Guest guest Posted October 10, 2002 Report Share Posted October 10, 2002 I agree a CF mom in OHio Re: Oprah In a message dated 10/10/2002 1:33:15 AM Central Daylight Time, 4GIVEN5@... writes: > ,Lenora > I wrote to Oprah last year when Kate was desperate for help after her > transplant. I wrote about the CF and everything and she (and her staff) > never responded.... Maybe we should get a group thing going where we all > sign something... Just a thought > Love, > > I think we should too. Deb A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 10, 2002 Report Share Posted October 10, 2002 I agree a CF mom in OHio Re: Oprah In a message dated 10/10/2002 1:33:15 AM Central Daylight Time, 4GIVEN5@... writes: > ,Lenora > I wrote to Oprah last year when Kate was desperate for help after her > transplant. I wrote about the CF and everything and she (and her staff) > never responded.... Maybe we should get a group thing going where we all > sign something... Just a thought > Love, > > I think we should too. Deb A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 10, 2002 Report Share Posted October 10, 2002 Im interested just let me know when to send my letter Clog, cf mom in ohio Oprah > > > Did anyone happen to see Oprah yesterday? It was the show about >mother's with new babies. I was so annoyed by the show. Here are >these mothers with perfectly healthy children, whining ove rno >sleep, blah, blah , blah. They should do a show and follow us with >cameras while we deal with our children's health issues on top of >all the other motherly duties. I only have the one child with cf >and its so hard. I can't imagine 3 (referring to you Rosemary). I >have never been angry at her show but this one really bothered me. >And she gave her a nanny service for 2 months for being such a sport >and allowing the cameras to follow her day and night. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 10, 2002 Report Share Posted October 10, 2002 Im interested just let me know when to send my letter Clog, cf mom in ohio Oprah > > > Did anyone happen to see Oprah yesterday? It was the show about >mother's with new babies. I was so annoyed by the show. Here are >these mothers with perfectly healthy children, whining ove rno >sleep, blah, blah , blah. They should do a show and follow us with >cameras while we deal with our children's health issues on top of >all the other motherly duties. I only have the one child with cf >and its so hard. I can't imagine 3 (referring to you Rosemary). I >have never been angry at her show but this one really bothered me. >And she gave her a nanny service for 2 months for being such a sport >and allowing the cameras to follow her day and night. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2002 Report Share Posted October 25, 2002 In a message dated 10/25/2002 9:08:08 PM Central Daylight Time, tammyfischer2001@... writes: > OH sure....I see how you all are now!! sheesh! I was > going to ask her about it, but shoot I don't know > anyone else out there with it, but if we have enough > to do a show on here, lets do it!! > > Tammy Tammy lets just put you in charge of it all! LoL Deb A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2002 Report Share Posted October 25, 2002 Ha ha We should all send out letters to Tammy and have her chase down Oprah in the grocery store one day to make her listen! She'd probably do a CF Show just to get this crazy grocery store lady to leave her alone! ha ha ha > > Ophra? as in talk show? LOL, she lives by me! What > > do > > you need? > > Tammy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2002 Report Share Posted October 25, 2002 Ha ha We should all send out letters to Tammy and have her chase down Oprah in the grocery store one day to make her listen! She'd probably do a CF Show just to get this crazy grocery store lady to leave her alone! ha ha ha > > Ophra? as in talk show? LOL, she lives by me! What > > do > > you need? > > Tammy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2003 Report Share Posted March 2, 2003 I havn't seen it or heard anything but I did e mail her asking if it would be possible and also if Bob Green [the diet and exercise guy] could advise on exercises for the disabled. warm regards Ann in Aussie fromkath2u wrote: > a friend of mine said oprah had a show about chiari....is this true > > Help section: http://www.yahoogroups.com/help/ > > NOTE: NCC refers to posts with No Chiari Content > > To Unsubscribe Yourself: > chiari-unsubscribe > > WACMA Home: Http://www.wacma.com > > WACMA Online Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chiari/ > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2003 Report Share Posted March 2, 2003 I havn't seen it or heard anything but I did e mail her asking if it would be possible and also if Bob Green [the diet and exercise guy] could advise on exercises for the disabled. warm regards Ann in Aussie fromkath2u wrote: > a friend of mine said oprah had a show about chiari....is this true > > Help section: http://www.yahoogroups.com/help/ > > NOTE: NCC refers to posts with No Chiari Content > > To Unsubscribe Yourself: > chiari-unsubscribe > > WACMA Home: Http://www.wacma.com > > WACMA Online Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chiari/ > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2003 Report Share Posted March 2, 2003 I havn't seen it or heard anything but I did e mail her asking if it would be possible and also if Bob Green [the diet and exercise guy] could advise on exercises for the disabled. warm regards Ann in Aussie fromkath2u wrote: > a friend of mine said oprah had a show about chiari....is this true > > Help section: http://www.yahoogroups.com/help/ > > NOTE: NCC refers to posts with No Chiari Content > > To Unsubscribe Yourself: > chiari-unsubscribe > > WACMA Home: Http://www.wacma.com > > WACMA Online Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chiari/ > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2003 Report Share Posted September 7, 2003 Hey guys, I haven't been online all weekend, but this is the post I sent to Oprah on Thursday last week. I've been so distressed reading all the postings based on Oprah's show yesterday and it just got to be too much. I think we should bombard her with e-mails. I went to her website and sent her the following letter. I think anyone who feels strongly about her show yesterday should do a similar letter... Just a suggestion... Here's mine: