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Anonymous
02/19/20 at 7:33PM UTC
in
Health

Weight Loss Surgery- will it help my career?

It sounds like a silly question, but hear me out. Studies have proven that someone overweight is less likely to be hired, is more likely to be paid less, have fewer opportunities and are often bullied at work. It is even worse so for women. In general, an obese woman is stereotyped as being lazy and incompetent. Being unattractivly fat also carries the perception of a lack of will power and discipline. Personally, my weight has never been good. In high school i was under weight and would force myself to puke after means. Now as an adult, the scals have tipped, literally and figuratively. I am 250 lbs., well educated, happy and outgoing-- but as I search for a job I can't help but feel the pounds I carry drag me down. Now, before you start telling me what diets to try or work outs to use, know that I track my calories religiously and hover around 1750 a day. I am five foot six inches. I exercise daily, both cardio and strength training. I have tried keto, intermittent fasting, even HCG when that was a big hype. What I wont do it go back to purging. That said, I have recently begun looking into weight loss surgery. If I can drop 100 lbs, I feel it would positively alter my own self image, as well as what others perceive as well. But, I don't have health insurance. While I would qualiftly for bariatric surgery, it would cost me a good chunk of out of pocket financing. But would it be worth it??? Have you or someone you know gone through with weight loss surgery? What were your/their experiences with it? Please advise. ~Chunky and determined

