Dear Abby's take on Weight Loss Surgery

 What do you think about her response?



DEAR ABBY: I am an obese woman who had the lap band procedure done three months ago. I am now able to eat only three or four ounces of food at a time, and I am starting to show some major weight loss.

 

What do I say to people with whom I go out to eat when they think I am being finicky or snobbish for not eating my entire meal? I have gotten some pretty weird stares, and one of my co-workers believes I have an eating disorder.  

Abby, I would prefer not to come out and say that I have had weight-loss surgery, but I don't want people worried about me either. Any suggestions? -- MINI-ME IN TEXAS

DEAR MINI-YOU: So many people in this country have serious weight problems, I see no reason why you shouldn't be frank about what you decided to do about yours. It's not shameful, and it should not be a guilty secret. People who know you well will find out eventually.

However, if you are determined not to reveal that you had the surgery, when you eat out in restaurants, order only an appetizer. That way less food will remain on your plate.
 

I kind of had the same issue, but I just control who I go out with and where I go to eat. Everything is in a decision.

What else could she say when asked what this person would do?  I'd probably also say that if you're so worried about what people think...tell them.   This summer I spent 2 weeks in Vegas with my co-workers which required that we have dinner together.  We were served excellent meals from the Caesar's staff that my co-workers wolfed down...I on the other hand always had to pick at mine.  If anyone thought anything about it, they were too mature to question me and I personally didn't care. 

It was also a good suggestion to order the appetizer as well especially if you're eating something that won't travel well.  I love pasta but can eat very little.  I've been to a couple of restaurant where the wait staff questioned me as to the quality of the food because very little was eaten. 

As for automatically revealing your WLS because people will find out, that I don't agree with because as with any medical procedure it's nobody's business but my own. 

I think it's good advice. I also think whoever she's having dinner with is an ass. I eat out all the time with people that don't know about my surgery and hardly ever get any comments. I had one friend say that she needed to follow my eating styles. She did notice that I was eating a little bit, but I'm also smaller so it fits when I say that I'm watching my portions and cutting back carbs. I think 3-4 ozs isn't really that lil of food to be stared at. My skinny minny friends eat very little, and thats how they stay little. Maybe her friends should stop stuffing thier faces LOL

OMG!!  Funny you post this - I was so hot, I wrote TO that heffa today for the first time!!!  LOL

I don't think her advice was good about telling folk - regardless of known weight issues 'these days' - mofos have opinions about WLS.  I am comfortable with my decision - but I don't always tell folk - EVEN though I have been in the newletter and calendar for my program.

REASON - I am in the Health and Fitness industry.  I attended a trade show for a well known Gym chain and there was OPEN and FRANK discussion and put down of WLS...... my company is a vendor for the chain - so ain't no WAY I am going to defend it in THAT forum........

The appetizer option is sound advice - but she was off the mark on being frank..... unless she was suggesting a name change..... JMO 

I was more concerned with the Dear Abby letter than the her response.

Lapband surgery three months ago does not equal only being able to eat 3 to 4 oz of food at a time.

Lapband surgery three months ago does not equal to some major weight loss.

Lapband surgery 3 months ago, does not make one not able to eat in front of folks (my opinion)

ok, i am done, i guess that just rubbed me the wrong way, like someone who didn't have the surgery fishing for information...grrrrr.

I agree..it didnt hit me right either on the ozs part with the l-band............  somebody playing around with Abby....

I too eat what a fewer people of choice so that I don't have to explain my eating habit.  When I eat I will eat a cup of something soup/beans and learn to order appetizer.  I was question about not have water on the table are not order and drink the waitress was worried.  We was a way from home so I just told her to bring be a 1/2 glass of ice so when it was time for me to me able to eat.  I would have a little to drink after 30 minutes.
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