Dear Oprah, Thanks for the show yesterday about incredible weight losses. I have only one problem with it, and it's a major one. A while back on one of your shows, you featured Carnie and her story of gastric bypass surgery. Never once during that show did you " slam " her for taking the " easy way out " nor did you contrast her with people by saying, " they did it (lost the weight) and they didn't have surgery! " like you did yesterday. Additionally, you have a link on your site to " read Carnie's inspirational story " on your website, so I'd like to know what gives? As a super morbidly obese person (all my life, since the age of 3, and I'm 49 now) I can tell you that I've tried absolutely everything, with the exception of the urine of a pregnant woman, to lose the weight. I topped out at 515 lbs. back in the 80s and was successful at losing 279 lbs. on my own, but the loss only lasted a short while. Not all of us are fortunate enough to be able to have personal trainers or chefs to prepare our meals. Not all of us can afford to join gyms and work out on good equipment. Many of us are poor working class folk that have to be productive on our jobs, come home and raise our families and fall into bed at the end of the day. Many of us can't afford the " healthy " foods because we're feeding large families and the carbohydrates are just so much cheaper and stretch farther. When I had my gastric bypass surgery, it was not an " easy way out " it was a path of last resort. I had major medical problems, including diabetes, hypertension, kidney problems, GERD, reflux, etc. I lost my leg to diabetes. I turned septic and almost died. I did not have the luxury of walking and exercising and proper diet. I had to do it now and not take a year or longer to lose the weight. I was back up from 236 lbs. to 420 lbs. 18 months ago. 515 was around the corner again. The surgery is one of the HARDEST things I've ever done. It's a tool that assists in dramatic weightloss... it is not brain surgery. I have had to retrain myself in how to eat, when to eat, how much to eat, how to exercise, how much to exercise. I have to take part in support groups and be proactive in my recovery from this disease of obesity. My fight is your fight. We just chose different means to the same end. If your way could have worked for me, I would have been thrilled to pieces. After 46 years of trying, I'm sad to say that it didn't but I'm thrilled that the surgeons have given me a method to save my life. I will have to work at this for the rest of my life, but at least I have a chance at life now where none existed before. I would love to see a show which gave weight loss surgery as a viable means of weight loss for those of us whose options were at an end prior to this miraculous surgery. If you think this radical way of life that I have chosen to live is easy, sorry to tell you, but it's not. It is truly the hardest thing I've ever done, but, for me, the smartest thing I've ever done. Last year I was in a wheelchair (24 " oversized chair that couldn't get through the doorways in my home) and I couldn't lift myself up without assistance. Thanks to the surgery, my diabetes, hypertension, reflux, GERD, etc. are all in remission. I am able (with my prosthetic) to walk, get up and down from the floor without assistance, I learned to walk again and have gone from wheelchair to walker, to 4 prong cane, to single cane to no cane, all in the space of 1 year. I have lost 151 lbs. as of my last weigh-in. I am below my all-time low adult weight of 236 which I haven't weighed since 1984. I no longer have to count on others to help me with the care of my daughter. I'm able to do everything and go everywhere with her, without assistance. I credit everything in my life to this life-saving surgery. Believe me, I tried it your way. I was in Overeaters Anonymous for over 20 years and I followed the program religiously. Though that was one of the best things I ever did in terms of weightloss, even that, ultimately, did not continue to keep the weight off of me. This surgery is the only thing that has ever worked for me and I know that I will have to work very hard, for the rest of my life, to make proper food choices and exercise adequately, but with the assistance of this tool that is my smaller surgical stomach, I will succeed. I hope that you will show some fairness to the people in this country who need this surgery, even if it is not in your belief system. We all need different things to help us on the path we need to take. You are a very public figure and your opinion matters to a lot of people. As of the most recent statistics, only .05% of people who go for this surgery die from it. It's getting a pretty bad rap considering how helpful and life saving it is for most of us. It is my hope that you will, at the very least, have a show which includes gastric bypass surgery as a viable option for people who are at the absolute end of their ropes. Continued good luck to you in your fight to maintain your size 8. I know I would never be able to do it your way, but I'd defend your right to do it... Best regards, Debbie D'Angelo 386 lbs. 9/3/02 235 lbs. 8/1/03 and still losing... zoes.mom@... live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt... Deb in Hazlet, NJ " Debbie Dancer " distal rny September 3, 2002 386/235/165 BMI 60/34.7/24 -151 -92.5 " Angel to Bill, Debbie (10/14/03) Ilene, Roy, and Ro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2003 Report Share Posted September 7, 2003 Debbie, What a grest letter. I was a real fan of Oprah till the other day when I saw her show. She is one to talk. She goes up and down in her weight all the time. I am so glad you sent her this letter. You have donr a great job with your weight loss and I admire you.... -- In Gastric_Bypass_Family , " zoes.mom " wrote: > Hey guys, > > I haven't been online all weekend, but this is the post I sent to Oprah on > Thursday last week. I've been so distressed reading all the postings based > on Oprah's show yesterday and it just got to be too much. I think we should > bombard her with e-mails. I went to her website and sent her the following > letter. I > think anyone who feels strongly about her show yesterday should do a similar > letter... Just a suggestion... Here's mine: > > Dear Oprah, > > Thanks for the show yesterday about incredible weight losses. I have only > one problem with it, and it's a major one. > > A while