I have had it up to HERE with people talking smack about gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgery.
“All you have to do is change your lifestyle!”
What people who say things like that don’t understand is that anyone who considers weight-loss surgery has probably tried every diet under the sun.
They have tried exercise, too.
Mostly, they have lived probably their whole life hating themselves because of their size. And they have tried desperately to get smaller without surgery, to no avail.
So why do so many people talk about weight-loss surgery as if it is a cop-out?
I’m here to say that it’s not a cop-out. It is a great solution for many people who have struggled with their weight and do it with the right intentions, education, and plan for after.
My sister had it five years ago, and her results were incredible. I saw how hard she worked to get thin for most of her life. It was so painful to see her teased, humiliated, and treated poorly because of her size, all the while knowing how desperately she was trying to not be that size. The surgery was the first and only thing that worked long-term for her. I’m proud of her for having the courage to do it.
Of course, there are complications and risks involved. For example, I saw an Oprah show that said patients have a high likelihood of developing alcoholism because of the way the surgery changes their body. Plus digestive issues, nutritional deficiencies, and the serious complications that accompany any major surgery.
I’m not saying it is the best solution for everyone, but it is a great solution for some. And you are ignorant and wrong to think that a person who chooses it is lazy, unmotivated, or undeserving of weight loss.
By Charlie Fields of kettlebody.com. Charlie is a San Diego personal trainer known for his pleasure-enhancing approach to exercise and eating. For more tips like this or to learn about Charlie’s bootcamps, eating workshops and coaching, or personal training, visit kettlebody.com.