As I finish up all of my preop testing and prepare for my sleeve surgery next month, I've noticed an interesting thing happening at work. We have a staff member (at a public high school) who is battling anorexia. This is a struggle she's dealt with for years, and she has finally taken a leave from school to seek treatment. Everyone at work has been extremely supportive of her as she addresses this issue, which is great.
I haven't told anyone what I'm preparing to do, primarily because I'm a pretty private person, and I think this is my business and my choice. Plus, I don't want people constantly judging and analyzing my food choices after the surgery. I've noticed, however, that while people voice nothing but support for my colleague who is in treatment for her eating disorder, people are making disparaging comments about bariatric surgery. They don't realize that I'm getting ready to have it done, but the comments are pretty snarky. The prevailing opinion that it's "the easy way out" and that losing weight is simply a matter of making different choices.
I'm just wondering if others have encountered such a double standard? It makes me sad, but unfortunately not surprised. There is such a stigma associated with being overweight, and it just doesn't seem to be there for being underweight. Thoughts or comments?
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