Had a Bonkers Idea... - ThinnerTimes

aesidwell · 04-25-2007, 12:02 PM

Okay, I don't know if I've gone round the bend or what, but I had an idea today when I got a random email telling me to update my Oprah.com account (kind of surprising, considering I didn't know I HAD an account).

But anyway, I was on the website and I remembered how we have had various discussions about talk shows when they have featured gastric bypass patients, and I have always been struck by how they always seem negative, or they focus on problems like addiction replacement, instead of the truly wonderful tool we've given, the power we've taken over our lives, and all the POSITIVES about the surgery.

So here's my idea: the website was advertising that they were looking for amazing weight loss stories - now, I don't think I'm oh-so-amazing, but I DID think that we, as a group, are truly astounding. Look at all we've been through, look at all we support each other through, and think about how much collective WEIGHT we have dropped. Sooooooooo, is anyone interested in writing a "group weight loss" story to send in to Oprah? I'm happy to coordinate all the details and package materials, if there are enough people who would like to participate. It's a long shot, but one I thought was really worth the time.

I just think it's time that there's a show about how awesome and life changing the surgery can be; that it is a reason for HOPE not desperation, and that people can truly change their lives and be successful without gaining a ton of weight back, regressing into bad eating habits, picking up addictions, or having some "nightmare horror complication from which the patient horribly DIED!!" (Cue dramatic music).

I dunno? Am I nuts? Am I inspired? Is anyone even interested? Let me know!

Jeanie · 04-25-2007, 12:08 PM

I think it sounds cool!

Bypassingme619 · 04-25-2007, 12:11 PM

I say go for it. I wouldn't mind but I wouldn't say I am success story "YET". I am a work in progress. But my blessing to you on this project.

bloomer001 · 04-25-2007, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bypassingme619

I say go for it. I wouldn't mind but I wouldn't say I am success story "YET". I am a work in progress. But my blessing to you on this project.

I would be happy to go and tell everyone about my surgery, I do that now

I'm not at goal, but I'm working on it.

As for a success, I'm sorry, do you not see that smilling face in your Avatar?? I would say that qualifies you as a success!!

CeeCee · 04-25-2007, 12:33 PM

Amanda, I think it's a good idea. Probably won't get much attention, not enough "gore", but we should try to let our voices be heard. If the surgery is so dangerous, and so unsuccessful, why are so many being done?
I'm told I'm a pretty good writer. I would be happy to write up whatever facts you can collect, or I would be just as happy to proofread something too. (I'm doing nothing but proofreading at work lately!) let me know if I can help!

Baron Patrick · 04-25-2007, 12:59 PM

Amanda;

I think that is a fantabulous idea! I've been itching to do something similar after Tara Banks and a couple other talk show hosts put on a fat suit for a day to "experience" what it's like to be MO. That just rivets my butt! They do it for one day, while weve had to live with it most of our lives. They have no idea.

Go for it kid, I'm with ya all the way! Although I'm not pre-op (yet), but it's closer than it's ever been!

CeeCee, you want gore? Find someone who had their operation taped! I'm planning on it myself! (Yes, I'm THAT crazy!)

We need to include Donna on this. She has been through hell and back. I asked her if it was worth it - if she would do it again, and she didn't even hesitate in saying yes.

aesidwell · 04-25-2007, 01:48 PM

I'm glad people are into the idea. I'm not normally one for a soapbox, but I do feel really strongly about this and I would love to have a group of people to send in for this idea. I am posting the instructions that the website has for submitting stories. If you'd like to submit a personal story for the package, please follow the instructions, and email me your letter with pictures to: aesidwell@yahoo.com, or PM me with questions.

ARE YOU A WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS STORY?
The Oprah Show is looking for weight loss success stories. If you or someone you know has lost a life-changing amount of weight, and are willing to share your story on The Oprah Show - then we would like to hear from you! Here is what we want you to do . . . Please mail us your story and include specifics on how much weight you have lost and how you did it - also give us your height, before and after weights. Tell us some of your weight loss dreams and goals. Please also include with your letter before and after photos or color copies that you do not need returned. Be sure to include all contact information in the package to be sent to:

The Oprah Show
WEIGHT LOSS / Team LE
P.O. Box 909715
Chicago, IL 60690

Thanks and we look forward to hearing from you soon

aesidwell · 04-25-2007, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CeeCee

I'm told I'm a pretty good writer. I would be happy to write up whatever facts you can collect, or I would be just as happy to proofread something too. (I'm doing nothing but proofreading at work lately!) let me know if I can help!

Heck yes, I'd love to have your help! I'm going to write a cover letter for the whole package, plus my own story. I'd appreciate having eyeballs on the cover letter, but I hope you submit your own story too

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloomer001

I would be happy to go and tell everyone about my surgery, I do that now

I'm not at goal, but I'm working on it.

Jennifer! Being "at goal" isn't the important thing here, I think. Technically, I'm not at goal either, but I think the story is what is compelling, not just the sheer number of weight lost. I hope to see your story in on this too

bloomer001 · 04-25-2007, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aesidwell

Heck yes, I'd love to have your help! I'm going to write a cover letter for the whole package, plus my own story. I'd appreciate having eyeballs on the cover letter, but I hope you submit your own story too

Jennifer! Being "at goal" isn't the important thing here, I think. Technically, I'm not at goal either, but I think the story is what is compelling, not just the sheer number of weight lost. I hope to see your story in on this too

You got it! I will write it up this weekend and send it to you. Just one question, can we all wear our panties???

aesidwell · 04-25-2007, 03:30 PM

haha, cheeky!!! (pun intended!

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