. 5*

[junglegirlie2424]

AJ- thank you for saying what we all think about on a daily basis! I look forward to your vids every week :)

[tomasino211]

do you like dominos pizza? its great!!!

and there buffalo wings are awesome!!!

[cutsiegirlz]

Well said.

[myRNYJourney]

AJ, Thanks for that awesome video response, I could have not said it better myself. Everything you said was right on the money !! Keep it comin !

cheers,

Steph

[redladiem]

TESTIFY MY BROTHER!! I am not going to make a response video to these WLL vids, It is impossible to have a debate with people who have no information to debate with. I find it amazing that a person would broadcast an opinion based on nothing more than nothing. I don't know about others, but shouldn't an opinion, especially from a person who claims to feel so strongly on the subject of WLS, be based in fact...ANY fact, even just ONE fact? I LOVED THIS RESPONSE! keep on rockin' AJ!

[iltommyd]

So, I watched your first few videos and even commented on a couple of them. I recently subscribed to you not knowing you were the guy in the Cubs shirt .....WOW man, WOW

[watchmegetskinny]

:) thanks!

[simplystrick]

preach brother...we are all fighting the same fight!

[mikebowlin1963]

Go AJ . This was so on the money ! Everything you said, I have did and experienced . Except the WLS , Mine is scheduled for march 24 . Good luck and keep on with your journey . Michael

[aweavermusic]

Thanks for what you do Aj!!

[Yettame]

Amen. Anyone who says that weight loss surgery is the easy way out don't know what they are talking about. I can testify that weight loss surgery is not the easy way not by a long shot, for more reasons than there are days in the week. Good Job A.J. Good Job.

[earthangelsc]

I am so with you on that! If you all are thinking this is the easy way out, you are sadly mistaken, like you, I agree, the easy thing would have been to do nothing. There are scarifices even in WLS. BUT I'd do it again in a heart beat! Thanks for voicing my opinion on this subject too! You hit the nail on the head! You go!

Sheryl

[dmerkle5]

omg AJ..this was amazing! you just said everything that i feel, i wasn't going to do a video about this issue but i feel the need to now after watching you!!!>.you are the best!

oxoxoxo

[debbiez112]

I am so glad to hear this. I am going to my first appt with my surgeon next week. I have so much hope for a better life.

[AJC0402]

You did a great job expressing what a lot of us are probably feeling.

kudos!

Aviva

[kenziehoperj3]

hey darling, i hope becca is doing good! but i just wanted to say that you said everything i have been thinking since my surgery. people dont get how hard we work or how the surgery changes how we think about excersice and food. thanks for makeing this video... take care and god bless

[dllars6005]

Well said, AJ. You are so genuine, and so sincere. Is it any wonder why so many people out here in the WLS Community adore you? Including me?

[watchmegetskinny]

Thanks! I do these videos for folks like you. :) I am glad you are still watching me get skinny!

[eparker0015]

I admire the fact that you took the time to call people on the ignorant remarks that they make. It has taken me a long time to even begin talking to people about it because of those types of attitudes. What you said was very well put and 100% true. Nobody should be ashamed of doing what they had to do to be healthy! Thank you for putting your thoughts out there. It's very reassuring as a pre-op to see an example of how others deal with this situation.

[tylarea]

Amazing. Thanks for being so honest with your feelings AJ!

[nyfire19]

AJ thanks for speakin from your heart the support and comments help all of us that are goin or have been there. The feedback whether neg or pos from others is just a bump in that long road. Dont stop now we all need that support. Thanks

[GasByPass]

AJ, i'm just starting my jurney, but agree 100% with you. This isn't the easy way. For so many of us is the ONLY WAY! Great Video.

[tatikanyph]

i completely agree with you! it's tottally a better life. and it's not the easy way out at all!! thanx for sharing. hugs from colombia

[LosingInCA]

From the heart... thanks.

[Willibomb]

AJ, you're amazing... Brilliant video. I'm proud to know you through youtube - haters are completely ignorant to individual struggles... Good luck to them; let's see if they're as successful in their goals as you're proving you are with yours.

[LapGyrl]

Well said AJ. Favorited!

