Social explanation...

Ok, I just today submitted my paperwork for my auth (well second auth, since the first they canceled).  I think that one of my biggest fears/concerns with having my surgery is what other people are going to think and how they will react. I know that it shouldn't matter, but it does. I would like to know what you all tell people when they ask how you've lost the weight?  People seem to be so judgemental about bariatric surgery ( I work in a hospital) including health care professionals. Most people think it's an "easy way out", I would like to get in order what my response to these people will be...Basically I dont want to lie but would like to avoid some of the criticism and snears....

My plan is to say that I'm eating less and excercising more. Which is absolutely the truth.

I tell them high protein low carb... no lie at all!!! :)

Its your choice to tell them how you lost your weight, but for fishy people I just tell them high protein and low carb.

Good luck honey!

I'm really open about my surgery. I tell them that I had gastric bypass, that I've lost so many pounds/clothing sizes in a short amount of time, and that I'm happy and healthier.

In my experience, people are more curious and inquisitive than insulting and judgemental.

If they're in the "insulting and judgemental" category, well, I just don't worry about them. It's my decision, the right decision for me, and it's not their place to judge any medical decision I make with my doctors.

I've got some pretty thick skin, and unless I'm PMS-ing, it usually doesn't bother me.

My feeling regarding the matter is that it isn't anyones business. I told my BFF and my immediate family, and if anyone mentions that I look thinner, I tell them I'm on a low fat/carb (I count carbs...personal preference) lean protein "lifestyle change". I also excersize everyday, and cut out sugar completely.

 I am a very open person about most everything in my life so I just tell them the truth.  That being said, I tell the the truth IF and when they say something about me losing weight or whatever...I just don't randomly start telling people about my surgery.   I figure it's part of who I am and I'm not ashamed of my decision, so why skirt around it?  

The easy way out comment makes me furious.  I think the easy way out is not giving a rats ass about what you put in your body and treating it like crap.  We can't do anything easy, we have to measure, weigh and count everything we put in and do to our bodies...that's not so easy. 

I'm sorry you have that problem with the people you work with at the hospital.  My husband works in Radiology at our hospital and all of his co-workers and staff have been so supportive of my decision.  They should know the benefits of surgery vs. the affects of lifelong obesity, they are in the medical field after all.  

If someone gives you a hard time about your decision, just tell them that you appreciate their concern but it's obvious that they aren't as educated on the topic as you are and then recommend some good websites and reading material they can browse so you can both have a more intelligent conversation next time.   P.S  I have been called a b*$&% in my day, so you can tone that last part down however you see fit.  :-)  

Good luck!  Just remember to be confident and proud of your decision!  

~Emily~  

you know, it was one of my biggest fears as well,but I have found that most people are excited for me, some are a little like disgusted but I am going to be healthy and live a longer, better life.  And this by no means is the easy way out. I am just saying its freakin hard.  you have to learn everything allll over again. start fresh. make changes you never thought of.  be tempted to eat all the things you love but cant and shouldn't have. will power is just a little something.

I think there are a lot of options, depending on how you feel. most of the others already wrote about them. I have been extremely open about my surgery- and while I overheard a lot of people talk negatively about it beforehand, not one person has said something to my face (before or after). The two people who weren't okay with it just try to ignore it, and steer around the subject which is fine by me. Everyone else who does seem to believe that about surgery generally fell back on the, "Well, at least you didn't have bypass." as though banding is less cheating than bypass... I dunno. People are goofs sometimes, and they say stupid/ignorant things. I've found that the people who have been able to see me before and after know that it's not easy, and I took comfort in that. Those who know me know I'm not just lazy and looking for a free ride to skinniness.

Hey there... well first off... wishing you luck with your authorazation!! As for the latter part of your post... here's my plan - tell only the people who will need to help you during your recovery.  Those are my - my mom and little brother.  I plan to send halmark cards to each of my other very close family and maybe best freind - basically stating that I love them and letting them know I decided to have WLS  etc.  This card will also ensluse details such as weblinks etc along with a diagram of what I'm having done.  Hopefully they will take the time to educate themselves before they speak to me about it.  These cards are mailed the morning of surgery. Plus - what can they really say AFTER you already had it done?  SUCKERS!!!  

Be well...

-To Be Me Again

I've been pretty open about WLS....but there's a few clueless, idiots in my life who have never had to work hard at anything a day in their lives....so the only "explanation" I give them for my dramatic changes is "I'm workin my ass off"...which is the absolute truth, minus any details as to HOW...lol

When you are successful, people get a lot less judgemental....and the overweight ppl in your life become a lot more interested and supportive....some even begin to seriously consider their own WLS and ask TONS of questions about your journey...

our success speaks for itself and your level of comfort beyond that may change...so never feel bad offering as little as possible until then!
good luck to you!
xxxBecca