I was asked today......

Hello my  lovely friends!

Sooooooo I am just about a year out...lost over a hundred pounds...feel amazing..(look amazing??!!!) and am generally happier, healthier and in a bettter place than I was last year...

So a co-worker was annoyed last year when I just told everyone I was having surgery and didn't tell them for what...this year there was a few snide remarks made...Long story short--I took the high road and said to another co-worker "If anyone really wants to know what my surgery was for all they have to do is ask me....."  Three months later the question was finally asked by the co-worker who was mad that I didn't tell her in the first place.....today she wanted to know how I did it.  LOL

I said "I had surgery because I was in a very dangerous and unhealthy place. My blood pressure was skyrocketing, my cholestrol unhealthy, and my back, hips, and knees were killing me.  I did not want to have a heart attack or stroke before 35 and we want to have a baby...in order to do that I had to take control of my health.  Surgery was the answer."

She wanted to know if I can eat normal foods...I said "Yes and no.  I stay away from carbs and sugar and eat small portions throughout the day. "

Then she asked if I excersised...again in a very polite way I answered"Yes...I do the treadmill everynight for an hour and we have weights and I have my dvds...It is a complete life style change and a mental change as well"

She seemed to be content know that she knew...but I still get the feeling that after I left she did one of those AHA! I knew she had to have had the surgery comments...but that could just be me being insecure or stupid.

  I feel better...like some big dark secret is out...I mean my family knew and my friends but I just never said anything at work about it....But it is like the new me just lets these things roll of her back and I am moving forward in my life..even if I do have moments of insecurity and doubt....What would you guys have done in the situation????????

Thanks as always for hearing me out!!

Much luv!!
Laura

I think that you handled it teriffically!!! Graet work!

Thanks Liz!!! And CONGRATS to you and your husband!!!! I bet you are glowing!!! I wish you much baby joy!!!!

Thanks Laura!!! I sure am - especially when I get sleep! lol

You handled that very well, and its a very individual and personal decision as to who we tell about our surgeries - I told everybody and still do - I have no qualms about it and if people don't like it then tough sh*t - its my body, not theirs.

I do think the things you told her were wonderful - she is now educated to the fact that weight loss surgery is not an easy way out - we have to work at i****ch what we eat - and exercise. Its funny because that's probably the biggest question I get - do I exercise. I'm sure some people think 'well if she can do that now why couldn't she do it before' but again, its my body, not theirs.

Don't ever doubt yourself for having this surgery- like you said, it saved your life. And that's what its all about.

Kathy

You did just fine.  And her questions were reasonable.  It's a fabulous way to explain the process and to drive home the fact that yes, surgery is not THE answer, it is PART of the answer.

Did she probably say "Aha!"  Sadly, yes.  But you know what - who the hell cares.

You are an amazing woman who has been through a whole lot this year - and have continued successing.  You are reaping the benefits of your dedication and are a role model for so many on this board, myself included.

Cheers!

pam

Good job with your explanation.  Focusing on your health and well-being is the way to go when people want to know what's up.

I've told all of the women I work with (I work in a small office) that I am having WLS and when explaining, I have always focused strictly on the fact that I am doing this for health reasons. 

I've actually received very little negative feedback.  The only thing I have heard was "why don't you do the band? - it seems safer"   My answer to that, is that i don't want a "foreign body" inside of me. 

Lisa