[slcinoz]

nice job!  Passionate and well said..Shannon

[croyall23]

Very good video!! Well said AJ!! I don't think it really matters how you get the weight off, weather it's JUST eating right and exercising or if it's having a little bit of help along the way. We just need to get the weight off so we can be healthy. That's all that should matter is being healthy and fit!!

[PR30040Gardenia]

Thanks to WLS I have a new lease in life. My child is proud of me and I am proud that she is too.

AJ and Rebecca. Thank you for being thier for me. I needed to hear some of the things you have said on this vids. You have taught me much. Keep going! You Rebecca and baby makes 3! LOL Be Bless

Thanks

[workingonfreedom]

Great video AJ!

[Babybrat71]

I totally agree with you!! Others that don't want the surgery or think its right just need to keep their mouth SHUT........

[DrEaMeReScApE]

Usually I dont listen to rants. I feel bad that anybody would have to feel upset, and expess there thoughts about what some ignorant person had to say. They go out of there way to express their stupid thoughts that they think is going to be some revelation. I listened to every word you had to say. I'm sorry you had to rant, but good for you.

[pnchamilton13]

you are 110% right - if you dont agree with weight loss surgery the awnser is simple dont have wls ! i think you did the right thing if you are happy and healthier that says it all!

[Rubyroad1]

this is such a compelling video AJ - HUGS. HUGS.

[UlyssesBreckenridge]

BMI is BULLSHIT!!! Go by FAT% NOT BMI!

Mr. Olympia is considered OBESE! A height to weight ratio is NOT a good measurement for health.

[HalfMoonTides]

Hear! Hear! And on top of everything you said, WLS surgery is doing amazing things for people who obese and diabetic, for some this a hope for avoiding serious health problems. Being overweight and on diabetic meds makes losing much harder. It also helps with many other serious health problems -- far from the easy way out, it is a decision to change your life once and for all to be a healthier person.

[hotrail1]

Living the dream ! ! Misery loves company! Not a lot of people have the courage to do what you have done(save your life) ! Its a nightmare trying to loose weight !! Diets,workout machines,books, pills.on and on ..just to fail over & over. ...............We wouldnt tell someone who needed surgery or an organ transplant not to get one !............... WLS is a way to save your life ! Its our life, its now or die ! Its a daily fight for your life and we will win! WLS saves lives ! Thats it !!

[atomx71]

No apologies bro, you and we are here because we needed to be here. Critics are a dime a dozen.

[allisonpacino]

and you're right....the easy way out is to do nothing.

[allisonpacino]

I just can not believe how much you're changed!! This is the first thing I noticed about this video! Secondly...DITTO :)

....There are many ways we are losing weight and we should all just focus on getting it DONE.

[jsdwellsnme]

AJ its not worth getting yourself all worked up over but you handled your self very well in this video and I am proud of you for speaking out and expressing yourself so well on behalf of all of us on the wls channels. I commented on the video response of the girl that uses mind tricks lol that girl needs some help.

[youwantgeek]

WORD!!!!!!!!  You kinda made me cry a little. Love it.

[karikatk]

"WORD!!" you crack me up! =)

[youwantgeek]

I <3 you!

[tomasino211]

here it is as far as BMI'S

30 they say is Obesity.. but its not i spoke with

a doctor on this and from what i found out

was a 30 or 29 is fine! and is not Obesity

and anything over a 30 needs to lose weight

so if you can get to a 30 your fine

[bookyroony]

Awesome video AJ, you really have a gift to motivate people,, thank you xoxo Becky

[magoonerbar]

Soooooooo fantastic I cryed. You said everything I feel and know to be true.

[YogiUToo]

You are our golden ticket, A.J. I say, "Amen" to every single word you said! Hugs, Cami

[CreationofClay]

He's mine too! :o)

[fudds64]

Whoo hoo **We're all Cheering** Well spoken AJ... ahh no it's not the easy way out... And I haven't had my surgery yet! Ahh Pffftt to anyone who thinks that.... You keep your head up take care of you and your beautiful wife...Always remember everyone will have opinions & words to say.. But to each their own I know it gets tirening hearing them, Awh with that said I do understand fully of why we defend ourselves because we're tired of being crapped on.Hugs to you all & Even Princess Geovany...

