Question:
I don't want to tell people about my surgery, so what can I say?

I already had by gallbladder out 2 years ago, I am still at the same job and everyone will see me losing weight. What other surgery can I say I had and explain the weight loss as a great diet.    — Surgery 2001 (posted on February 14, 2001)

February 14, 2001
We just discussed this very topic at my support group the other night...the concensus was tell them you had your gall bladder removed and as far as the diet...???weight watchers maybe??? Good luck
   — Kathy831

February 14, 2001
I wasn't going to tell anyone I worked with either. I was going to take vacation, but decided to take medical leave so I told my supervisor, then another woman in the office, then another, and another. I was SO excited about having the surgery I wanted to tell the whole world. Well, the whole world wasn't as excited as I was. Other people think this is an elective surgery, some think its frivilous. I wish now I had NOT told anyone other than my supervisor.
   — Betty Todd

February 14, 2001
I told my supervisor that I was having surgery, nothing more. I told a couple of co workers what I was having done and that was it. Everyone else thought I was going on vacation. When I started to loose weight only a few people said anything. Now that I am half way to my goal people are talking. I just say I am eating right, I am not eating junk food, and I am exercising. All of which is true. So I am not lying, just not sharing everything. Good luck.
   — [Anonymous]

February 14, 2001
Hi there! I only told a very select few. When I was considering the surgery, I got alot of negative response. I found it tiresome to have to keep defending myself, as well as the surgery. When I decided to go for it, I only told my best friend, my hubby (who was not supportive) and my mom. As for work, I work in a hospital that does the surgery, and people still had misconceptions! So, just from knowing that, I told my supervisors that I had to have major abdominal surgery, and left it at that. With the big right to patient privacy, they didn't question me. I knew who I could tell, I know who really cares about me, and who wold resect me enough to trust my choice. You would be AMAZED at ow many people are truely intereted, and supportive! (And at who's also had it done!)
   — Danielle G.

April 19, 2001
I have been thinking a lot about this question lately. My sister and I both had the surgery and told very few people (our immediate family, and a couple of friends each). Now that we have both lost a good amount of weight, everyone is asking how we are losing it, and especially so quickly. My standard answer is that I cut my portions in half. I eat what I want, but just very little of it (which is basically the truth). This answer seems to be surprising people in that most of them thought I would be eating all salads and exercising continuously. People seem to like this answer and it seems to give them hope that they can lose weight without having to eat salads all the time. My problem, however, is that I have been feeling extremely guilty about not telling the WHOLE truth to people who are very obese themselves. Most of these people have always known me as a fat person and all of a sudden I lose all this weight and they think I have found the answer. Well I have found the answer, but I still am very reluctant to tell anyone, since it would probably get around to other people. However, I want my obese friends and co-workers to feel some hope as well. I guess I will have to reevaluate who I tell my story to.
   — Cassie O.

April 23, 2001
I am facing similar debates- and I work for several physicians( you would think that would make it easier- ha ha ha). I still don't know how I will approach this hurdle- hopefully I will figure this out soon!! Good Luck
   — [Anonymous]

August 12, 2001
I,too, only told my immediate supervisor about my surgery. I did not say I was having WLS. I said I was having female surgery. That way, I am covered with not having to lift after surgery, and I don't have half of one of the world's most prestigeous universities knowing my damned business. If you say that you hav just changed your eating habits, you would not be lying. I don't like to lie, but I like my privacy, so I did lie about what I was going out for surgery for.Best of luck to you.
   — [Anonymous]

September 15, 2003
I told people "female surgery" and would make a face as if it was very private, and I didn't care to discuss it. Once you generally infer to the genitalia area... people don't want to go any further.
   — KismetQT