My 600 LB life
elphie754
Posts: 7,574 Member
Any one else watch this show? I have to say, I learned alot from the doctor. I also like that he doesn't sugar coat things.
You opinions?
You opinions?
8
Replies
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I've watched it - most of them, if not all, have a lot more issues going on than just eating too much food.6
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Ready2Rock206 wrote: »I've watched it - most of them, if not all, have a lot more issues going on than just eating too much food.
Very true and I sometimes feel really bad for them.3 -
Ready2Rock206 wrote: »I've watched it - most of them, if not all, have a lot more issues going on than just eating too much food.
Yeah. Most of these people are emotional wrecks, and just use food as an outlet.3 -
Samesies. I watch it because it reminds me of where I was headed. A family friend (I called her Auntie) was in a similar situation as these patients, and died in her 40s as a direct result of her obesity. There's no reason I shouldn't have ended up that way.
It also reaffirms the fact that, while rearranging your organs in such a way as weight loss surgery can bring you back from death's door, it won't fix what makes you eat, ultimately wont prevent you from eating the same amount of calories you were before, and is far from the "quick fix" or "easy way out" that wls patients are accused of using it for, or that some wls patients actually view it as. I think more than once, the patient had all the right answers for Dr. Now's question of "what do you think the surgery will do for you," and he remarked that the patient was telling him what they thought he wanted to hear. I can't say specifically whether it wound up being true or not, but it's something that has to be considered by any surgeon, rather than just giving them an A+ and pushing them through. I have to wonder how many are guilty of this, considering how many wls patients come on to MFP looking for help when they're fresh out of surgery and seem to have no idea how to eat.
I think it should be required watching for prospective wls patients so that they fully understand the reality of what surgery can and can't do.8 -
PaulaWallaDingDong wrote: »Samesies. I watch it because it reminds me of where I was headed. A family friend (I called her Auntie) was in a similar situation as these patients, and died in her 40s as a direct result of her obesity. There's no reason I shouldn't have ended up that way.
It also reaffirms the fact that, while rearranging your organs in such a way as weight loss surgery can bring you back from death's door, it won't fix what makes you eat, ultimately wont prevent you from eating the same amount of calories you were before, and is far from the "quick fix" or "easy way out" that wls patients are accused of using it for, or that some wls patients actually view it as. I think more than once, the patient had all the right answers for Dr. Now's question of "what do you think the surgery will do for you," and he remarked that the patient was telling him what they thought he wanted to hear. I can't say specifically whether it wound up being true or not, but it's something that has to be considered by any surgeon, rather than just giving them an A+ and pushing them through. I have to wonder how many are guilty of this, considering how many wls patients come on to MFP looking for help when they're fresh out of surgery and seem to have no idea how to eat.
I think it should be required watching for prospective wls patients so that they fully understand the reality of what surgery can and can't do.
Not sure I agree with showing it to potential wls patients. From what I have seen, most of them don't follow the plans they are given and have such a poor attitude about every thing.2 -
I watched a season and liked it. I like transformation stories. It was interesting that in every show I saw the patients went through a period of denial and non-compliance before, in all cases but one (looking at you, Penny), they got their acts together.
I am for WLS in cases like I saw in the show. It was often literally life-saving. I'm not sure where my cut off point is, but when people have only 100 or so pounds to lose, I see not having WLS as a better option.5 -
PaulaWallaDingDong wrote: »Samesies. I watch it because it reminds me of where I was headed. A family friend (I called her Auntie) was in a similar situation as these patients, and died in her 40s as a direct result of her obesity. There's no reason I shouldn't have ended up that way.
It also reaffirms the fact that, while rearranging your organs in such a way as weight loss surgery can bring you back from death's door, it won't fix what makes you eat, ultimately wont prevent you from eating the same amount of calories you were before, and is far from the "quick fix" or "easy way out" that wls patients are accused of using it for, or that some wls patients actually view it as. I think more than once, the patient had all the right answers for Dr. Now's question of "what do you think the surgery will do for you," and he remarked that the patient was telling him what they thought he wanted to hear. I can't say specifically whether it wound up being true or not, but it's something that has to be considered by any surgeon, rather than just giving them an A+ and pushing them through. I have to wonder how many are guilty of this, considering how many wls patients come on to MFP looking for help when they're fresh out of surgery and seem to have no idea how to eat.
