Diary of a Fat Girl

Oh, you mentioned the Frankenfoods. I had forgotten how that was one of the things that I got worried about when I considered WLS. I saw so many blogs and posts of people subsisting on protein shakes/bars/snacks, stuff with a host of fake ingredients, super-processed. I thought there was something very creepy about this. I mean, I even tried some stuff to see if I could live on those if I got WLS, but most were horrid. I mean, those Oh Yeah bars Melting Mama loves I thought were gross. Most of the protein shakes are gross. (I buy some to use pre-workout, cause of my reflux, I can't eat solid foods and exercise vigorously and upside down, hah), but I use those for extra protein, not to live on.

I also became aware of what you caution about: the way that dissenting voices are marginalized and criticized, instead of saying, "Well, let's hear what those who are not enchanted or who have obstacles have to say, as this is a reality for some/many." Just looking at the positive is as foolish as just looking at the negative. I like a rounded, honest picture. And only honesty and openness will let us see if this is a valid tool for ANYONE...or if it's a mass delusion.

I really want to know what's the truth of this WLS stuff, for myself and others.

The P

I seriously considered WLS after my doctor said that it was my only option to lose the amount of weight I needed to(since then, I've gotten another doctor), but I was declined by my insurance. I think that was a blessing, because I have been working on the reasons as to why I turned to food in the first place.

Instead of having my insides rerouted, I have rerouted how I handle my emotions and control my binges. It is a hard process, but it has worked for me and I will have to continue to work at it, probably will for the rest of my life. And, I'm okay with that.

I just couldn't deal with knowing that I would have to have my insides hacked at and part of my intestines removed because of what I chose to put in my body and how I dealt with my emotional eating. Also, having to supplement with protein/vitamins/bars for the rest of my life, to get the proper nutrition my body needed. I didn't want to do that. Like Once Upon A Dieter, I also tried the shakes, bars and snacks, but they didn't taste all that great.

I had joined a WLS group online to find out more information about the surgery and I asked questions and asked about people who had serious issues. Those people were totally marginalized and told that "they were doing it wrong" or "weren't trying hard enough", etc., etc.

It was sad to see people being attacked because the surgery wasn't working for them or they were having medical issues. That right there showed me that there is more behind WLS than what is being shown on the media, by surgeons and doctors, and on forums.

When I mentioned that I decided that I was going to try and lose on my own, since my insurance declined me and I became nervous about the whole process, I was blasted for it and told that I would never accomplish weight loss and if I did, I wouldn't keep it off.

I have realized there was more to my weight gain and out of control eating than just "the food". I think that if I had the surgery, it would have taken me longer (if ever) to deal with those issues.