New with Questions - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

~*LashSavvy*~ · 11-05-2009, 05:21 PM

Hi Everyone,

Glad to see so much support and good will on this site. It is very comforting and I am very thankful for a friend who referred me to it. With the advisement of my surgeon, I have selected the Vertical Sleeve WLS. Before I am assigned a surgery date, I must lose 10% of my body weight which equates to about 22 lbs.

I have 3 more lbs to lose and being that the holidays are now in full swing having a difficult time telling everyone at work, no thanks to all the goodies and potlucks. (It looks even more awkward when I bake for the potlucks, attend but don't eat). The excuse that I've found works the best is that I'm on a low carb diet, which is true, they just don't know why I'm on it. Few people have noticed that I've dropped 20 lbs in the past month and a half but I think its because its a sensitive subject to discuss in a professional environment. However, once I have the surgery and the weight loss becomes more dramatic and noticeable, how should I address it?

How have many of you addressed it? What if I don't want anyone knowing that I had the surgery?

I'm on the lighter end to qualify for this surgery and have already received plenty of crazy looks and questions regarding my need for WLS so I would like to keep it confidential.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Cheryl

poet_kelly · 11-05-2009, 05:30 PM

A lot of people just say something like "I'm eating smaller portions now" which is true. They just don't explain why they are eating smaller portions.

Kelly

Highlandlass · 11-05-2009, 05:54 PM

Yep, that would be my advice too - I'm just eating high protein meals and in smaller portions to be healthy. No one needs to know your business unless you want to tell them.

~*LashSavvy*~ · 11-06-2009, 10:01 AM

Thanks, Ladies.

Did either of you have to tell your work why you lost weight? Did a lot of people ask and speculate about it?

SweetP · 11-06-2009, 07:09 PM

I think you'll be safe just explaining that you're eating differently now to be healthy.

poet_kelly · 11-06-2009, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~*LashSavvy*~

Thanks, Ladies.

Did either of you have to tell your work why you lost weight? Did a lot of people ask and speculate about it?

I work from home as a freelance writer. I never see my editors. We mostly communicate by email, occasionally by phone. So they have no idea what I weight. I did tell them I was taking some time off to have surgery, but did not say what kind of surgery, and they did not ask. I know my situation is different than most people's.

I have run into some people on occasion since having surgery that I don't know very well that did not know I was having surgery and they have asked how I lost so much weight. I just tell them. I don't have a problem with people knowing. But I understand why some people prefer to keep it private.

People will probably ask you how you're doing it. And they may speculate. But it really is fine for you to just say you're eating smaller portions, you quit eating junk food, you're exercising, whatever. Those things will all be true, after all.

Kelly

Hychap2009 · 11-06-2009, 07:18 PM

Welcome to TT Cheryl

I'd go along with what most have said. I'm pre-op. and have not lost any weight as yet, but for the past 9 months or so, I've been to water aerobics, taken up some activities and even got my cousin to come along with me. I've chosen not to tell people outside of my immediate family and close friends, the ones I can trust. So my plan is that when I start losing weight it shouldn't be surprising to to anyone because they've seen my change of lifestyle.

Colleenbaid · 11-07-2009, 03:22 AM

Hi Cheryl I am post op about three years now and lost alot of weight I too was not telling anyone about my surgery as its very sensitive and to be honest now..i tell everyone because it changed my appearance so dramatically I am proud of who I am

I think you will feel differently when you have lost all that weight Look for changes in attitude which will amaze you .. you must remember you are going to have to alter your lifestyle too as you cant continue to think like a fat person anymore portions are radically smaller and emotions will come up so be prepared for that...best of luck to you..you deserve the best out of your young life

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~*LashSavvy*~

Hi Everyone,

Glad to see so much support and good will on this site. It is very comforting and I am very thankful for a friend who referred me to it. With the advisement of my surgeon, I have selected the Vertical Sleeve WLS. Before I am assigned a surgery date, I must lose 10% of my body weight which equates to about 22 lbs.

I have 3 more lbs to lose and being that the holidays are now in full swing having a difficult time telling everyone at work, no thanks to all the goodies and potlucks. (It looks even more awkward when I bake for the potlucks, attend but don't eat). The excuse that I've found works the best is that I'm on a low carb diet, which is true, they just don't know why I'm on it. Few people have noticed that I've dropped 20 lbs in the past month and a half but I think its because its a sensitive subject to discuss in a professional environment. However, once I have the surgery and the weight loss becomes more dramatic and noticeable, how should I address it?

How have many of you addressed it? What if I don't want anyone knowing that I had the surgery?

I'm on the lighter end to qualify for this surgery and have already received plenty of crazy looks and questions regarding my need for WLS so I would like to keep it confidential.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Cheryl