Ask me how I lost weight, please!!

I work in a large high-rise building and every morning I see the same cast of characters in the lobby and elevators.  One of the women I usually see is about the same weight I was when I was pre-op. We've never met, but we've exchanged glances.....you know the type of fellow-fat-girl glance???  Like you're kind of being checked out to see what fat-girl clothes you're wearing or something???? You know how us women check each other out.

Anyhow since surgery I've wondered if she notices me getting smaller, and if she's curious...I wish I could talk to her!!!!  I know how I would respond though if someone had approached me and told me to have WLS, I would have been pissed!!!!!!

I stood next to her this morning waiting for the elevator...felt her looking at me. I wondered what she was thinking....

So my question is, have you shared with strangers about your surgery??  I'll talk to anyone who will ask, but I wish there was a way to tell someone like the elevator girl, I feel like I know her even though I don't.

....could you say a little prayer for her that we'll get to meet somehow?? thanks.

Next time you see her smile and say "Hi" that way it gives her a chance to strike up a conversation and maybe ask about your wls.

Hi Monica! Hope you're having a killer week... I get the same feelings about sharing with people... but since I've been "normal" weight for a few years now it's kind of wierd - even if it's someone that I know. I don't hide the fact that I had surgery - in fact, it comes up pretty quick in conversations with new friends - not that I jump on new friends and say GUESS WHAT I DID!... but if it comes up I do talk about it. I don't think i've ever talked to strangers about it... I'm a chicken - I'm extremely shy even with people I know. If you've done the comparing thing then start saying hi to her when you see her and see if you can make a new friend - it will probably come out through that friendship. C h e e r s, gene

I only tell people who ask. I also would have had a negative reaction if someone had approached me about weight loss surgery when I was at 500 pounds. Hell, I almost got in a fight with a guy who approached me with a big a$$ button that said "I lost weight, ask me how." For those people who are genuinely interested with how I lost weight, I tell them. For those that want more information, I give them my email address. I have had a few people who have given me a stupid smirk when I reveal the secret to my weight loss. Luckily, the conversation ended there. I don't see myself being too patient debating someone about whether surgery was the easy way out. Take care, Ben

I've shared with a few and in this case of your lobby friend.  Just say hi next time and start a daily lobby conversation.  That will lead to other things cause you are just to darn adorable to not get to know... Ms Shell

Here's praying that the Lord provides a "divine encounter" with this woman, Monica...

I know what you mean...that feeling...it's almost evangelistic... you want to share the good news with everyone!!

xoxo

Lori

I actually had a stranger approach me once when I was pre-op. At the time I wasn't even considering the surgery. But this woman came up to me when I was on vacation, at a pool, no less. She was all excited about her surgery, and I certainly understand her excitement now. It really killed my vacation mood.

Maybe just say Hi when you see her. We're so invisible when we're at our largest that just a hello might break the ice, you know? When she sees you shrinking and is at that point where she wants to do something about her own weight and asks, then you could share.

Lisa

I myself would talk to anyone who would listen but weight is such a sensitive subject. I have told everyone in my life about this surgery and I often find myself wanting to strike up a conversation with a big-girl just for this reason. I am almost three-months post-op and my weight loss has been SSSSLLLLLOOOOOOWWWWW people in my building are starting to notice and they are asking me....it is weird and good all at the same time if you get my drift. Say hi to her next time and maybe you will get the opportunity to chat with her. I will send prayers to you and her. T

Monica.. I agree.. with everyone.. I mean I really didnt tell anyone at my job .. but people noticed and asked how I was doing it.. an eventually.. word got around.. and little by little people asked me directlly.. even a woman who I NEVER talked to .. she was curious and we have begun to chat about a bunch of stuff now.. including surgery..

Hi Monica I gotta agree with the rest - say "hi" to her tomorrow (or when you see her) and just strike up a general chit chat conversation - once she feels comfortable she will open up.   I am one of those that will talk and talk to anyone that wants to listen - I am so happy with my WLS - and feel so successful that I want to shout it from the roof tops.  But, as you, if someone would have talked to me about it before I was ready I probably would have been very defensive. We have to be ready to take this step and when she is, if she ever is, she will talk. And to those that think its the easy way out - I say, walk a day in my shoes, both before surgery and since - then we will have the conversation again.... love you girl - you look so awesome. See ya soon