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Oksana Horbach
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86
Technical Customer Success Manager
02/28/20 at 2:30PM UTC
The WLS question is a difficult one. I'm a large woman and can't say I haven't considered it, but not specifically for my job, but to make life easier in general for all the reasons you mention and more. I can understand the draw -- 2 close friends went through the surgery in the last year and I've been watching as they whittle themselves down to the size(s) they have always wanted to be, losing over 100 lbs and are currently going through the cosmetic surgeries to remove excess skin, etc. The ideas of the pounds just melting away is intoxicating. But, the results really vary. I have at least 8 other friends who went through the surgery years ago with varying end results. Two gained all the weight back with reinforcements (one of them died too young), a few of them are perpetually in and out of the hospital with varying complications and a few remain success stories and are thrilled with the results. Knowing myself and the strict diet and exercise regimen that you need to stick to to be successful the odds aren't in my favour, so I continue instead to work with a metabolic specialist and dietitian to maintain a diet that's tailored to my needs. But yet, as a fat woman, I've always been able to land the jobs that I've desired and applied for. I always go into interviews prepared and confident. My weight hasn't stopped me from progressing to the level/position that I want to be in. It's a really personal decision. It's also important to realize that WLS may not be the panacea that you think it may be, but if you think that it will make you happy, do the research and meet others who have gone the WLS path. Look at what they do day in and day out to keep the weight off and figure out whether you think you can handle it and whether it's the right decision for you. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!
cmst3
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183
Travel PFS consultant.
02/26/20 at 5:51PM UTC
Do what's right for you & your health. Had 3 friends who did it- 1 almost died (coma for a month) another never changed her habits so suffers daily (too much alcohol) & another was okay physically but her attitude was awful. Being healthy is primary focus. Our bodies were not made to carry excessive weight for long and as someone mentioned- other body parts will suffer** Congrats on your move & I wish you well. Be happy!! Prayers
Paulla Fetzek
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1.73k
Teacher, Lighting Expert, & Office Professional
02/25/20 at 1:48PM UTC
You should NEVER decide to lose weight for the benefit of someone or something else. If you're not good enough for them as you are right now... They're not worth your time. Losing weight isn't going to change the narrow mindset of other people my friend. In fact, for some people - loosing weight doesn't even change their OWN mindset. It didn't for me. And I think this is a good thing. I had a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in 2001. Lost 186 lbs - of which I've kept 150 of it off all these years. I was classified "super morbidly obese" back then. Despite the huge weight loss [and subsequent maintenance of it!] I am STILL considered "morbidly obese." How's that for ya?! The term "morbid" - incidentally - disgusts me to no end. Because part of the definition is "disturbing and unpleasant". I'm neither of those things. I'm a woman who happens to be heavy-set. Overweight. Fat. Whatever you want to call it. I personally can't say that I've ever experienced direct prejudice because of my weight. Doesn't mean it didn't happen. I'm saying if it did... I wasn't aware of it. I am VERY aware of my weight in terms of my coworkers. There was a time when I was - literally - the heaviest person in the office. Yeah. That bothered me a LOT. But... I have to wonder... Did any of my coworkers notice? Or care? I've been heavy my entire life. And have been insulted and bullied because of it. Heck, I'm STILL insulted and bullied over my weight. It hurt back then. It enrages me now. Because these people have NO idea of what I'm capable of. Have NO idea of what I've gone through. Ms Lenah's right - I've lost count how many people say I took the easy way out. I've said to everyone one of them, "You think so? You're MORE than welcome to go through a 4+ hour surgery and the over 8 month recovery. Healing with an 11" scar that runs from breastbone to bellybutton (I didn't have laparoscopic). Then come tell me if I chose the "easy" way!" I said this loss didn't change my mindset. In the fact that I continue to have a genuine care and affinity for those overweight. Course, I'm still considered overweight so that could be why...
Anonymous
02/24/20 at 4:51PM UTC
OP here. As it turns out, I am going to try a couple of other changes first. I am moving to a new city-- unrelated to my weight, bht hopefully beneficial. Orlando has lots of parks to walk in on weekends and big groups on FB of women looking to work out together ans loose weight. Leaving the North, I hope the extra sunshine will help lift my spirits as well. I am going to bide my time and save as much money as I can. If, jn 6 months, I am still seriously considering this, then by then I hope to have a good chunk of the money needed saved up.
Katie Henderson Ladyboss752675
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757
I am an expert in all things visual.
02/24/20 at 3:57PM UTC
IMHO a five-foot-six, 250 pounds woman is not that heavy, but I'm from the South. As long as you are healthy, and you seem to be serious about that, I wonder if your money could be better spent on a stylish new wardrobe and flattering hairstyle that will boost your confidence and help you advance in your career. I'd start with that anyway. If you decide to love yourself as you are, you may find the weight goes away on its own without surgery. And spread the love! Become an advocate for women with different body types. I notice a growing trend against body shaming, and it's about time. On the other hand, I have known others who are happy with their surgery. I'm not a mathematician either, but I'm wondering, according to the formula above, if you lost 100 pounds would you gain 50 percent in pay? (How about some help here from accounting types!) Good luck with your decision; please let us know.
morgenmonie
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30
Human Resource Professional
02/24/20 at 2:26PM UTC
You are correct, that commonly for every 1% increase in a woman’s body mass there is a 0.5% decrease in her pay - disgusting, but real. I do not think that changing your body will help you land a promotion or role from an employers side, rather I wonder if it will help your confidence in the interview setting. Women commonly associate what is seen on the outside with their worth/capabilities as a professional, so if you could ensure you display confidence and eagerness for the role, that will mask any other underlying insecurities you may have. There is no right answer here, I really think it’s up to you to decide what will make you happy personally and professionally.
Ethelean Wilson
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48
Customer Relationship Expert
02/20/20 at 3:21PM UTC
As a post WLS patient, I can tell you that there is a LOT of stigma that will come with having surgery too. Many people see it as taking the "easy" way out. Nothing can be further from the truth. You are undergoing MAJOR surgery which can come with all kinds of complications. You will have to take supplements for the REST OF YOUR LIFE. You will lose hair (how much depends on you). Many, many people lose teeth 10+ years out because of vitamin deficiencies and a changed oral pH. Thinks long and hard before you take this on. For every success story you can find another who had tons of complications. And to top it all off, many people either never get to goal or they suffer with regain (or in my case both!). I'm not saying don't do it, I'm saying know what you are truly getting into. Would I do it all over again? Yes, because even though I never made it to goal and have regained some, I am still better off than I was before. I feel better and I am much more educated about my health. And sadly, people treat me better at a lower weight. Before you take this drastic step, be sure to educate yourself and be prepared for possible difficulties.
Patchin Hasinbiller
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33
02/20/20 at 6:10AM UTC
Weight loss is for your benefit, not your employer. Do it for yourself and ensure a future of no back, knee, or ankle problems. Also, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. Spend the money (not much in comparison) on a certified Nutritionist if you haven't done so. Pulling for you!
Anonymous
02/19/20 at 11:28PM UTC
I know several folks that did it and their results were not good. Weight wise, yes, quality of life no. One person I know ended up permanently disabled from complications. Another did it to control diabetes and while it did work initially and he did lose weight and ate right, he died. Not saying don't do it, but it's no guarantee of making your life better. And, after all of that weight loss you're going to have loose skin, which can cause it's own set of issues, unless you can afford to have it removed. Most insurance will not cover that, they claim it's cosmetic and not necessary.
Anonymous
02/19/20 at 9:09PM UTC
I actually agree with the points you made - overweight people, especially overweight women, are often stereotyped. I have been in meetings where I should have stood up and said something, but fear has stopped me. I had a previous boss, during a team presentation, handed out little gifts to her staff. She gave a toy screwdriver to one employee, because she was the fixer. She gave a bag of candy to another, because she was so sweet, etc, etc., She gave a piggy bank to one girl, the overweight one, and said it was because she always worked hard to save the department money. Keep in mind, this girl's job had nothing to do with finance. Later, behind close doors, my boss joked to me and another manager that she thought the pig was appropriate. I have never been so angry, but yet, I kept quiet. I am still ashamed of that. Back to your question - would it be worth it? I think the answer to your question is more than a simple yes or no. What happens if you have the surgery and you don't get the job of your dreams? What happens if you have the surgery, get the job of your dreams and still feel something is lacking? I have had a couple of friends who have had different types of weight loss surgery. One is a very close friend and I have watched her blossom into a whole new person. She is extremely happy with her decision, but it is work. Every day, even three years later, she has to work to maintain her new self. She works out every day, eats a very restricted diet, and has to take a lot of specialty vitamins to make up for the nutrients she is missing. It's a lot, but she is very committed. My advice is, before you go and have a major medical procedure that will cost you a small fortune and forever alter your life (because it is a lifetime commitment), maybe start with a therapist. Explore all the options and make your both your head and your heart in the right place. Best of luck to you!

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