So...Magic Johnson's son had WLS!

So, as I was perusing facebook, I checked out Madame Noire (http://madamenoire.com/474119/ej-johnson-talks-losing-50-pounds-since-getting-gastric-bypass-five-weeks-ago/) as I always do to find that Magic Johnson's son had bariatric surgery. Out came a lot of negative, downright hateful comments about how he was lazy and sloppy, among other things. If I hadn't personally experienced it, I wouldn't have the capacity to believe that people can be so hateful. But, I'm black, female, and formerly obese... So I have a frame of reference. This was my comment meant to encourage others: "I'm very happy for him. I had Bariatric surgery on January 13 and I've lost 100 pounds so far. I've never been happier or felt more alive and capable. It changed my life for the better and I hope the same for him.

Some people know absolutely nothing about morbid obesity and their ignorance shows. Statistically, while not impossible to lose weight on your own after you reach a BMI of 40+, you will struggle forever to maintain it. I can only speak for myself when I say that the lifestyle changes that the surgery forces were necessary and I wouldn't have been able to maintain them otherwise. I knew the surgery was a permanent life change and I opted for it with a sober mind, knowing I'd die otherwise.

You'd be surprised to know that the surgery is only as successful as those who resolve to make it successful with the average patient losing only 30-70% of their excess body weight UNLESS they change their diet and exercise regimen. Therefore, DO NOT assume bariatric patients don't exercise. If you're truly committed to your weight loss, you know that exercise is absolutely required.

I kept a weight loss blog to encourage others about this kind of thing and the prejudice and just outright jealousy people express over WLS. Etherealblackpearl.blogspot.com if anyone wants to go read about my experience. My life is an open book."