[Candice1973]

Very well said AJ. :)

[PBottomPoochies]

I do not think it is an easy way out bc it is a big risk - for some it does not work/extreme health consequences. (I have a good friend that GBP ended in disaster). However, it IS fortunate you had insurance that would pay for it. Many are stuck bc they simply can't afford surgery and don't have insurance to pay for it. I wish more insurance would actually PAY for diet efforts OR surgery bc there are more of us who turn to food to alleviate stress than anything else.

[JumokeTV]

Great video man.. Ya know there are so many devisions in the world why have one in the weight loss community why can't all come together and focus on the main goal of losing weight. No one is better then anyone in my opinion .. Keep up the good work .

-JumokeTV

[Journey2betrhealth]

OOps found the link you already posted. LOL! I am such a LOSER.....YAY!

[watchmegetskinny]

goto that channel and watch their latest video, not the one I replied to, but the latest one that was just posted. Off to work I go... with 4 hours of sleep on a day where i was supposed to be off... ugh this is just going to be a crappy day... oh well, at least im skinny right? oh and I am going to be a daddy... keep on keeping on, if you ever need anything. just ask!

[Journey2betrhealth]

OMG how did I miss this? TY A.J. for enlightening me. Now, here I was thinking I would get lots done today and not be watching or doing videos, lol! Oh I have so much to say...and from the a 54 year old medical professionals pov! I may need to wait til later when the fire in my gut simmers. ARGH! Have a great day cuz you are healthy, you're a daddy, you're thinner, you are educated on obesity, and you ROCK!

ILLEGITIMI NON CARBORUNDUM

Donna:)

Donna:)

[IamBmeTammy]

There's no nobility in staying fat.

I've dieted before and I've been successful in the short term, but it has always come back. Historically, I have 30-50 pounds of will power and I am self aware enough to know even losing 50 pounds at my current weight isn't enough.

I've turned to WLS to help me increase my chances of keeping my weight off. It isn't a guarantee, because I am still going to have to go to the gym and stop myself from eating crap. I am accepting the help I need to be healthy.

[Journey2betrhealth]

Well said A.J!! You rock buddy! I just ignore the negative remarks....it's more of a reflection of their own ignorance on the subject. They clearly have baggage of their own if they are judging anyone else.

5 star video!

Hugs!

Donna:)

[watchmegetskinny]

I have to move on, I challenge you to make a video responding to their video that was just posted today. Another Anti-wls video. I simply do not have the energy... Yanno, the sad thing is I just realized I simply jumped from on stereotype to another, now I am not the "fat lazy guy" I am the "skinny lazy guy who has bypass surgery" :( this series of videos is bound to ruin my week. 2 days down 3 more days of seeing people trash talk our methods. ARGH.

[Journey2betrhealth]

Okay where is the link? How did I miss this? Or maybe I am better off staying in my happy land of wls friends:D Send me the link so I can vent/rant/educate.

Donna:)

[katiejuly]

Thanks for sharing, AJ. Awesome.

[Thebodells]

Real powerful stuff, thanks for sharing. I think a lot of us can relate and identify to this video. I too personally did 2 years worth a of research prior to my1/5/09 surgery. I am so proud of having the RYN gastric bypass. For me this was not just a quick take of weight option, this is a life long battle, and I'm in it for the long run. Surgery was easy part, maintenance is my goal to conquer.

[newyorkbeangirl]

Amazingly put, extremely passionate and powerful. Your honesty is wonderful. Thank you for sharing that.

[meltingmamma]

wow....that was so powerful. Thank you for sharing your heart!

[eyecand00this]

Great post with lots of good points! Thanks for sharing.

[junkinthetrunkk]

you actaully made me start to cry with this video. This was great! and thank you for sharing. I completely agree that it is not the easy way out. It takes alot of courage to get this surgery.

We may not share the same method of weight loss, but we do share the same goal... to be healthy and to have a better life.

~Amber

~Amber

[watchmegetskinny]

Cry? really... WOW.. I take the easy way home from work EVERY day... does that make me less of a person? Because I don't take the bumpy dirt road? That is how I look at the surgery... I am taking the only way I know how to take, to get where I want... Show me, how that is wrong. :) thanks for watching.