I think it should be required watching for prospective wls patients so that they fully understand the reality of what surgery can and can't do.
Not sure I agree with showing it to potential wls patients. From what I have seen, most of them don't follow the plans they are given and have such a poor attitude about every thing.
I see it as a way to learn from their (for lack of a better term) failures. If you're going to have the surgery, try to spot these behaviors in yourself and make the most of it.1 -
I've always felt weird about it because it seemed to--not glamorize, that's the wrong word--but make these poor people who obviously are dealing with other major issues into a carnival freak show. TLC is great at making people a spectacle which has always made me kind of sad. I've felt like a lot of the producers of the show give it the angle of these are poor, sad, fat people who just can't seem to get their life together and need a piano box for a coffin. I don't watch those shows a lot because of that, but the ones I've seen never have much of a positive ending. Which I guess can happen if you spend your life at 600 pounds, but I'd rather see a show that's empowering and not sensationalizing.1
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There's a British version called Fat Doctor that's on YouTube that I can't stop watching, but it is geared specifically around people having bariatric surgery. I love the surgeon, he's so nice!2
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Nope, not interested.1
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I've never seen it, but I have watched "Hoarders," and I would imagine that there are some similar psychological issues there. I love watching that show because I find it to be educational. I think a lot of us who lead a more "normal" life tend to have just a little bit of some of those psychological issues at times.... or, perhaps there have been times when we could have gone down that path.1
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I am a WLS patient but had never seen the show until a few days ago, after my surgery. I had mixed feelings about it. I'm glad I hadn't seen it before, because I would have said to myself "I'm not as bad off as they are, I don't really need the surgery like they do." That may not be logical, but I would have said that and never looked into it, and nothing would have changed.
My surgeon brought up the show in our first consultation, he said that those people are surrounded by enablers and have other emotional issues that contribute to their weight, and without additional help in those areas, they are not likely to be successful. I looked at him blankly since I'd never even heard of the show at that point, but after seeing it I agree with him.
Also agree with the above poster about TLC (and many other reality shows) making people into a carnival freak show.
Previously I had been very dedicated to MFP, tracked every single calorie, and went to the gym sometimes twice a day. I lost 13 pounds in a year and a half before I quit out of discouragement. Now working with the surgeon's office and adhering to a strict diet, I've lost 52 pounds since August. The surgery isn't right for everyone, but I do think it was the right choice for me. As for the people on that show, I hope they get the extra help they need beyond just surgery.2 -
PaulaWallaDingDong wrote: »PaulaWallaDingDong wrote: »Samesies. I watch it because it reminds me of where I was headed. A family friend (I called her Auntie) was in a similar situation as these patients, and died in her 40s as a direct result of her obesity. There's no reason I shouldn't have ended up that way.
It also reaffirms the fact that, while rearranging your organs in such a way as weight loss surgery can bring you back from death's door, it won't fix what makes you eat, ultimately wont prevent you from eating the same amount of calories you were before, and is far from the "quick fix" or "easy way out" that wls patients are accused of using it for, or that some wls patients actually view it as. I think more than once, the patient had all the right answers for Dr. Now's question of "what do you think the surgery will do for you," and he remarked that the patient was telling him what they thought he wanted to hear. I can't say specifically whether it wound up being true or not, but it's something that has to be considered by any surgeon, rather than just giving them an A+ and pushing them through. I have to wonder how many are guilty of this, considering how many wls patients come on to MFP looking for help when they're fresh out of surgery and seem to have no idea how to eat.
I think it should be required watching for prospective wls patients so that they fully understand the reality of what surgery can and can't do.
Not sure I agree with showing it to potential wls patients. From what I have seen, most of them don't follow the plans they are given and have such a poor attitude about every thing.
I see it as a way to learn from their (for lack of a better term) failures. If you're going to have the surgery, try to spot these behaviors in yourself and make the most of it.
