Question:
Anyone else being entertained by well-meaning friends and family?

I have been brutally open about my surgery with my co-workers to defuse gossipping I know is a real problem here before it starts. I've found as a result I'm getting so much positive feedback (about 4 of my co-workers are related to post-ops and I never would have known)but even better are the well intended suggestions. One friend recently had twins, and when I told her I was planning to use baby food for an easy meat source in my puree stage, she said that baby food was sooo expensive, why don't I just get all my protein from refried beans? (I let her think about what she was suggesting before I started laughing). Then there's my boyfriend who was more than willing to suggest I invest in maternity clothes to cut down on the clothing expenses. I realized that asking him if he'd ever actually LOOKED at materninty clothes would accomplish nothing, so I just asked if that meant I could have a baby as soon as the 18 months was over and he dropped the subject VERY fast. So anyway, I'm curious, what other "suggestions" have you heard?    — Kasey K. (posted on April 11, 2000)

April 11, 2000
The classic, Kasey. "Can't you just cut back a little and exercise more?" My response....."Oh, YEAH, why didn't I think of that?!?" Jaye Carl, RN, open proximal RNY (divided) 7-29-99, 102 pounds gone forever!
   — Jaye C.

April 11, 2000
Ya, "Why don't you just start running?" and , "You don't want to do something unnatural to your body..." and for that I rebuttle what the heck is a few totally inert titanium staples compared to 180 lbs. of excess fat!
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 11, 2000
I loved Jaye's response! Unfortunately some people just feel the need to comment on everything. I would just say "thanks for sharing" and go about your way. Eventually they will get the hint.
   — Paula G.

April 11, 2000
Your post really made me laugh. Ahhh ... some of the things I've heard! A friend was very concerned about the scar ... what's a little scar compared to that big ole hiney?!! Well meaning, I'm sure they all were, but until they've waddled in my shoes, I don't think they can really understand. A relative, for instance, who has been brutally relentless for the last several years in "suggesting" I lose weight has suddenly taken the "but you're not THAT big" stance with me when I told her my plans ...
   — Beth B.

April 11, 2000
I love your post, the funniest I have gotten so far was from a co-worker. She said I shouldn't have the surgery because I am so sweet and good natured now and after the surgery I will get mean, because I won't be able to eat anymore. Ha! can you beleive it. Thanks for the giggle.
   — Barbara S.

July 16, 2000
My roomie and I are both obese and she is looking at me with different eyes now that I have started to think about this surgery. I hear things from her like "I didn't gain weight that way, I won't lose it that way"...Well, you've had a different life experience than me...I am not telling anyone about my decision for surgery at work except my boss, so he needs to know why I am going to take time off...
   — Christine C.