[ActionWords]

We need one another. One of the reasons I am on Youtube is the support that is given here. Let's all continue to make being supportive our primary goal.

Weight loss is a complex issue and every person's battle is unique to their respective circumstances. Passing judgment is the last thing we need to do here.

We can be right or we can be in relationship, but you cannot always be both. We have to decide which one is most important to us.

[ActionWords]

I definitely agree that WLS is not, not, not and easy way out. It is very difficult and a struggle. Saying it is the easy way out is simplistic at best.

The bottom line is that there is no easy solution to weight loss. It requires calorie restriction and exercise regardless of the method of calorie restriction.

Some people can stop eating. Some cannot. There are many reasons, mostly emotional and psychological for that. For those who can not, surgery is sometimes necessary to save their life.

[watchmegetskinny]

Danny, I hope my video helped you see "i do take it personal" and some comments do "strike a nerve" this isn't a bad thing I don't think, it clearly proves that even after surgery, i am human.. and I have feelings... until others can understand that before talking... I have to live with the fact that un educated people will say things that well simply hurts my feelings... eh, it happens.

[ActionWords]

AJ...

I hear you. This whole weight loss thing has alot of emotions tied to it for allof us and we all have our triggers. I have come to be really fond of you and your heart for others. Anything I share is intended to help because I care. Please know that I have your back and I am definitely in your corner. Keep up the good work.

[nakedbullwinkle]

wword!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!

[MyPinkRainbow]

hello, i must say having gastric bypass was sure not the easy way out, i beg to differ with people who say that , because it was a very hard road and i am still not healthy as my surgery went wrong and now i fight to keep myself at 100 pounds, and i have lost 417 pounds , I did and still do everything the dr said and now well i used to regret having it and now i would have to say that it is better to fight being healthy skinny than fat, it is more manageable to be skinny its work every day still

[missblissntx]

My sponser in OA once said that Addiction is like having a tiger. You can cage the tiger. Keep it locked up. Acholics can throw away the key and never even see the tiger again if they work the program. But food addicts have to take the tiger out of the cage three times a day, control the tiger, and make sure it gets put back in the cage properly. The is absolutely paramount to survive as a human being. It is the control part that makes us addicts.

[missblissntx]

I guarranty if there was a surgery to end drug addiction, alcoholism, adrenaline addiction, or just plain stupidty. There would be people lined up around the block to have it, since it is the easy way out of it....... Oh wait......They do not ever have to deal with these outside forces ever agian if they so choose (well cept the stupid ones.) Anyway...............

[MissJanieHere]

now i have made two videos respoding to the same subject and people making very uneducated opinions. we who are living with this know the truth, that these surgeries save lives, not take them. But I think that we are out here, educating people who want to be educated, and that is why its important that we tell our stories. obesity kills..food addiction are real...but the majority of wls patients are successful, its the minority that keeps spoken about.

[antishay]

This is a really, really fucking great video! Thank you for sharing and for giving me a lot of food for thought.

Rock on.

[watchmegetskinny]

TY for watching. I am a FIRM believer that opinions do not have to be the same, but they do have to be respected. You see in this video that my feelings are hurt when other opinions and blasted without considering other people's feelings. Your video today was done with class. Do we agree? nope, but I didn't expect us to... yanno? nothing personal tho... because we respect each other's opinions. Thanks again for watching.

[huebear]

very nicely said!!!

[nessamaine]

go, boy! nice job...well said. peace. xo

[bbolam72]

when you said "it's a way in" that's a great way of describing it AJ

and your right it's not a golden ticket .

right on !! :) -barry

[watchmegetskinny]

I challenge you to reply to today's video on the channel of the video that I replied to... I simply do not have the energy....

[vkhele]

Well said AJ! The video responses really hit a nerve with me too but I don't think I can make a response without sounding so negative which I don't want to do. Everyone has a right to their opinion it's just a shame they aren't educated opinions. viki

[melitriotcancan]

it so is not the easy way out, but i will admit, taking this route to lose weight, made my life so much easier, but getting healthy in the process is far from easy! very well said! always love watching your vids!!!!

xoxoxoxxo

[ShrinkinPhotographer]

I couldn't have said it better myself. But I will try to one up ya! Thank you for this AJ