5 years out from VSG update and encouragement!

I'm so glad my experience could be helpful! As far as telling people, this is such a personal journey. It is really no one's damn business. Just google some other surgery in the abdominal area and use that as a cover story. Another reason I didn't tell very many people is I was afraid some wouldn't be supportive, but I was more afraid that others would police me, which I hate. If I happened to enjoy a treat, I didn't want anyone asking me, "should you be eating that?" 

As for regaining, this is how I feel. Before surgery, I was someone who would gain no matter what I did, how little I ate or how much I exercised. I felt so hopeless. Now, after the first year or so, I just feel like the playing field has been leveled. Now, like most people, I gain weight if I'm inactive or eating garbage, but I can now make lifestyle changes that actually do help. Before, nothing I did really ever helped past 10lbs or so. I think what is more harmful than a few pounds is getting really down on yourself and feeling horrible. That won't help you eat better or go to the gym. 

I should also mention, in terms of eating, that when I said "low carb," I actually mean something more like "slow carb." Again, everyone is different, but I still eat smaller quantities of lentils and whole grains like bulgur and quinoa. Other than milk in coffee or tea, I never ever drink calories (no juice, soda, etc) which I think is really helpful because most drinks are just sugar. 

It is a personal but my family would never forgive me if I hadn't told them anf god forbid something happened to me I'm the youngest girl and I love them and care about them so I just felt obligated to let them know and like I said some agree and some dont but it isnt for them to decide.  I appreciate the advice about drinks but I will be drinking for a good bit until I'm on solids but I will keep that in mind for my future menu.  I can live with milk coffee tea or water for drinks.

I agree that your personal medical history is your business, and you can decide what to disclose.

However, I disagree with your suggestion to "google some other surgery" and use that as a cover story.  That's a bold faced lie.

There is criticism from some people for those of us who have had WLS.  I personally believe that covering up what we do and hiding it reinforces the shame factor that others try to push on us.  People's opinions will not change until we change the perception of our decision to surgically alter our bodies because we cannot control our weight.    

I personally don't care what anyone thinks of my decision.  I've been completely open about it to everyone.  As far as people policing what I eat, it never happens.  How others treat you is based on what you allow.  That **** won't fly with me because I won't tolerate it.

I congratulate you on your success, but disagree on this particular issue.

Same here. I either tell people the truth, or tell them it's not their business. And no one cares what I eat, or how much. The world really doesn't revolve around me that way.

I agree with you, Mo, if someone wants to do a Star Jones or Aretha Franklin, they should go ahead.   Everyone knew they were lying when they dropped 100-200lbs in a year but actively denied having WLS.  They were both proved to be liars and ended up looking ridiculous.

If asked, I am happy to share but honestly, Noone cares once you are a few years out, and certainly very few people care about what or how much I'm eating - I'm really not that special.  

Not drawing attention to yourself or making a drama out of these things are your friend if you want people to respect you and your boundaries.  I'm like you, Mo, Noone has ever asked me inappropriate questions - I don't invite unsolicited opinions or advice from family, friends or strangers!

So, those other questions I asked you weren't inappropriate?

Yep, exactly. Not a single person finds me interesting enough to cate what I eat or what surgery I had. I can be a scary ***** so that probably helps.

You don't scare me.

 Say it isn't so.

Don't make me break out the big guns: I'll post a picture of what the previous owners of my house did to the hardwood floors.

Meaniepants.