Okay, beautiful humans, let's talk about one of the most neglected aspects of the weight loss journey: The Judgement Zone. Yes, it is that invisible arena in which society believes it has the right to weigh in on your struggles.
Have you ever been to a family gathering where Aunt Karen, sipping her Chardonnay, casually mentions, "You have such a beautiful face; if you lost a few pounds, you'd look absolutely stunning"? What's up, Karen? Bless! Aunt Karen may believe she is being "helpful," but her comments merely reinforce societal norms that equate thinness with attractiveness and value.
Let's discuss social media for a moment. You see fitness influencers posting before-and-after pics, making weight loss seem as simple as 1-2-3. However, the majority of these influencers do not discuss their paths to success. And heaven help them if they confess to undergoing weight loss surgery! It's as if society is saying, "Be thin, but don't dare admit that you used medical assistance to get there."
Studies indicate that overweight employees are subject to wage discrimination, are less likely to be promoted, and are frequently rated lower on "leadership potential" than their slimmer counterparts. The larger Judgement Zone includes a system that perpetuates such inequality. This unfair treatment is not limited to the workplace; it permeates all aspects of life, contributing to tension, anxiety, and a vicious cycle of weight gain. We've all seen tabloids describing a celebrity's "shocking weight gain," and it's generally frowned upon for them to confess to weight loss surgery. They are anticipated to credit celery juice and pilates for their transformation.
Let's be honest, when it comes to the dating scene, body image plays a significant factor. Have you ever used a dating app and felt compelled to use a photo from five years and twenty pounds ago in order to garner any attention? It's as if society has set an unrealistic standard that you must weigh 'x' pounds to find affection. And if you have had or are contemplating weight loss surgery? Suddenly, you are perceived to lack self-control and discipline.
Programmes like "The Biggest Loser" makes it seem like dramatic weight loss is achievable solely through willpower and extreme exercise. While it makes for entertaining television, it perpetuates the notion that those who are unable to achieve the same results must be indolent or uncommitted. These programmes rarely address the fact that contestants frequently regain the weight they lose, and they almost never discuss long-term medical solutions, such as weight loss surgery.
Even insurance companies are a part of the Judgement Zone, as they frequently impose stringent requirements for weight loss surgery coverage as though it were a "last resort" or "failure option" rather than a legitimate medical treatment. This reinforces the notion that weight loss surgery is a source of humiliation.
Even within the healthcare system, overweight individuals continue to be stigmatised. Numerous reports indicate that obese patients are sometimes regarded less seriously or are subjected to humiliation, which discourages them from seeking medical assistance. Given that a medical intervention like weight loss surgery could be a life-saving option for many, this is lamentable. Regarding the notion that weight loss surgery is the "easy way out," let's be crystal clear: undergoing surgery, with its inherent risks and the lifestyle changes it requires, is anything but simple. It is a difficult choice made more difficult by society's judgmental eye. Individuals should be commended for taking measures to improve their health, not shamed for the manner in which they do so. Obesity is a disease, and people are typically encouraged to seek medical intervention for health concerns; therefore, I believe it is hypocritical of society to elevate weight loss surgery.
Common Misconceptions:
Weight loss surgery is a permanent solution: Incontestably, nothing could be further from the truth. Patients must adhere to precise dietary guidelines following surgery, including eating smaller portions and avoiding foods high in sugar and fat, or they risk developing complications. In addition, they are often required to adhere to an exercise regimen. This is not a fast fix; it is a change in lifestyle.
It's Only a Vanity Attempt: Weight loss surgery is not about vanity; it is about the health of the individual carrying excess weight, which increases the risk of a variety of medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, and joint discomfort. The decision to undergo weight loss surgery should never be made without first discussing these grave health dangers with a medical professional.
While all surgical procedures have inherent risks, technological advances have made weight loss procedures safer than ever. In addition, the risks of living with obesity frequently outweigh the risks of surgery. It is a deliberative choice that should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.
