Both Sides

May 11, 2001

This topic comes up regularly on these lists. I've been a reader

of these (DS) lists (groups, what have you) since late July of

last year and have seen the pattern.

We all want everyone to know how wonderful this surgery is and

human nature is to want to only see the positive side of things,

especially life-changing things we have chosen. But it's also

very important to show the possible down side of things and

share experiences that were maybe not-so-nice.

That includes complications, unpleasant insurance experiences and

unpleasant doctor experiences. I think everyone has something to

input to the group that will have a positive effect, even if

they are sharing a negative experience.

I personally wish I had my eyes a little more open when I was

reading about the surgeon I chose. I saw only glowing, gushing

posts about him and from the experience I had with him, and

things I found out later after my surgery, there were those with

bad experiences - I wish they had spoken up before when everyone

was gushing about him.

We all should also know that sharing a differeing (even " polar

opposite " ) opinion is not a personal attack. A personal attack

is when you get off the subject and onto the person. Sticking

to the subject and defending your position is called debating,

not attacking, and it's very healthy.

My opinion is, let's hear it all - just keep your mind open and,

more than anything, take in the facts, opinions, experiences, etc.

that you read here and then figure it out for yourself! You're

the one who has to live with your decision/choice.

-Sherry (Lake Marcel, WA)

BPD/DS Feb. 2, 2001

self-pay

5'5 " / 341 pounds / 33 years old

Lost 9 pounds in pre-op weight loss efforts

Have lost 70 pounds since surgery!

Total of 79 pounds gone forEVER!

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