By: Neva Marjory

Neva Marjory — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 21:22:15 +0000

Jess and Barbara,
Well said. In the last few months, we have also had anti-WLS
newspaper articles published that I have felt the need to respond
to. I, along with others, did prompt the reporter to also publish a
more unbiased article in a later edition.
Over the last few years, I had such a struggle that I finally came to
the conclusion that either I was going to have to accept the fact
that I was going to be fat or do something serious about it. I tried
to accept it, but the fact is that I can’t accept myself as fat as I
was and I berated myself almost constantly because of it. This lead
to more binge eating and was really a terribe way to live. I had no
co-morbities, besides a nagging sense of desperation, when I made the
decision to have surgery. I am glad that some people can come to
terms and even love the fact that they are fat. This is one
alternative to the solution and a lot bettter choice that wallowing

in self-pity and depression over it. But, I think that our decision
to take action should be respected, also. It is an agonizing
decision and I can’t imagine how much more difficult it would be to
be the target of a protest at an informational meeting. I know, for
me, it took guts just to get to the point that I could publicly admit
that I was so overweight that I needed to have the surgery and to
actually attend a meeting. I was lucky to meet a very supportive
group of people. Had I been at the meeting described in this
article, I would have likely ran back home and hid from it even
longer.
I often feel like I have a born-again mentality and want to preach to
every M.O. person I see. I think, “Listen to me, I know a better
way!!” But do I know where these people are in their lives? Do I
have the right to make them feel like I am making a judgement on
them? I would not want to be the cause of that pain. So, I do not
initiate conversations, but am open about my decision and happy to
discuss it with interested people.
I’m done now. You all have a great day!!
Kim

By: Neva Marjory

Neva Marjory — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 15:19:51 +0000

I agree with much of what Barbara and others have said about the fat
activist movement and their protests against weight loss surgery. I
don’t understand why you can’t demand respect and fair and
compassionate treatment of ALL people, including fat people, while
at the same time acknowledging the health consequences of obesity.
I still support many of the goals of the fat acceptance movement
even if I think they’re deluding themselves when they claim that
even morbidly obese people can remain healthy.
But I did find the ad quoted in the article raised my hackles. It
said “It’s not what you have to lose, it’s what you have to gain.
Pride. Dignity. And Better Health.” This DOES imply that obese
people can’t have pride or dignity, and I find that offensive. I’m
glad the hospital pulled those ads, and I hope the protests cause
them to re-think the way they get their message across.
Celia

Comments on: WLS Protest Article AGAIN!

By: Neva Marjory

By: Neva Marjory