Bariatric Girl

Dr. Oz did a positive weight loss surgery show!!!!

Posted on 01/24/2012 by Yvonne / 4 Comments / Leave a Comment »

I think I’m dreaming.

Please don’t pinch me and wake me up!

Yesterday history was made when Dr. Oz did a positive show on gastric bypass surgery. Lap banders he did a show for you a few months ago and I posted about that here.

Of course I expected the very vocal anti-surgery types but I was a little surprised at how many pro-surgery people picked it apart. I had to remind myself that many post-ops are fairly new and don’t remember the years of abuse we have suffered from other talk show hosts. I’ve blogged many times about Oprah and even Dr. Phil who is kind of half and half on the subject (one of his nephews had the surgery). I’ve blogged about People magazine that won’t include us in “women half their size” because they say “no surgery, no gimmicks”. I’ve offered articles about great weight loss stories to many magazines but they don’t want weight loss surgery content. The list is endless. The stigma is alive and well.

When I read the description of the show I thought it was a trick. It was called The most under performed surgery you should be getting. A Dr. Oz special report on how to lose weight instantly, prevent heart disease, cancer and even reverse diabetes overnight with a surgical procedure. After reading it about ten times and peeling myself off the floor I was jazzed. Dr. Oz usually has a pro and con professional but this time he only had positive professionals. The only post-ops were one woman who was four years out and had done well and another who was ten years out that hadn’t. The woman that hadn’t done well had three children after surgery and said she gained with each pregnancy. I’d say that’s pretty common under any circumstances. More power to post-op women after pregnancy who keep the weight off because I’m not sure how well I would have done.

Let’s remember that just because he didn’t cover other surgeries, cross addiction, and the many other possibilities that it’s at least a beginning. He did cover lifestyle changes and vitamins. Instead of complaining about the show why don’t you write Dr. Oz and ask for specific subjects to be covered? I’m very close to many people in AA and one of my favorite sayings about addicts is “you could ask one of us to a birthday party the wrong way”. That translates to no matter what is said someone will find fault in it. This surgery basically cures diabetes and we will be paying for years treating the disease instead of stopping it or at least slowing it down. We all know post-ops that have had various levels of complications but they are in the minority and most of the post-ops I talk to say they would do it all over again. Having the surgery is a personal choice and I’m tired of being criticized for taking the easy way out. I’m healthy for the first time in my life and it shouldn’t matter how I did it as long as I didn’t damage myself.

I can’t convince you to like this show, the content, or Dr. Oz but I believe this is one great step for man and one great leap for mankind. (Thanks Neil Armstrong)

4 Comments on “Dr. Oz did a positive weight loss surgery show!!!!”

Commented on 01/26/2012 at 23:49 by Tina Brown

I am just proud that Dr. OZ took the initiative to bring the subject to the public eye. Because of the stigma that comes with obesity, it is hard for people to adjust to the fact that it is just as much of an illness as alcoholism. I had bariatric surgery 6.5 months ago, and have lost over 65 pounds. I have never felt this healthy in my entire life! I am over 50 and feel like 30 again! I would love to tell you all of the amazing things that have improved in my health and condition. I went from nearly disabled to running and kickboxing today. My goal is to lose weight, and stay in shape on the way down so when I reach my goal, I will be healthy as ever, and not require plastic surgery to put my body back in the shape it should have been in all my life. I was not fortunate enough to have good genetics, and have had a battle all my life…….but now……I have the greatest tool in the world…….the gastric sleeve!! I now have hope….I now have LIFE!! Thank you Dr. Oz for showing the world that obesity isnt always a choice, and bariatric surgery isnt a magic bullet, but it can be a great tool in eliminating many other co-morbidities that come along with being over weight. Think of the medical costs that could be saved if people were able to get healthy! Some insurance companies have seen the light…….some have not! I wish entire medical provider community will share the real cure to obesity instead of treating the symptoms, and the people will accept bariatric surgery as the CURE and become a more healthy America!

Commented on 01/27/2012 at 14:55 by Yvonne

You are correct about it being a disease. Do you know that alcoholism was not considered a disease until 1956? It takes time for people to learn and understand and it is definitely happening. I’m really happy for you and most of all I appreciate you seeing the greatness of this show even though it wasn’t about your particular surgery. I think we are all in this together and we need to stop that stigma associated with all kinds of weight loss surgery. Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me your story and I’m so glad you got a second chance in life too!

Commented on 01/27/2012 at 15:39 by CYNTHIA B.

Thank you BG for posting your inspirational message. I have been considering bariatric surgery now for some time, and have finally taken the proactive steps to making it a reality. I attended an information session at my local hospital and have scoured the internet looking at support groups and reading other people’s stories. After having battled weight issues for over 20 years, it is time to take the plunge. I am currently 5’6″ and 283 pounds. I’ve been on high blood pressure meds for about 2 years now, and although I am not diabetic, it runs in my family, and I don’t want to go down that road….so I am ready! Your story is so moving. Thanks again.

Commented on 01/27/2012 at 16:18 by Yvonne

Cynthia I am so pleased for you! I was also going to be diabetic because it was very common in my larger family members (well most of them were large). I was on high blood pressure meds too and had sleep apnea and was done with both of them in no time much less the obvious improvements that losing 130 pounds did for me. At the bottom of my blog there is a link to my Bariatric Girl facebook page and I’d love to have you there. You can ask anything you wish and no question is dumb. If you are concerned about sharing this information via facebook many weight loss surgery people create another account with a “weight related” name so their friends aren’t overwhelmed with the comments and support groups that deal with only this subject matter. Thank you for commenting…it makes me happy knowing the possibilities in store for you!