back on one of your shows, you featured Carnie and her story > of gastric bypass surgery. Never once during that show did you " slam " her > for taking the " easy way out " nor did you contrast her with people by > saying, " they did it (lost the weight) and they didn't have surgery! " like > you did yesterday. > > Additionally, you have a link on your site to " read Carnie's inspirational > story " on your website, so I'd like to know what gives? > > As a super morbidly obese person (all my life, since the age of 3, and I'm > 49 now) I can tell you that I've tried absolutely everything, with the > exception of the urine of a pregnant woman, to lose the weight. I topped > out at 515 lbs. back in the 80s and was successful at losing 279 lbs. on my > own, but the loss only lasted a short while. > > Not all of us are fortunate enough to be able to have personal trainers or > chefs to prepare our meals. Not all of us can afford to join gyms and work > out on good equipment. Many of us are poor working class folk that have to > be productive on our jobs, come home and raise our families and fall into > bed at the end of the day. Many of us can't afford the " healthy " foods > because we're feeding large families and the carbohydrates are just so much > cheaper and stretch farther. > > When I had my gastric bypass surgery, it was not an " easy way out " it was a > path of last resort. I had major medical problems, including diabetes, > hypertension, kidney problems, GERD, reflux, etc. I lost my leg to > diabetes. I turned septic and almost died. I did not have the luxury of > walking and exercising and proper diet. I had to do it now and not take a > year or longer to lose the weight. I was back up from 236 lbs. to 420 lbs. > 18 months ago. 515 was around the corner again. > > The surgery is one of the HARDEST things I've ever done. It's a tool that > assists in dramatic weightloss... it is not brain surgery. > > I have had to retrain myself in how to eat, when to eat, how much to eat, > how to exercise, how much to exercise. I have to take part in support > groups and be proactive in my recovery from this disease of obesity. My > fight is your fight. We just chose different means to the same end. If > your way could have worked for me, I would have been thrilled to pieces. > After 46 years of trying, I'm sad to say that it didn't but I'm thrilled > that the surgeons have given me a method to save my life. I will have to > work at this for the rest of my life, but at least I have a chance at life > now where none existed before. > > I would love to see a show which gave weight loss surgery as a viable means > of weight loss for those of us whose options were at an end prior to this > miraculous surgery. > > If you think this radical way of life that I have chosen to live is easy, > sorry to tell you, but it's not. It is truly the hardest thing I've ever > done, but, for me, the smartest thing I've ever done. > > Last year I was in a wheelchair (24 " oversized chair that couldn't get > through the doorways in my home) and I couldn't lift myself up without > assistance. > > Thanks to the surgery, my diabetes, hypertension, reflux, GERD, etc. are all > in remission. > > I am able (with my prosthetic) to walk, get up and down from the floor > without assistance, I learned to walk again and have gone from wheelchair to > walker, to 4 prong cane, to single cane to no cane, all in the space of 1 > year. I have lost 151 lbs. as of my last weigh-in. I am below my all-time > low adult weight of 236 which I haven't weighed since 1984. > > I no longer have to count on others to help me with the care of my daughter. > I'm able to do everything and go everywhere with her, without assistance. > > I credit everything in my life to this life-saving surgery. Believe me, I > tried it your way. I was in Overeaters Anonymous for over 20 years and I > followed the program religiously. Though that was one of the best things I > ever did in terms of weightloss, even that, ultimately, did not continue to > keep the weight off of me. This surgery is the only thing that has ever > worked for me and I know that I will have to work very hard, for the rest of > my life, to make proper food choices and exercise adequately, but with the > assistance of this tool that is my smaller surgical stomach, I will succeed. > > I hope that you will show some fairness to the people in this country who > need this surgery, even if it is not in your belief system. We all need > different things to help us on the path we need to take. You are a very > public figure and your opinion matters to a lot of people. > > As of the most recent statistics, only .05% of people who go for this > surgery die from it. It's getting a pretty bad rap considering how helpful > and life saving it is for most of us. > > It is my hope that you will, at the very least, have a show which includes > gastric bypass surgery as a viable option for people who are at the absolute > end of their ropes. > > Continued good luck to you in your fight to maintain your size 8. I know I > would never be able to do it your way, but I'd defend your right to do it... > > Best regards, > > Debbie D'Angelo > 386 lbs. 9/3/02 > 235 lbs. 8/1/03 and still losing... > zoes.mom@c... > > live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt... > > Deb in Hazlet, NJ > " Debbie Dancer " > distal rny > September 3, 2002 > 386/235/165 > BMI 60/34.7/24 > -151 > -92.5 " > > Angel to Bill, Debbie (10/14/03) Ilene, Roy, and Ro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2003 Report Share Posted September 7, 2003 Debbie, What a grest letter. I was a real fan of Oprah till the other day when I saw her show. She is one to talk. She goes up and down in her weight all the time. I am so glad you sent her this letter. You have donr a great job with your weight loss and I admire you.... -- In Gastric_Bypass_Family , " zoes.mom " wrote: > Hey guys, > > I haven't been online all weekend, but this is the post I sent to Oprah on > Thursday last week. I've been so distressed reading all the postings based > on Oprah's show yesterday and it just got to be too much. I think we should > bombard her with e-mails. I went to her website and sent her the following > letter. I > think anyone who feels strongly about her show yesterday should do a similar > letter... Just a suggestion... Here's mine: > > Dear Oprah, > > Thanks for the show yesterday about incredible