How open are you in real life about your wls?

Not losing like I expect to is a huge concern of mine too.  I think people knowing that I had wls could add pressure.  

At first I didn't tell anyone, because I'd gone through all the steps before and backed out.  I didn't want to say I was having surgery only to explain to everyone that I chickened out.  When I knew for sure I was having it, I told my mom, and my best friend.  My mom then went on to tell everyone she knew, which I knew she would so I shouldn't even be angry about it.

I'm a quiet person, and I usually don't announce things that I'm doing that only concern myself.  So I haven't out right told a lot of people.  But, if anyone were to ask if I had WLS, I'd tell them outright "I had gastric bypass Feb. 6".

The only problem I've had is people want to ask 50-11 questions at the worst possible time.  Like, I don't want to have a 45 minute discussion while we're standing in a parking lot.  I've just been telling people that I had the surgery, and if they really want to talk about it, to call me after 6, when I'm not as busy.  So far, no one has called lol

Well...

I am very open about it. At first I was open to most of my friends and all of my family. I am open if someone asks how I have lost a lot of weight. Although there are people that are opinionated about it, I say it is what it is, and it is my decision. Usually any negative conversation the person may try to have ends at that point.

If I get a person that starts out saying.... Omg you lost a lot of weight did you have WLS.... I generally reply with yes I have, along with EXCERSIZE 5-7 days a week and eating the right foods it is equalling my weight loss. It is hard work!!

I usually get positives from people.

However, there is a sad part of my sharing. I at first chose not to share in my BBW world. Some of you may have experienced this. But some of my BBW friends or people I know are super against WLS. Very frowned upon. Like it is against size acceptance or something. But they were the ones that I waited the longest to be open around. I know that my health is night and day difference. Life is night and day different for me also. I can breathe and walk. Move and do things.

IN SHORT, I PRACTICALLY SCREAM OUT THAT I HAD WLS AND THAT IT WAS THE BEST THING FOR ME. IT IS A LIFE LONG JOURNEY TO GET TO AND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BODY,

NOTHING IS "EASY" THAT IS WORTH DOING RIGHT..... IF THE TOOLS ARE OUT THERE TO USE AND ARE THE RIGHT ONES FOR YOU... Well nuff said!!

Hugs,
Sherrie

I've noticed that too. People in the BBW world are SO against it but I think 99% of people in that community would take a pill that would make them instantly thin if they could.

I didn't tell my coworkers. I didn't make up anything either. I just didn't tell them because I didn't want to. Some people in my office are crazy, and I just don't let crazy people in my business. I never thought that my options were to either lie or tell. I just didn't tell which is probably why I never stressed over this issue.

Good luck. 

Because my co-workers will have to do my job in addition to their own while I'm out I felt I owe them an explanation.  The idea of not offering an explanation just didn't occur to me.  You have given me something to think about.

Thanks
Pix

It's their job to cover for you.  It is not their job to know your medical business. Tell them if you are comfortable, but you don't seem very comfortable.  I always say go with your instincts. You know them better than anyone on this forum. The consequences are yours.

Personally, I think people tell too much of their business at work. I'm the quiet, observant one who notices how other people's business is repeated at completely inappropriate times, often with professional impact even when the information was not at all relevant.

 I work at Central office of a school system. I worked there for a few years and was laid off for a year. I had wls 2mths before I went back to work. Since my weight loss has not been dramatic no one really has a clue. The people in my department have noticed the weight I've loss since working with them but since we eat lunch together and hear me talking about Zumba class they all just assume I'm losing weight the old fashioned way. So I've just decided not to say otherwise. All of my friends and family know about my surgery but I elected not to share with my co workers.

It is about the old fashioned way with us to. Success comes with diet and EXCERSIZE!! In striving for life long success!

I am already having a fit that I will not be able to work out for a few weeks after pannectomy on Friday. Nervously excited!!!!!!

Hugs,
Sherrie

Thanks everyone for your replies.   It never occurred to me to not offer and explanation as to why I will be off of work. This has really gotten me thinking about why I feel I need to offer an explanation.  I do know the culture of my work place is people feel entitled to know.  A couple of years ago a co-worker went back on FMLA soon after returning to work from a knee operation. The co-worker didn’t offer any explanation as to why she took additional time off work but one co-worker that was her friend outside of work knew why. People kept speculating as to why she needed more time off work and I know the co-worker that knew the reason was repeatedly asked why. It was not genuine concern; it was you know a secret and I want to know it too. Really quite twisted when I think about it. Now I’m leaning towards not offering an explanation.  The more I think about the entitlement attitude of my office the more I want to keep things to myself.  Its part of learning to set boundaries and doing what is best for me. Thanks Pix