Do you tell people?

I live in a pretty small town and I teach here.  Saying I'm known around here is an understatement.  We've lived here for almost 15 years and I've taught here for 12, so I pretty much can't go anywhere without running into someone I know.  Especially during those times I have no make-up on and look like crap... ha!  Anyway, baseball season for our son (and now daughter) is starting up and being at the baseball field I am bombarded with questions about my weight loss.  I have told those close to me, but sometimes I don't feel like it's anyones business.  However, I hate for overweight people that come to me and think I have a magic cure to hear something that's not the truth because I don't want them to have that feeling of, "why can't I just diet and exercise and lose a crazy amount of weight like that, I'm such a failure!"  If that makes sense.  Long story short, do you tell people when they ask "how you've done something so amazing?"

I haven't had anyone go bananas on me (yet), but when people comment on my weight loss, I just say thank you and that I had surgery. Most people just go, "Oh okay," and leave it at that. I've had a few tell me that they've known other folks that have also had surgical intervention, but no one has come over all judgy. Again, yet!  :) I'm not opposed to people knowing and if they ask questions I'm totally fine answering and giving all the gory details. 

Good luck on your journey in your fishbowl!  I hope you don't run into any Judge Judies!  :)

Jen

I have been very open about having gastric bypass. You never know if it might be very helpful to someone and I'm not embarrassed at all.

I haven't had my surgery yet but Im on the fence as to who I will tell and who I wont. I imagine it will be whatever feels right in that moment. Sorry not much help ha ha.

I outted myself to the whole world, said  gastric bypass saved my life, I will never fail because I refuse to be the topic of conversation regarding me gaining it all back like so many have.  I would rather starve to death then let anyone say one world about my weight ever again.  It's been nine years and its completely non issue now, people see me as normal weight.

Nobody knows I had surgery except for my family. This is my choice. When ppl ask me how I lost weight, I say I follow a protein forward meal plan and watch my sugar, fat and carb intake. That's all I say and I haven't had anyone press me for more info.
During Christmas, my Sister blurted out to a friend of ours, (more her friend than mine), that I had surgery, so the friend started asking me questions. I simply said, I don't talk about it and let my sister know that I would prefer not to share this outside the family. All was good and the subject died.

My husband knows and our medical providers know and the support groups I participate in know...and that is it. Our kids don't know we had the surgery. We keep our medical lives pretty private regardless.

 

I have been very open about it for the same reason you mentioned. I do not want other overweight people to think that I did this without help. I am a very open person, so it is easy for me to share.

I tell whoever asks about my weight loss. I have no reason to be embarrassed or to justify my choices and I'm in the camp that if it can help one other overweight person then it's a good thing. Think it's important to take away around some of the misconceptions/fear around this. That being said I wouldn't judge anyone who chose to keep their story private.......each to their own.

Leisa

I have been very open about my RNY whereas I kept my Lap Band a secret.  I have been almost overwhelmed at how much  enthusiastic support I have received - even from unexpected sources.  I too want to help anyone who might be thinking about having WLS so I feel it is important to share when it is appropriate to do so.  I find myself wanting to stop obese people I run into - complete strangers - and tell them about this wonderful tool.  Sort of like I've become a born again thin person!  OK, that just sounds like I am a certified crazy, and I have never actually done it, but sometimes it is hard not too when I recognise the suffering look on their face and remember how that was me just a few months ago.  OK... putting the crazy away for now.