Good point. Didn't think about that.I've always felt weird about it because it seemed to--not glamorize, that's the wrong word--but make these poor people who obviously are dealing with other major issues into a carnival freak show. TLC is great at making people a spectacle which has always made me kind of sad. I've felt like a lot of the producers of the show give it the angle of these are poor, sad, fat people who just can't seem to get their life together and need a piano box for a coffin. I don't watch those shows a lot because of that, but the ones I've seen never have much of a positive ending. Which I guess can happen if you spend your life at 600 pounds, but I'd rather see a show that's empowering and not sensationalizing.
I agree and disagree. They weren't forced to be on the show and I believe TLC covers their medical expenses/travel arrangements. Honestly, it is kind of like a train wreak that you cant look away from.I've never seen it, but I have watched "Hoarders," and I would imagine that there are some similar psychological issues there. I love watching that show because I find it to be educational. I think a lot of us who lead a more "normal" life tend to have just a little bit of some of those psychological issues at times.... or, perhaps there have been times when we could have gone down that path.
Not to sound rude or judgemental, but whenever I see hoarders, both in person (Come across it a lot at work) or TV, I can't help but think OMG how the hell do they live like that. I know there are psychological issues at play, but I still can't see living in filth, especially old
Food wrappers.
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AllisonMart wrote: »I am a WLS patient but had never seen the show until a few days ago, after my surgery. I had mixed feelings about it. I'm glad I hadn't seen it before, because I would have said to myself "I'm not as bad off as they are, I don't really need the surgery like they do." That may not be logical, but I would have said that and never looked into it, and nothing would have changed.
My surgeon brought up the show in our first consultation, he said that those people are surrounded by enablers and have other emotional issues that contribute to their weight, and without additional help in those areas, they are not likely to be successful. I looked at him blankly since I'd never even heard of the show at that point, but after seeing it I agree with him.
Also agree with the above poster about TLC (and many other reality shows) making people into a carnival freak show.
Previously I had been very dedicated to MFP, tracked every single calorie, and went to the gym sometimes twice a day. I lost 13 pounds in a year and a half before I quit out of discouragement. Now working with the surgeon's office and adhering to a strict diet, I've lost 52 pounds since August. The surgery isn't right for everyone, but I do think it was the right choice for me. As for the people on that show, I hope they get the extra help they need beyond just surgery.
Glad to hear that it is working for you. I wish there were more success stories like yours.0 -
We have watched a few of the older shows....and kind of felt like it was the whole "watching a train wreck" scenario....you want to look away but you just can't.
I also feel that sometimes this show and the other one, Supersize v's Superskinny waste a lot of time in sensationalism rather than using air time to tackle just how the reasons for obesity can be incredibly diverse and complex.
I do enjoy watching documentaries about health, obesity and weight loss, including that Sugar Film, Lustig et al, Forks over Knives and Supersize Me. They were all interesting, challenging with diverse and often conflicting view points than my own but that makes me want to go off and research and learn more and more.
Most recently the Autopsy one made a definite impact on me. It caused me to have a big reality check as she died at a similar age to me and at my heaviest I weighed 126 kgs....she was 'only' 107 kgs. Eeek!!! It even made me go back and look at old photos to compare and vow once again that "There but for the Grace of who ever may I never get that big again."
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I watch that show and this may sound wrong. But I watch it as motivation to stay on track with my weight loss. I never want to get that out of control.6
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I watch that show and this may sound wrong. But I watch it as motivation to stay on track with my weight loss. I never want to get that out of control.
I used to use it that way too.
This is going to sound absolutely terrible on a site where there are a lot of obese people but when I'm feeling down/messed up and what not, I watch similar shows and tell myself well at least I didn't screw up as bad as they did.4 -
I've watched a couple episodes and I was surprised at the family/friends around them buying all the food when the folks couldn't walk.
I honestly don't know what I would do if my family member couldn't walk and I was in charge of getting them food. I would like to think I wouldn't bring them tons of food, but I'm not in that position so it may be easier said than done? idk
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I've never seen it, but I have watched "Hoarders," and I would imagine that there are some similar psychological issues there. I love watching that show because I find it to be educational. I think a lot of us who lead a more "normal" life tend to have just a little bit of some of those psychological issues at times.... or, perhaps there have been times when we could have gone down that path.
