Saturday – Long day… I had a migraine all day, so fitness got pushed aside. I did walk a mile with Stef, so I didn’t give up or anything. But I’m not doing anything else tonight.
As for food: It was a healthy day again – a little more chocolate to keep things sweet ;-)
In other news: I wanted to focus this blog on quick fixes. A few days ago I had a conversation with a woman I have known almost my whole life. She is considering gastric bypass surgery. To me, this is a quick fix. Although this process is, by no means, quick and painless – it is an easy way out. This woman is smaller and older than me; translation: more possible health complications from having the surgery and she has less weight to lose.
When it comes to weight loss surgery, I am completely against it. Unless it is medically necessary – the person will die without it – I think that losing the weight on your own is so much healthier. Plus, you get the pride and kudos of looking back and saying “look how far I’ve come!” For me, I’ve had friends whose parents and people they know have not only struggled with weight loss surgery, but have also had health complications, gained the weight back, and died. How is this possibly a logical choice?
On a similar note: I want to touch on quick fix diets. Since today was not eventful, this is a topic I think is important to talk about on my weight loss journey. Some of my friends have tried Atkins, South Beach, Slim Fast, the Hollywood Diet, and other fad diets. THEY DON’T WORK. It aggravates me that, time and time again, we hear about people who have tried and failed with these diets. But how many people who have legitimately changed their lives to include healthy habits (eating well, exercising, sleeping enough, & drinking plenty of water) have failed? None. I haven’t tried any fad diets in my life, and I don’t plan to.
Thanks for reading this rant ;-) Until tomorrow!
Hi Amanda ~~ I agree with your thinking that weight loss surgery is not the answer for most people. I know a few people who have had it. They eventually gained back a lot of the weight. I am so proud of you that you are changing your lifestyle for better health. Fad diets don't work. I know people who tried those too. After they stop the fad diet, the weight comes back on. This weight thing is not about a diet, it's about healthy eating for a healthy life. It's about the choices you make. The habits you are now adopting will soon become the normal for you. Always remember and never forget, nothing tastes as good as thin feels. Love, Aunt Sharon
ReplyDeleteI really like this post. I largely agree with your stance regarding weight loss surgery. People need to be better able to dedicate themselves to things; that long-term orientation is something we tend to see a lot less of in this country, I think.
ReplyDeleteThe quick fix diets are the same thing. It's all marketing. If one really wants to do it, they'll do it. One doesn't need gimmicks and pretty books and what not. I guess that may make it easier (or appear easier) but it's not really something that's meant to be easy, now is it? And like you said .. there's that feeling of "look how far I've come." Nothing in the world can beat that.
What you fail to mention, Amanda, is that she's not doing it just to lose weight. She is over 60 and her kidneys are beginning to fail. A complication of her Type II diabetes. She also has a thyroid condition, cholesterol issues, and blood pressure issues. She is medication that causes her to hold on to weight. She has spent nearly 6 months watching every single thing that goes into her mouth and trying to be more active, and has managed to, at this point, lose a whole 6 lbs. The fact is that complications from being fat and an unhealthy lifestyle, can cause MY MOTHER TO DIE! I suggested she look into it. Why? Because I don't want to lose my mom. And because I know nearly 20 people who have had the surgery with much success. Yes, I know some who have gained some of their weight back, but I also know 1 in particular, who had very similar issues to my mom, was on 18 medications a day, and hasn't had to take ONE Of them in the 3 years since her surgery. And the center and doctors that I suggested, have a 0% mortality rate.
ReplyDeleteYou think it's the "EASY" way? You think it's a cop-out? First, don't speak about what you don't know. I'll point you to a nice little article written by a nurse and bariatric patient. Here's the link: http://www.mystlukesonline.org/docs/newsletter/bariatrics%20-%20the%20easy%20way%20out.pdf
Yes, maybe you can lose the weight by diet and exercise alone. Not everyone can. So, to look down on them is ridiculous. It may not be an option that you choose to pursue, but don't pretend you didn't look into it either.
High horse? Dismount please.
I want to say that i am offended that you would make this post and put my mother in it. As you stated you have known her a long time well i have known her for 40 years and one thing i want to say is she is not known for taking the easy way out. In 2005 she wanted this surgery and several of her family members asked her not to unless she had no other option. Well during this time she has struggled with many things which you are well aware of some of them. As her daughter i am in full support of her decision due to the fact her organs are failing and this surgery will save her live. My mother and i have had our ups and downs but i love her enough to support her and if she makes the right or wrong decision it is hers to make. Her choices should not be judged by you or anyone else. From you i would have expected different.
ReplyDeleteI love my mother fat or thin i just want her to be healthy and ALIVE.Cause today i like her (insider)
Tab, I'd like you to read my re-evaluation of my opinions on gastric by-pass. I don't mean to say that she should not do the surgery. I will support her 100% no matter what she chooses. I just want her to look at all angles of the surgery - the good that can come from it, and the risks. In my other post, I address Courtney's comment too. Overall, this post was written in haste - I am worried because, along with many success stories, gastric by-pass also has many stories of failure. And I just want her to be healthy and happy =)
ReplyDelete