To tell or not to tell?

Hi Laura: For my own accountability, I tell anyone who inquires about the obvious wt loss they can observe. Again, just for me...it keeps me on my program, and it opens doors for education. I have had many a discussion with people who know of a loved one having the surgery, etc, or considering it, and I have had some really cool discussions with people that may not have occurred had I said diet and exercise alone. Best to you, no matter what you tell anyone! Megan

I think when people ask "what are you doing?" they are asking because quite frankly we're all looking for the miracle cure to obesity.  The fact is that even the people we consider "thin" are most likely considered overweight - they just like us are trying to figure out how to get a handle on it.  So just remember that they're probably more curious for themselves than trying to be nosey. With that said, I don't think you owe anyone an explanation. If you're not comfortable with saying you had surgery then don't.  I'm on the other side of this - because I'm happy to tell ANYONE and EVERYONE that I had surgery and I don't really care what they think regardless!  But you're not lying if you say that you're "eating less" and "exercising more" - withholding some information in this case is NOT lying - you're simply choosing to not share your entire life with someone who is virtually a stranger to you. Good luck on this Laura!  Bummed I won't see you tonight!

Hi Laura~ IMHO, don't feel guilty about not being explicit about how you've losing weight. You are telling the truth when you say with diet and exercise. 'Nuff said. You're doing an awesome job, Laura! ((HUG)) **SUE**

Personally....I think I've told everyone!  Seriously I told a lady at Walmart that was looking at large clothes and needed me to read the sizes for her, she forgot her glasses and I could see she was struggling.  It just came up, she asked me to read a tag and said something about me not having to shop in the large section and I said..."Actually, I had a gastric bypass and it wasn't very long ago even the largest size here didn't really fit me."   Then we talked for a long time.  I'm with Lori, I'll tell anyone about my bowels and how they are working too.  Right Sandie!  LOL   It's your own choice on who you want to know.  Just remember....even when you asy that you are dieting and exercising you are NOT lying.  AT ALL! Do your patients tell you everything about their lives?  Doubt it. 

Laura, I have the same thoughts about not telling others. I think for now this is all too new to me and I just need to be focused on me. I really do not want the negativity that sometimes comes with when you tell someone you are having WLS. I think in time it will come and perhaps I will be more comfortable about it. I do tell people who are close to me and really that is all that really matters to me.  Best wishes.

You're not alone, I struggle with the same issue.   At work, I've only told my employees and my boss and tell anyone else that asks the same thing you do, diet and exercise.  It's our right to keep our medical procedures private and we are telling the truth.....it's hard work!!  That said, don't let your guilt get you in trouble, if it becomes overwhelming, you may want to admit to surgery. 

Why don't you tell people, I tell everyone! I'm glad that there were people out there that I was able to talk to and find information out about WLS and that there are doctors out there with this gift. I'm not embarrassed at all, I tell everyone. How else would I have lost 120lbs in 8 months? Most everyone that I work with for the last 12 years knew me as fat so when they started asking I told them and as a result of me talking 3 people have had the surgery and are doing great and other 2 people are going through the process to have the surgery.