I got irrationally angry when I watched Hoarders. So I stopped watching it. The psychologists who start working with these people have the patience of a saint. I'd be like, "Just throw all the effing crap out already, you moron!" When you start finding dead animals in the rubble I wanna throat punch someone.
Yeah, so I stopped watching.
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leanjogreen18 wrote: »I've watched a couple episodes and I was surprised at the family/friends around them buying all the food when the folks couldn't walk.
I honestly don't know what I would do if my family member couldn't walk and I was in charge of getting them food. I would like to think I wouldn't bring them tons of food, but I'm not in that position so it may be easier said than done? idk
I agree and that is the one thing that really gets to me about this show. You have a person who can't even walk because are too obese. Why would you constantly cave and buy them whatever they want? If their enablers weren't there, they'd have to learn how to do things on their own or just deal with it.1 -
I watch that show and this may sound wrong. But I watch it as motivation to stay on track with my weight loss. I never want to get that out of control.
I used to use it that way too.
This is going to sound absolutely terrible on a site where there are a lot of obese people but when I'm feeling down/messed up and what not, I watch similar shows and tell myself well at least I didn't screw up as bad as they did.
Oh Gawd @elphie754.....Girl, I am exactly the same as you and Yeah I kind of feel guilty too but it does help me get out of the funk I'm in and be grateful for the blessings I have.....so there is a positive spin off.1 -
snickerscharlie wrote: »I've never seen it, but I have watched "Hoarders," and I would imagine that there are some similar psychological issues there. I love watching that show because I find it to be educational. I think a lot of us who lead a more "normal" life tend to have just a little bit of some of those psychological issues at times.... or, perhaps there have been times when we could have gone down that path.
I got irrationally angry when I watched Hoarders. So I stopped watching it. The psychologists who start working with these people have the patience of a saint. I'd be like, "Just throw all the effing crap out already, you moron!" When you start finding dead animals in the rubble I wanna throat punch someone.
Yeah, so I stopped watching.
Ugh!!!! That's nasty. Like I said, if they want keep things of sentimental value-sure why not. And yes I realize there are psych issues there, but why in the hell do theyneed to keep empty food wrappers and not throw those out?1 -
snickerscharlie wrote: »I've never seen it, but I have watched "Hoarders," and I would imagine that there are some similar psychological issues there. I love watching that show because I find it to be educational. I think a lot of us who lead a more "normal" life tend to have just a little bit of some of those psychological issues at times.... or, perhaps there have been times when we could have gone down that path.
I got irrationally angry when I watched Hoarders. So I stopped watching it. The psychologists who start working with these people have the patience of a saint. I'd be like, "Just throw all the effing crap out already, you moron!" When you start finding dead animals in the rubble I wanna throat punch someone.
Yeah, so I stopped watching.
I so understand you!!! This one episode a painting was buried under literal crap and the homeowner got upset angry even that a gloved person picked it up and actually touched her beloved painting made me stop watching.
I get its a real thing but boy is it hard to understand (at least for me).
ETA - I usually have the patience of Job when it comes to people and their "things".1 -
snickerscharlie wrote: »I've never seen it, but I have watched "Hoarders," and I would imagine that there are some similar psychological issues there. I love watching that show because I find it to be educational. I think a lot of us who lead a more "normal" life tend to have just a little bit of some of those psychological issues at times.... or, perhaps there have been times when we could have gone down that path.
I got irrationally angry when I watched Hoarders. So I stopped watching it. The psychologists who start working with these people have the patience of a saint. I'd be like, "Just throw all the effing crap out already, you moron!" When you start finding dead animals in the rubble I wanna throat punch someone.
Yeah, so I stopped watching.
Hoarders was the last show on that channel I managed to watch. I had pretty much the same reaction you did.
IRT "My 600 Pound Life", I'd watch if it were being produced by a different network.0 -
GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »snickerscharlie wrote: »I've never seen it, but I have watched "Hoarders," and I would imagine that there are some similar psychological issues there. I love watching that show because I find it to be educational. I think a lot of us who lead a more "normal" life tend to have just a little bit of some of those psychological issues at times.... or, perhaps there have been times when we could have gone down that path.
