Oprah Winfrey is known for sharing many parts of her personal life, including her battle with weight loss. Now she says she’s “done with the shaming” and has admitted to using weight-loss injectables. While weight-loss drugs and injectables can be an effective short-term strategy, the long-term success and safety are still being researched and is unknown. 

Oprah added that she struggled with her weight for five decades and originally avoided using weight-loss injectables, trying to lose weight on her own. She then came to realize it could be a tool in her weight-loss journey. "The fact that there's a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift, and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for. I’m absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself."

Shaming Effects

Oprah is just one of many people who suffer from the shame surrounding excess weight and weight loss. The team at New York Bariatric Group says there is a misconception that obesity is a lifestyle choice or a lack of willpower, adding that when the world accepts the fact that obesity is a disease, the shame will start to dissipate.

Weight shaming can be very harmful for patients trying to lose weight:

  • It can delay treatment as patients try to do it on their own.
  • It can lead patients to seek medications in unsafe ways because they are too embarrassed to ask medical professionals for help.

NYBG says patients are sometimes shamed for using injectables because others may feel it’s the easy way out of treating their obesity. Patients struggling with weight loss can experience many emotions including:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Body shaming
  • Body dysmorphia 

Speaking with psychologists trained in obesity can be helpful.  Support groups are also a great way to feel validated.  While online support groups are convenient and can be helpful, be sure to discuss any questions you have with your doctor, as many mistruths can be passed along on social media. 

New York Bariatric Group: Weight Loss Leader 

NYBG is the leader in comprehensive weight-loss solutions. We are a one-stop shop, offering long-term weight-loss surgery as well as medically-supervised weight loss such as medications and injectables. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to losing weight. At NYBG, we work with you to customize a weight-loss program that will work best for you. 

Weight-loss drugs and injectables have been shown to be an effective short-term strategy, but the long term effects and safety is still unknown. With our Medical Weight Loss Program the ongoing supervision allows doctors to make necessary adjustments to a patient’s treatment plan based on their progress and changes to their health. 

Weight-loss surgery is the only proven long-term weight-loss solution. With decades of research, patients have seen sustainable weight loss. We offer multiple weight-loss surgery procedures and our doctors will work with you to find the right option.

Our practice is the best around: 

  • Over 30 surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics, plastic surgery, veins, and medical weight loss.
  • 42,000 successful procedures performed with more every day
    The #1 gastric balloon practice by volume – most balloons placed in the United States
  • Access to online seminars, support groups, cooking demos, and Q-and-A sessions
  • 100s of videos for patients explaining procedures, answering common questions, and
    showcasing previous patients
  • Multiple offices located in three states; NY, NJ, CT
  • Offering in-person and virtual consultations
  • Since 2000, we boast over 23 years of success!

All of our hospitals are Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) accredited facilities, which is a prestigious designation bestowed upon only the top-quality bariatric programs.

Stop waiting; start achieving better health today. Together, we’ve got this!


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Weight-Loss Shame & Oprah: Breaking Down the Barriers

Thomas

lost 145lbs

Thomas' success story

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

5.0

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

Listen to Thomas’ testimonial

Nicole

lost 76lbs

Nicole's success story

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

5.0

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

Listen to Nicole’s testimonial

Robert

lost 76lbs

Robert's success story

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

5.0

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

Listen to Robert’s testimonial

Samantha

lost 92lbs

Samantha's success story

I feel like a completely different person.

5.0

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

Listen to Samantha’s testimonial

Eileen

lost 99lbs

Eileen's success story

It saved my life.

5.0

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

Listen to Eileen’s testimonial

Brittany

lost 126lbs

Brittany's success story

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

5.0

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

Listen to Brittany’s testimonial

Desiree

lost 157lbs

Desiree's success story

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

5.0

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.

Listen to Desiree’s testimonial

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