Seek help from medical professionals
I am not a medical professional, but I have been in your position. I have really struggled with my weight throughout my entire existence. I attempted numerous weight loss operations. In actuality, I carried my excess weight with pride. I was overweight when I met my spouse and he loved the person I am, we are also blessed with two beautiful and incredible children. I was always in my happy place and never considered weight loss surgery. I lived with being overweight for a very long time. As I got older, I did look into a few weight reduction programmes and lost some weight along the way but soon regained these. As we all know, the most difficult part of losing weight is keeping it off. I attempted exercising, swimming and even joined a gym on a few occasions.
I was mostly content with who I was, and as I had very few ailments at the time, well, nothing over-the-counter NSAIDs couldn't treat, I led a happy existence. The true struggle began when I was diagnosed with a genetic musculoskeletal degenerative disease in my late 30s, This worsened as I grew older, and as anyone in a similar situation can attest, extra weight makes most ailments considerably more difficult to manage. I was forced to investigate alternatives to DIY dieting, which led me to weight loss surgery. Once I determined that I was interested in exploring this option, I scheduled a meeting with my doctor and the rest they say is history!
Your physician can evaluate your medical history and lifestyle and advise you on the pros and cons of various surgical procedures, such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, balloon Allure, and adjustable gastric banding. The point is that there are various weight loss surgery options that are tailored to you and your specific circumstances.
Surgical Weight Loss as an Option
If your weight puts your health at risk, weight loss surgery is more than just a chapter in your life; it's a whole new book in which the protagonist rises from the ashes like a phoenix. And unlike other health interventions, this is not a novelty or a short-term solution; it is a medically supported path to a healthier you.
Our communities, healthcare systems, and governments should champion various routes to health, including bariatric surgery. No longer should procedures be prioritised solely on the basis of their aesthetic outcomes; we must now focus on their actual, life-changing benefits.
In countries like the United States and Europe, more insurers are now financing weight loss surgeries for those who meet certain medical criteria. It's a positive development, but we still have a long way to go. Despite the fact that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom recognises weight loss surgery as a cost-effective intervention for certain medical conditions, the stigma persists. So, if you're stuck in a cycle of yo-yo dieting or your health is in jeopardy, consider that weight loss surgery is not a cop-out; it's a courageous step towards a healthier life.
Time for a Shift
No one should be required to bear the added burden of societal judgment. Know that you are not alone if you have struggled with your weight and confronted ridicule and prejudice, and that it is acceptable to consider options such as weight loss surgery. With a new cultural narrative and increased education, we can hopefully dismantle The Judgement Zone and create an environment where everyone's decisions are respected. So, the next time someone attempts to shame you for considering surgery or you begin to question whether it is the "easy way out," keep in mind that you are taking charge of your life. And this is something to be pleased with. By opting for surgery, you are not giving up; rather, you are bringing the fight to a new battlefield with more powerful weapons. Who wouldn't want additional firepower when contending for a better, healthier, longer life?
Let's face facts. It's the year 2023 and in the 21st century, we must mark the end of the social stigma surrounding weight loss surgery. There's no shame in choosing a medically-backed approach to better your life, to improve your health. But as always, the initiative lies with you. Make that reservation. Ask difficult questions. Conducting research. Your happiness and health are worthy of a struggle, and sometimes that fight requires you to make decisions that society may not yet comprehend. However, guess what? This journey is yours, not theirs.
Discuss the possibility of weight loss surgery with your physician, mainly if your weight significantly affects your quality of life. Do your own research, and read books that may help inform your decision. I found this book by Denise Ratcliffe very inspirational and helpful in my research. You owe it to yourself to investigate all avenues leading to a healthier, happier you.
If you enjoyed reading this article, I would like to invite you to Join our mailing list to keep up to date with our blogs.
Always remember health is not a number; it's a state of being.
Until next time, live fierce and fabulous!
Your Bariatric Evangelist
Affiliate Disclosure: Bariatrics Evangelist is supported by its readers. When you purchase through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Doing this helps create more time for me to focus on researching and writing more articles that will benefit and support my readers. Thank you for your continued support.
Comments