I got irrationally angry when I watched Hoarders. So I stopped watching it. The psychologists who start working with these people have the patience of a saint. I'd be like, "Just throw all the effing crap out already, you moron!" When you start finding dead animals in the rubble I wanna throat punch someone.
Yeah, so I stopped watching.
Hoarders was the last show on that channel I managed to watch. I had pretty much the same reaction you did.
IRT "My 600 Pound Life", I'd watch if it were being produced by a different network.
Yeah, I also kind of hate TLC, but the show fascinates me. That doctor is straight forward and tells things they way they are without sugar coating things.0 -
GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »snickerscharlie wrote: »I've never seen it, but I have watched "Hoarders," and I would imagine that there are some similar psychological issues there. I love watching that show because I find it to be educational. I think a lot of us who lead a more "normal" life tend to have just a little bit of some of those psychological issues at times.... or, perhaps there have been times when we could have gone down that path.
I got irrationally angry when I watched Hoarders. So I stopped watching it. The psychologists who start working with these people have the patience of a saint. I'd be like, "Just throw all the effing crap out already, you moron!" When you start finding dead animals in the rubble I wanna throat punch someone.
Yeah, so I stopped watching.
Hoarders was the last show on that channel I managed to watch. I had pretty much the same reaction you did.
IRT "My 600 Pound Life", I'd watch if it were being produced by a different network.
Yeah, I also kind of hate TLC, but the show fascinates me. That doctor is straight forward and tells things they way they are without sugar coating things.
Funny thing is coming from a guy in a white coat its acceptable. Lots of folks here says things straight forward and get called names:).3 -
leanjogreen18 wrote: »GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »snickerscharlie wrote: »I've never seen it, but I have watched "Hoarders," and I would imagine that there are some similar psychological issues there. I love watching that show because I find it to be educational. I think a lot of us who lead a more "normal" life tend to have just a little bit of some of those psychological issues at times.... or, perhaps there have been times when we could have gone down that path.
I got irrationally angry when I watched Hoarders. So I stopped watching it. The psychologists who start working with these people have the patience of a saint. I'd be like, "Just throw all the effing crap out already, you moron!" When you start finding dead animals in the rubble I wanna throat punch someone.
Yeah, so I stopped watching.
Hoarders was the last show on that channel I managed to watch. I had pretty much the same reaction you did.
IRT "My 600 Pound Life", I'd watch if it were being produced by a different network.
Yeah, I also kind of hate TLC, but the show fascinates me. That doctor is straight forward and tells things they way they are without sugar coating things.
Funny thing is coming from a guy in a white coat its acceptable. Lots of folks here says things straight forward and get called names:).
But but but.... he's a doctor and we're not so obviously we have no idea what we're are taking about (sarcasm).3 -
I used to watch. It's clear that it's more than an eating problem. It's made me less judgemental IRL when I see obese people. I have no idea what their stories are, why they eat what or as much as they do, or where they are in their life. Maybe I see a 450lb person who clearly needs to lose weight. But maybe they were 500 or 600 lbs, and they're working on it. I don't know. It reminds me to see the person inside all of that weight. Besides, "there, but for the grace of God, go I." Sound sanctimonious, I know, but really, I could be there with enough emotional baggage...6
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girlwithcurls2 wrote: »I used to watch. It's clear that it's more than an eating problem. It's made me less judgemental IRL when I see obese people. I have no idea what their stories are, why they eat what or as much as they do, or where they are in their life. Maybe I see a 450lb person who clearly needs to lose weight. But maybe they were 500 or 600 lbs, and they're working on it. I don't know. It reminds me to see the person inside all of that weight. Besides, "there, but for the grace of God, go I." Sound sanctimonious, I know, but really, I could be there with enough emotional baggage...
I agree with it being more than just an eating problem. I actually like the fact that they make most of them see a therapist or psychiatrist.
I try not the be judgemental either, but it can hard. I've learned to bite my tongue and not say what I'm thinking out loud.1
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