weight losses. I have only > one problem with it, and it's a major one. > > A while back on one of your shows, you featured Carnie and her story > of gastric bypass surgery. Never once during that show did you " slam " her > for taking the " easy way out " nor did you contrast her with people by > saying, " they did it (lost the weight) and they didn't have surgery! " like > you did yesterday. > > Additionally, you have a link on your site to " read Carnie's inspirational > story " on your website, so I'd like to know what gives? > > As a super morbidly obese person (all my life, since the age of 3, and I'm > 49 now) I can tell you that I've tried absolutely everything, with the > exception of the urine of a pregnant woman, to lose the weight. I topped > out at 515 lbs. back in the 80s and was successful at losing 279 lbs. on my > own, but the loss only lasted a short while. > > Not all of us are fortunate enough to be able to have personal trainers or > chefs to prepare our meals. Not all of us can afford to join gyms and work > out on good equipment. Many of us are poor working class folk that have to > be productive on our jobs, come home and raise our families and fall into > bed at the end of the day. Many of us can't afford the " healthy " foods > because we're feeding large families and the carbohydrates are just so much > cheaper and stretch farther. > > When I had my gastric bypass surgery, it was not an " easy way out " it was a > path of last resort. I had major medical problems, including diabetes, > hypertension, kidney problems, GERD, reflux, etc. I lost my leg to > diabetes. I turned septic and almost died. I did not have the luxury of > walking and exercising and proper diet. I had to do it now and not take a > year or longer to lose the weight. I was back up from 236 lbs. to 420 lbs. > 18 months ago. 515 was around the corner again. > > The surgery is one of the HARDEST things I've ever done. It's a tool that > assists in dramatic weightloss... it is not brain surgery. > > I have had to retrain myself in how to eat, when to eat, how much to eat, > how to exercise, how much to exercise. I have to take part in support > groups and be proactive in my recovery from this disease of obesity. My > fight is your fight. We just chose different means to the same end. If > your way could have worked for me, I would have been thrilled to pieces. > After 46 years of trying, I'm sad to say that it didn't but I'm thrilled > that the surgeons have given me a method to save my life. I will have to > work at this for the rest of my life, but at least I have a chance at life > now where none existed before. > > I would love to see a show which gave weight loss surgery as a viable means > of weight loss for those of us whose options were at an end prior to this > miraculous surgery. > > If you think this radical way of life that I have chosen to live is easy, > sorry to tell you, but it's not. It is truly the hardest thing I've ever > done, but, for me, the smartest thing I've ever done. > > Last year I was in a wheelchair (24 " oversized chair that couldn't get > through the doorways in my home) and I couldn't lift myself up without > assistance. > > Thanks to the surgery, my diabetes, hypertension, reflux, GERD, etc. are all > in remission. > > I am able (with my prosthetic) to walk, get up and down from the floor > without assistance, I learned to walk again and have gone from wheelchair to > walker, to 4 prong cane, to single cane to no cane, all in the space of 1 > year. I have lost 151 lbs. as of my last weigh-in. I am below my all-time > low adult weight of 236 which I haven't weighed since 1984. > > I no longer have to count on others to help me with the care of my daughter. > I'm able to do everything and go everywhere with her, without assistance. > > I credit everything in my life to this life-saving surgery. Believe me, I > tried it your way. I was in Overeaters Anonymous for over 20 years and I > followed the program religiously. Though that was one of the best things I > ever did in terms of weightloss, even that, ultimately, did not continue to > keep the weight off of me. This surgery is the only thing that has ever > worked for me and I know that I will have to work very hard, for the rest of > my life, to make proper food choices and exercise adequately, but with the > assistance of this tool that is my smaller surgical stomach, I will succeed. > > I hope that you will show some fairness to the people in this country who > need this surgery, even if it is not in your belief system. We all need > different things to help us on the path we need to take. You are a very > public figure and your opinion matters to a lot of people. > > As of the most recent statistics, only .05% of people who go for this > surgery die from it. It's getting a pretty bad rap considering how helpful > and life saving it is for most of us. > > It is my hope that you will, at the very least, have a show which includes > gastric bypass surgery as a viable option for people who are at the absolute > end of their ropes. > > Continued good luck to you in your fight to maintain your size 8. I know I > would never be able to do it your way, but I'd defend your right to do it... > > Best regards, > > Debbie D'Angelo > 386 lbs. 9/3/02 > 235 lbs. 8/1/03 and still losing... > zoes.mom@c... > > live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt... > > Deb in Hazlet, NJ > " Debbie Dancer " > distal rny > September 3, 2002 > 386/235/165 > BMI 60/34.7/24 > -151 > -92.5 " > > Angel to Bill, Debbie (10/14/03) Ilene, Roy, and Ro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2003 Report Share Posted September 7, 2003 Debbie, What a grest letter. I was a real fan of Oprah till the other day when I saw her show. She is one to talk. She goes up and down in her weight all the time. I am so glad you sent her this letter. You have donr a great job with your weight loss and I admire you.... -- In Gastric_Bypass_Family , " zoes.mom " wrote: > Hey guys, > > I haven't been online all weekend, but this is the post I sent to Oprah on > Thursday last week. I've been so distressed reading all the postings based > on Oprah's show yesterday and it just got to be too much. I think we should > bombard her with e-mails. I went to her website and sent her the following > letter. I > think anyone who feels strongly about her show yesterday should do a similar > letter... Just a