Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group
Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.
Yesterday I saw a facebook post about a "letter" written to an overweight person who was seen running for exercise by a more fit person. I don't know if anyone else saw it, I've changed the wording a little of the post title, but I guess it has gone viral.
What I found interesting after reading the post, were the comments made by people on my page about the contents. The writer used some pretty strong language and you think that he is going to make fun of the overweight person who is exercising; but then it kind of turns around.
Anyways, the comments made on my page were pretty eye opening. It was a very clear line (on my facebook page) that people who do not have a weight problem thought that the writer was being kind, thoughtful and even caring in spite of his choice of wording.
But, many of those on my page that have a weight issue thought that the writer was being hurtful in a hidden way, mean, and degrading to the person who is working their way to getting healthy. I have to admit that I am in this group of opinion.
It truly made me realize that some (not all) people who do not have the issues of being obese don't understand what this disease does to a person; physically, emotionally, or even spiritually.
I also understand that I need to communicate more with my spouse and family (all of whom do not have any weight issues) what I am going thru everyday of my life with the challenges of morbid obesity. Even though I have lost 100 lbs.; these challenges do not ever go away, they may change somewhat, but they will always be there for me.
Sorry for the long post.
What I found interesting after reading the post, were the comments made by people on my page about the contents. The writer used some pretty strong language and you think that he is going to make fun of the overweight person who is exercising; but then it kind of turns around.
Anyways, the comments made on my page were pretty eye opening. It was a very clear line (on my facebook page) that people who do not have a weight problem thought that the writer was being kind, thoughtful and even caring in spite of his choice of wording.
But, many of those on my page that have a weight issue thought that the writer was being hurtful in a hidden way, mean, and degrading to the person who is working their way to getting healthy. I have to admit that I am in this group of opinion.
It truly made me realize that some (not all) people who do not have the issues of being obese don't understand what this disease does to a person; physically, emotionally, or even spiritually.
I also understand that I need to communicate more with my spouse and family (all of whom do not have any weight issues) what I am going thru everyday of my life with the challenges of morbid obesity. Even though I have lost 100 lbs.; these challenges do not ever go away, they may change somewhat, but they will always be there for me.
Sorry for the long post.
I haven't seen the post on FB that you mentioned. But I know when I read articles online about someone losing a lot of weight whether they do it through diet and exercise or surgery, I cringe because I know how brutal and mean the comments are gong to be. People are just plain mean sometimes!
I don't think the majority of people were knowingly being mean; they truly thought the writer was being kind and supportive.
I completely understand what you are saying regarding the brutal & mean comments.
By the way, congratulations on your weight loss, that's fantastic.