Daily Post--6/30/08

i tell everyone who will listen. My mom had WLS two years before me, and she didn't tell anyone - even her kids - until the day before the surgery - and then only her immediate family. People speculated about her loss - "I wonder if she's sick?", "wonder how long THIS diet will last?", etc... and I didn't want that. I told the world as soon as I made the decision. Since then, I've helped another girl at work make the choice, which may have saved her life - she was diagnosed with a form of throat cancer a few months after her WLS, which may have gone unnoticed if she hadn't been in close contact with our doctor due to her WLS... and we all know that as morbidly obese people, we didn't see our doctors as often as we should have. I've also influenced others to research and look into WLS for themselves.

I share, I'm not ashamed of the way I lost the weight and I figure if I can share my story with someone and help them then it's all the better! I don't go out and advertise but if I'm asked I do share with pride! Sheryl

When I was going through the process and newly post op I told just about everyone. I needed the support. When I changed jobs 11 months post op I told only 3 people and kept it a secret. I felt really guilty saying I eat right and exercise a lot. It felt like I was lying because I left a very important piece of information out. About 3 weeks ago I started telling people at my new job. Some of them look at me in discust others ask questions and other comment on how successful I have been as I show them my pre-op consult picture of me at 286 pounds. It's been a struggle but I feel better sharing rather than hiding it.

I used to be a bit more closed mouthed... but not anymore! I'm proud of what I have done and tell the world - maybe I can help one more person move toward our journey with a bit more confidence! Lori

I share with anyone who wants to know.

I thought at first that I wouldn't say anything to many people, but now... sometimes I will tell anyone who will listen! Of course, when my HS reunion comes around and I'm the skinny one for once, I probably won't be like announcing it then. If they found out, they found out, if not, tough. But it makes it easier to be honest sometimes, like when we were on vacation, and sitting at a dinner buffet. I needed more protein, but obviously I can't gorge myself, and to get my money's worth, I asked if I could bring my dessert (cheese is a big dessert item in Aussie - and fine by me!) plate up to my room. I explained about the surgery and that I'd have to sit there for at least a half an hour before I could get another plate of food, and they said that was fine, I could bring it up! So I guess for me, it depends on the situation.