suggestion... Here's mine: > > Dear Oprah, > > Thanks for the show yesterday about incredible weight losses. I have only > one problem with it, and it's a major one. > > A while back on one of your shows, you featured Carnie and her story > of gastric bypass surgery. Never once during that show did you " slam " her > for taking the " easy way out " nor did you contrast her with people by > saying, " they did it (lost the weight) and they didn't have surgery! " like > you did yesterday. > > Additionally, you have a link on your site to " read Carnie's inspirational > story " on your website, so I'd like to know what gives? > > As a super morbidly obese person (all my life, since the age of 3, and I'm > 49 now) I can tell you that I've tried absolutely everything, with the > exception of the urine of a pregnant woman, to lose the weight. I topped > out at 515 lbs. back in the 80s and was successful at losing 279 lbs. on my > own, but the loss only lasted a short while. > > Not all of us are fortunate enough to be able to have personal trainers or > chefs to prepare our meals. Not all of us can afford to join gyms and work > out on good equipment. Many of us are poor working class folk that have to > be productive on our jobs, come home and raise our families and fall into > bed at the end of the day. Many of us can't afford the " healthy " foods > because we're feeding large families and the carbohydrates are just so much > cheaper and stretch farther. > > When I had my gastric bypass surgery, it was not an " easy way out " it was a > path of last resort. I had major medical problems, including diabetes, > hypertension, kidney problems, GERD, reflux, etc. I lost my leg to > diabetes. I turned septic and almost died. I did not have the luxury of > walking and exercising and proper diet. I had to do it now and not take a > year or longer to lose the weight. I was back up from 236 lbs. to 420 lbs. > 18 months ago. 515 was around the corner again. > > The surgery is one of the HARDEST things I've ever done. It's a tool that > assists in dramatic weightloss... it is not brain surgery. > > I have had to retrain myself in how to eat, when to eat, how much to eat, > how to exercise, how much to exercise. I have to take part in support > groups and be proactive in my recovery from this disease of obesity. My > fight is your fight. We just chose different means to the same end. If > your way could have worked for me, I would have been thrilled to pieces. > After 46 years of trying, I'm sad to say that it didn't but I'm thrilled > that the surgeons have given me a method to save my life. I will have to > work at this for the rest of my life, but at least I have a chance at life > now where none existed before. > > I would love to see a show which gave weight loss surgery as a viable means > of weight loss for those of us whose options were at an end prior to this > miraculous surgery. > > If you think this radical way of life that I have chosen to live is easy, > sorry to tell you, but it's not. It is truly the hardest thing I've ever > done, but, for me, the smartest thing I've ever done. > > Last year I was in a wheelchair (24 " oversized chair that couldn't get > through the doorways in my home) and I couldn't lift myself up without > assistance. > > Thanks to the surgery, my diabetes, hypertension, reflux, GERD, etc. are all > in remission. > > I am able (with my prosthetic) to walk, get up and down from the floor > without assistance, I learned to walk again and have gone from wheelchair to > walker, to 4 prong cane, to single cane to no cane, all in the space of 1 > year. I have lost 151 lbs. as of my last weigh-in. I am below my all-time > low adult weight of 236 which I haven't weighed since 1984. > > I no longer have to count on others to help me with the care of my daughter. > I'm able to do everything and go everywhere with her, without assistance. > > I credit everything in my life to this life-saving surgery. Believe me, I > tried it your way. I was in Overeaters Anonymous for over 20 years and I > followed the program religiously. Though that was one of the best things I > ever did in terms of weightloss, even that, ultimately, did not continue to > keep the weight off of me. This surgery is the only thing that has ever > worked for me and I know that I will have to work very hard, for the rest of > my life, to make proper food choices and exercise adequately, but with the > assistance of this tool that is my smaller surgical stomach, I will succeed. > > I hope that you will show some fairness to the people in this country who > need this surgery, even if it is not in your belief system. We all need > different things to help us on the path we need to take. You are a very > public figure and your opinion matters to a lot of people. > > As of the most recent statistics, only .05% of people who go for this > surgery die from it. It's getting a pretty bad rap considering how helpful > and life saving it is for most of us. > > It is my hope that you will, at the very least, have a show which includes > gastric bypass surgery as a viable option for people who are at the absolute > end of their ropes. > > Continued good luck to you in your fight to maintain your size 8. I know I > would never be able to do it your way, but I'd defend your right to do it... > > Best regards, > > Debbie D'Angelo > 386 lbs. 9/3/02 > 235 lbs. 8/1/03 and still losing... > zoes.mom@c... > > live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt... > > Deb in Hazlet, NJ > " Debbie Dancer " > distal rny > September 3, 2002 > 386/235/165 > BMI 60/34.7/24 > -151 > -92.5 " > > Angel to Bill, Debbie (10/14/03) Ilene, Roy, and Ro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2003 Report Share Posted September 7, 2003 Debbie, Your letter gave me goodbumps. I applaud your struggle and success. The bottom line is that WE know that this was not the easy way out. It would be nice if someone with her clout could let the rest of the world in on our secret. You did a magnificient job. > Hey guys, > > I haven't been online all weekend, but this is the post I sent to Oprah on > Thursday last week. I've been so distressed reading all the postings based > on Oprah's show yesterday and it just got to be too much. I think we should > bombard her with e-mails. I went to her website and sent her the following > letter. I > think anyone who feels strongly about her show yesterday should do a similar > letter... Just a suggestion... Here's mine: > > Dear Oprah, > > Thanks for the show yesterday about incredible weight losses. I have only > one problem with it, and it's a major one. > > A while back on one of your shows, you featured Carnie and her story > of gastric bypass surgery. Never once during that show did you " slam " her > for taking the " easy way out " nor did you contrast her with people by > saying, " they did it (lost the weight) and they didn't have surgery! " like > you did yesterday. > > Additionally, you have a link on your site to " read Carnie's inspirational > story " on your website, so I'd like to know what gives? > > As a super morbidly obese person (all my life, since the age of 3, and I'm > 49 now) I can tell you that I've tried absolutely everything, with the > exception of the urine of a pregnant woman, to lose the weight. I topped > out at 515 lbs. back in the 80s and was successful at losing 279 lbs. on my > own, but the loss only lasted a short while. > > Not all of us are fortunate enough to be able to have personal trainers or > chefs to prepare our meals. Not all of us can afford to join gyms and work > out on good equipment. Many of us are poor working class folk that have to > be productive on our jobs, come home and raise our families and fall into > bed at the end of the day. Many of us can't afford the " healthy " foods > because we're feeding large families and the carbohydrates are just so much > cheaper and stretch farther. > > When I had my gastric bypass surgery, it was not an " easy way out " it was a > path of last resort. I had major medical problems, including diabetes, > hypertension, kidney problems, GERD, reflux, etc. I lost my leg to > diabetes. I turned septic and almost died. I did not have the luxury of > walking and exercising and proper diet. I had to do it now and not take a > year or longer to lose the weight. I was back up from 236 lbs. to 420 lbs. > 18 months ago. 515 was around the corner again. > > The surgery is one of the HARDEST things I've ever done. It's a tool that > assists in dramatic weightloss... it is not brain surgery. > > I have had to retrain myself in how to eat, when to eat, how much to eat, > how to exercise, how much to exercise. I have to take part in support > groups and be proactive in my recovery from this disease of obesity. My > fight is your fight. We just chose different means to the same end. If > your way could have worked for me, I would have been thrilled to pieces. > After 46 years of trying, I'm sad to say that it didn't but I'm thrilled > that the surgeons have given me a method to save my life. I will have to > work at this for the rest of my life, but at least I have a chance at life > now where none existed before. > > I would love to see a show which gave weight loss surgery as a viable means > of weight loss for those of us whose options were at an end prior to this > miraculous surgery. > > If you think this radical way of life that I have chosen to live is easy, > sorry to tell you, but it's not. It is truly the hardest thing I've ever > done, but, for me, the smartest thing I've ever done. > > Last year I was in a wheelchair (24 " oversized chair that couldn't get > through the doorways in my home) and I couldn't lift myself up without > assistance. > > Thanks to the surgery, my diabetes, hypertension, reflux, GERD, etc. are all > in remission. > > I am able (with my prosthetic) to walk, get up and down from the floor > without assistance, I learned to walk again and have gone from wheelchair to > walker, to 4 prong cane, to single cane to no cane, all in the space of 1 > year. I have lost 151 lbs. as of my last weigh-in. I am below my all-time > low adult weight of 236 which I haven't weighed since 1984. > > I no longer have to count on others to help me with the care of my daughter. > I'm able to do everything and go everywhere with her, without assistance. > > I credit everything in my life to this life-saving surgery. Believe me, I > tried it your way. I was in Overeaters Anonymous for over 20 years and I > followed the program religiously. Though that was one of the best things I > ever did in terms of weightloss, even that, ultimately, did not continue to > keep the weight off of me. This surgery is the only thing that has ever > worked for me and I know that I will have to work very hard, for the rest of > my life, to make proper food choices and exercise adequately, but with the > assistance of this tool that is my smaller surgical stomach, I will succeed. > > I hope that you will show some fairness to the people in this country who > need this surgery, even if it is not in your belief system. We all need > different things to help us on the path we need to take. You are a very > public figure and your opinion matters to a lot of people. > > As of the most recent statistics, only .05% of people who go for this > surgery die from it. It's getting a pretty bad rap considering how helpful > and life saving it is for most of us. > > It is my hope that you will, at the very least, have a show which includes > gastric bypass surgery as a viable option for people who are at the absolute > end of their ropes. > > Continued good luck to you in your fight to maintain your size 8. I know I > would never be able to do it your way, but I'd defend your right to do it... > > Best regards, > > Debbie D'Angelo > 386 lbs. 9/3/02 > 235 lbs. 8/1/03 and still losing... > zoes.mom@c... > > live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt... > > Deb in Hazlet, NJ > " Debbie Dancer " > distal rny > September 3, 2002 > 386/235/165 > BMI 60/34.7/24 > -151 > -92.5 " > > Angel to Bill, Debbie (10/14/03) Ilene, Roy, and Ro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2003 Report Share Posted September 7, 2003 Debbie, Your letter gave me goodbumps. I applaud your struggle and success. The bottom line is that WE know that this was not the easy way out. It would be nice if someone with her clout could let the rest of the world in on our secret. You did a magnificient job. > Hey guys, > > I haven't been online all weekend, but this is the post I sent to Oprah on > Thursday last week. I've been so distressed reading all the postings based > on Oprah's show yesterday and it just got to be too much. I think we should > bombard her with e-mails. I went to her website and sent her the following > letter. I > think anyone who feels strongly about her show