Question of the Day? Do you tell people you had WLS?

I never told that many people about my weight loss surgery. Mostly I just told my family and a couple of close freinds. Now, when I see people that I haven't seen in a while, it is weird. I do not know what to say to them about how I lost the weight. I think it was a personal desicion between me and my Dr. and it is not something I want to go around and blurt out to the world. But I also don't want to seem ashamed of the surgery by not saying I had it because I am not ashamed of it and I am very happy that I had it. But you also do not know how some people will react if you say you have had the surgery - I am sure we all know how some people can be! It is hard to explain and talk about the surgery to people who have never been overweight - ever. I just want to say that I lost it "With hard work - working out and portion control". When actually that is "mostly" true! So, my question is - has anyone asked you how you lost weight and if so, what do you tell them! Misty

Misty, I've been the complete opposite. I've told everyone who would listen that I was having surgery. Not only was I excited about the change that was going to be happening in my life, but I know that if I hadn't been exposed to people who shared their experiences I would have probably never made the decisions that I did. For me, seeing that the surgery wasn't a crutch or "quick-fix" first-hand was crucial in me deciding that my health was more important than my vanity. Plus, anyone who has known me for any length of time knows that I have been overweight since childhood. Such a drastic weight loss would be a bit difficult to hide or honestly explain. By being as open as I am about my surgery, I'm hoping to provide that same support and encouragement for others who may be considering bariatric surgery as an option. They can have an honest look at what I went through and decide if it may be right for them. I can understand where you are coming from tho. For years, that was my attitude when I was on a diet. I tried to keep it hidden when I was on a new diet because I didn't want people offering advice or feeling sorry for me because I couldn't eat what everyone else was eating. Thank goodness those days are over! Joe

I didn't share my decision with many people prior to surgery. I didn't want to hear any negative feedback. For this reason, I really debated telling my mom. I finally called her once I had my date. Her first response was negative and then she did an immediate about face and has been a huge supporter. It really shocked me. Post-op, I tell EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have had some wonderful conversations with people who could benefit from surgery but had only heard the horror stories and were scared. There have been a few who have told me they were going to look into the surgery after talking to me. That makes me feel so good! I think it's funny, the number of people who see me every week and are just now commenting. They will always ask me how I've done it and are genuinely shocked when I tell them I had surgery. I have not run into one negative person. I know I've been very fortunate in that area. I know too that I am fully prepared now to deal with the negative nellies and give them a real education concerning WLS.

I only tell if someone asks. I am not ashamed of it though I am ashamed I let myself get to the point of my only option being WLS... anyways I continuously work and work hard to lose weight. I just have more control of it now whereas prior I had no control... I could lose weight, but just gain it all back so easily. Do what you feel is comfortable Misty

Heck I was at Kroger the other day and got to talking about healthfoods and pulled out my before/after pics. I carry them everywhere. If the conversation comes up, I will pull them out. the look on their face is priceless.