Question:
How can I explain my new eating habits?

I am pre-op and the only people who know I am having this surgery are my husband and my mother. I haven't decided yet if I will share this with people post-op. I will be out of work for approx. 3 weeks and when I return I am not sure how I will explain my new eating habits. My office has lunch brought in 3x a week. I know people will notice my new eating habits. I plan to have a protein drink for lunch. I live to far away to go home for lunch. Any suggestions? Also, are there ways to avoid this nausea I have heard happens to most post-op's?    — [Anonymous] (posted on June 18, 2001)

June 18, 2001
You may be surprised at how few people notice your different eating habits. Of course, if you are drinking your protein shake, they will notice. But when you no longer need the shakes and are eating regular food, you'll probably find very few people notice as they are usually busy eating their own lunches. I've only had one person ever say something. I just shrugged it off with "I had a late breakfast".
   — Gina E.

June 18, 2001
Well I can tell you what doesn't work: eating alone in order to 'hide' your new eating habits. I did this for a few weeks at the last job I had. People thought I was a bit standoffish or shy. I finally 'confessed' to one lady that I had had WLS and didn't want to be questioned publicly about why I only had 1/2 a slice of pizza. She turned out to be incredibly supportive and encouraging. On the other hand, it didn't take long for the whole office to know what was up. <p> Now, I'm at a new job and it turns out that one of the gals there doesn't like the smell of my protien bars. She isn't mean about it, but she laughs about it. So, I finally showed her my before and after picture posted here. "See", I said. "That's why I eat these things". She didn't notice the surgical connection, so I didn't explain it. I did say that I was on a low fat, low sugar, low carb, high protien diet and pulled out the soy nuts and beef jerkey that I snack on rather than chocolate.
   — Allie B.

June 18, 2001
First, you should not feel like you have to explain your new eating habits to others. If you feel it necesary to say anything just tell you have decided to eat healthier foods. Second: Be proud of the fact that you have the courage to go ahead and make this major change in your life. I had no problem telling my friend and co-workers what I was doing. I am very fortunate to have some very supportive freinds and co-workers. As a matter of fact two of my co-workers came up to me after I came back and asked about the surgery. They both had heard about the surgery but did not know anyone who had done it. After talking to both of them they have scheduled their consultations and are looking forward to having it done. Remember you are doing this for you not your co-workers, so do not worry about what you have to tell them. Good luck with the surgery and be proud of what you are about to accomplish.
   — Barry R.

June 19, 2001
I can certainly understand your desire to keep your surgery quiet. I also did not tell the people I work with...they don't really need another reason to discriminate, or to criticize, they believe they have plenty already. I was also reluctant to begin eating lunches again with co-workers....sure they would notice that my eating habits have changed. I was very surprised the first few times we went out that no one seemed to notice that I had eaten so little of my lunch. I'm still surprised when they evidently accept that I don't have much of an appetite and that I only eat a little bit. They think it is normal. They think I am normal! Not one person has made any type of negative comment about it. They make only "normal" comments, like..."do you want a doggy bag", or "the portions are large here". I think most folks are more interested in what is on their own plates. Going out to lunch (I'm in a major city with lots of good restaurants) is one of my biggest pleasures...I'm so glad I didn't have to give it up.
   — Anne G.