yesterday should do a similar > letter... Just a suggestion... Here's mine: > > Dear Oprah, > > Thanks for the show yesterday about incredible weight losses. I have only > one problem with it, and it's a major one. > > A while back on one of your shows, you featured Carnie and her story > of gastric bypass surgery. Never once during that show did you " slam " her > for taking the " easy way out " nor did you contrast her with people by > saying, " they did it (lost the weight) and they didn't have surgery! " like > you did yesterday. > > Additionally, you have a link on your site to " read Carnie's inspirational > story " on your website, so I'd like to know what gives? > > As a super morbidly obese person (all my life, since the age of 3, and I'm > 49 now) I can tell you that I've tried absolutely everything, with the > exception of the urine of a pregnant woman, to lose the weight. I topped > out at 515 lbs. back in the 80s and was successful at losing 279 lbs. on my > own, but the loss only lasted a short while. > > Not all of us are fortunate enough to be able to have personal trainers or > chefs to prepare our meals. Not all of us can afford to join gyms and work > out on good equipment. Many of us are poor working class folk that have to > be productive on our jobs, come home and raise our families and fall into > bed at the end of the day. Many of us can't afford the " healthy " foods > because we're feeding large families and the carbohydrates are just so much > cheaper and stretch farther. > > When I had my gastric bypass surgery, it was not an " easy way out " it was a > path of last resort. I had major medical problems, including diabetes, > hypertension, kidney problems, GERD, reflux, etc. I lost my leg to > diabetes. I turned septic and almost died. I did not have the luxury of > walking and exercising and proper diet. I had to do it now and not take a > year or longer to lose the weight. I was back up from 236 lbs. to 420 lbs. > 18 months ago. 515 was around the corner again. > > The surgery is one of the HARDEST things I've ever done. It's a tool that > assists in dramatic weightloss... it is not brain surgery. > > I have had to retrain myself in how to eat, when to eat, how much to eat, > how to exercise, how much to exercise. I have to take part in support > groups and be proactive in my recovery from this disease of obesity. My > fight is your fight. We just chose different means to the same end. If > your way could have worked for me, I would have been thrilled to pieces. > After 46 years of trying, I'm sad to say that it didn't but I'm thrilled > that the surgeons have given me a method to save my life. I will have to > work at this for the rest of my life, but at least I have a chance at life > now where none existed before. > > I would love to see a show which gave weight loss surgery as a viable means > of weight loss for those of us whose options were at an end prior to this > miraculous surgery. > > If you think this radical way of life that I have chosen to live is easy, > sorry to tell you, but it's not. It is truly the hardest thing I've ever > done, but, for me, the smartest thing I've ever done. > > Last year I was in a wheelchair (24 " oversized chair that couldn't get > through the doorways in my home) and I couldn't lift myself up without > assistance. > > Thanks to the surgery, my diabetes, hypertension, reflux, GERD, etc. are all > in remission. > > I am able (with my prosthetic) to walk, get up and down from the floor > without assistance, I learned to walk again and have gone from wheelchair to > walker, to 4 prong cane, to single cane to no cane, all in the space of 1 > year. I have lost 151 lbs. as of my last weigh-in. I am below my all-time > low adult weight of 236 which I haven't weighed since 1984. > > I no longer have to count on others to help me with the care of my daughter. > I'm able to do everything and go everywhere with her, without assistance. > > I credit everything in my life to this life-saving surgery. Believe me, I > tried it your way. I was in Overeaters Anonymous for over 20 years and I > followed the program religiously. Though that was one of the best things I > ever did in terms of weightloss, even that, ultimately, did not continue to > keep the weight off of me. This surgery is the only thing that has ever > worked for me and I know that I will have to work very hard, for the rest of > my life, to make proper food choices and exercise adequately, but with the > assistance of this tool that is my smaller surgical stomach, I will succeed. > > I hope that you will show some fairness to the people in this country who > need this surgery, even if it is not in your belief system. We all need > different things to help us on the path we need to take. You are a very > public figure and your opinion matters to a lot of people. > > As of the most recent statistics, only .05% of people who go for this > surgery die from it. It's getting a pretty bad rap considering how helpful > and life saving it is for most of us. > > It is my hope that you will, at the very least, have a show which includes > gastric bypass surgery as a viable option for people who are at the absolute > end of their ropes. > > Continued good luck to you in your fight to maintain your size 8. I know I > would never be able to do it your way, but I'd defend your right to do it... > > Best regards, > > Debbie D'Angelo > 386 lbs. 9/3/02 > 235 lbs. 8/1/03 and still losing... > zoes.mom@c... > > live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt... > > Deb in Hazlet, NJ > " Debbie Dancer " > distal rny > September 3, 2002 > 386/235/165 > BMI 60/34.7/24 > -151 > -92.5 " > > Angel to Bill, Debbie (10/14/03) Ilene, Roy, and Ro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2003 Report Share Posted September 7, 2003 Debbie, Your letter gave me goodbumps. I applaud your struggle and success. The bottom line is that WE know that this was not the easy way out. It would be nice if someone with her clout could let the rest of the world in on our secret. You did a magnificient job. > Hey guys, > > I haven't been online all weekend, but this is the post I sent to Oprah on > Thursday last week. I've been so distressed reading all the postings based > on Oprah's show yesterday and it just got to be too much. I think we should > bombard her with e-mails. I went to her website and sent her the following > letter. I > think anyone who feels strongly about her show yesterday should do a similar > letter... Just a suggestion... Here's mine: > > Dear Oprah, > > Thanks for the show yesterday about incredible weight losses. I have only > one problem with it, and it's a major one. > > A while back on one of your shows, you featured Carnie and her story > of gastric bypass surgery. Never once during that show did you " slam " her > for taking the " easy way out " nor did you contrast her with people by > saying, " they did it (lost the weight) and they didn't have surgery! " like > you did yesterday. > > Additionally, you have a link on your site to " read Carnie's inspirational > story " on your website, so I'd like to know what gives? > > As a super morbidly obese person (all my life, since the age of 3, and I'm > 49 now) I can tell you that I've tried absolutely everything, with the > exception of the urine of a pregnant woman, to lose the weight. I topped > out at 515 lbs. back in the 80s and was successful at losing 279 lbs. on my > own, but the loss only lasted a short while. > > Not all of us are fortunate enough to be able to have personal trainers or > chefs to prepare our meals. Not all of us can afford to join gyms and work > out on good equipment. Many of us are poor working class folk that have to > be productive on our jobs, come home and raise our families and fall into > bed at the end of the day. Many of us can't afford the " healthy " foods > because we're feeding large families and the carbohydrates are just so much > cheaper and stretch farther. > > When I had my gastric bypass surgery, it was not an " easy way out " it was a > path of last resort. I had major medical problems, including diabetes, > hypertension, kidney problems, GERD, reflux, etc. I lost my leg to > diabetes. I turned septic and almost died. I did not have the luxury of > walking and exercising and proper diet. I had to do it now and not take a > year or longer to lose the weight. I was back up from 236 lbs. to 420 lbs. > 18 months ago. 515 was around the corner again. > > The surgery is one of the HARDEST things I've ever done. It's a tool that > assists in dramatic weightloss... it is not brain surgery. > > I have had to retrain myself in how to eat, when to eat, how much to eat, > how to exercise, how much to exercise. I have to take part in support > groups and be proactive in my recovery from this disease of obesity. My > fight is your fight. We just chose different means to the same end. If > your way could have worked for me, I would have been thrilled to pieces. > After 46 years of trying, I'm sad to say that it didn't but I'm thrilled > that the surgeons have given me a method to save my life. I will have to > work at this for the rest of my life, but at least I have a chance at life > now where none existed before. > > I would love to see a show which gave weight loss surgery as a viable means > of weight loss for those of us whose options were at an end prior to this > miraculous surgery. > > If you think this radical way of life that I have chosen to live is easy, > sorry to tell you, but it's not. It is truly the hardest thing I've ever > done, but, for me, the smartest thing I've ever done. > > Last year I was in a wheelchair (24 " oversized chair that couldn't get > through the doorways in my home) and I couldn't lift myself up without > assistance. > > Thanks to the surgery, my diabetes, hypertension, reflux, GERD, etc. are all > in remission. > > I am able (with my prosthetic) to walk, get up and down from the floor > without assistance, I learned to walk again and have gone from wheelchair to > walker, to 4 prong cane, to single cane to no cane, all in the space of 1 > year. I have lost 151 lbs. as of my last weigh-in. I am below my all-time > low adult weight of 236 which I haven't weighed since 1984. > > I no longer have to count on others to help me with the care of my daughter. > I'm able to do everything and go everywhere with her, without assistance. > > I credit everything in my life to this life-saving surgery. Believe me, I > tried it your way. I was in Overeaters Anonymous for over 20 years and I > followed the program religiously. Though that was one of the best things I > ever did in terms of weightloss, even that, ultimately, did not continue to > keep the weight off of me. This surgery is the only thing that has ever > worked for me and I know that I will have to work very hard, for the rest of > my life, to make proper food choices and exercise adequately, but with the > assistance of this tool that is my smaller surgical stomach, I will succeed. > > I hope that you will show some fairness to the people in this country who > need this surgery, even if it is not in your belief system. We all need > different things to help us on the path we need to take. You are a very > public figure and your opinion matters to a lot of people. > > As of the most recent statistics, only .05% of people who go for this > surgery die from it. It's getting a pretty bad rap considering how helpful > and life saving it is for most of us. > > It is my hope that you will, at the very least, have a show which includes > gastric bypass surgery as a viable option for people who are at the absolute > end of their ropes. > > Continued good luck to you in your fight to maintain your size 8. I know I > would never be able to do it your way, but I'd defend your right to do it... > > Best regards, > > Debbie D'Angelo > 386 lbs. 9/3/02 > 235 lbs. 8/1/03 and still losing... > zoes.mom@c... > > live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt... > > Deb in Hazlet, NJ > " Debbie Dancer " > distal rny > September 3, 2002 > 386/235/165 > BMI 60/34.7/24 > -151 > -92.5 " > > Angel to Bill, Debbie (10/14/03) Ilene, Roy, and Ro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 9, 2003 Report Share Posted September 9, 2003 WOW! What a fantastic letter. Get ready for a call from Oprah...When she decides to do a show on this topic, I think you will be her first guest! Congratulations on your awesome journey! pre-op Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 9, 2003 Report Share Posted September 9, 2003 WOW! What a fantastic letter. Get ready for a call from Oprah...When she decides to do a show on this topic, I think you will be her first guest! Congratulations on your awesome journey! pre-op Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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