Question:
How do I avoid telling the truth about the surgery?

I don't want to lie to people about the surgery. But is there a way that I can avoid telling nosy people about it, or even people who are just curious? I don't want my surgery to become a topic of discussion and I'd rather not hear people giving their negative opinions about it.    — Jaimee S. (posted on December 2, 2001)

December 2, 2001
Jamie, What I did was simply tell people at work that I had to have abdominal (sp?) surgery. If they pressed (and really, not many did), I just said I "had to have some parts rearranged" and that I would be fine once it was taken care of. Good luck! Sheri
   — Sheri Z.

December 2, 2001
I told people truthfully that I had my gallbladder removed and some "other things done" at the same time. I did not elaborate on what the other things were. The flip side of that is I've had very few comments about my weight loss. For me, that's OK, but if you expect people to notice your weight loss, please realize it may not happen as soon as you would expect. I've gone down 2 sizes in clothing and can count on my hands the people who've made comments. That includes family members and very close friends who knew I'd had the surgery. Go figure!
   — [Anonymous]

December 2, 2001
What I told my coworkers was that I'm having stomach surgery (since I have always had irritable bowel and other stomach ailments). Some of them I just said I was having surgery (it's none of their busiens). I did, however, tell my mother and stepfather. My father has yet to know. Some of my family were excited when I told them after my surgery what exactly what I had. Know when I call them, I always get "so, how much have you lost now". My coworkers know now that I did and they are even going as far as bringing me in clothes that don't fit them anymore (they all are the skinny type). Good luck on your decision to tell or not to tell. My surgery was 08/28/01. I had Open RNY 60" distal and so far have lost 54 lbs. I'm glad I went through it and would do this again in a heartbeat.
   — trtorrey

December 2, 2001
Everyone that knows me well knows in gruesome detail exactly what I had done LOL but for folks who don't know me, like servers at restaurants, I just say I've had stomach surgery and can't eat very much. That seems to do the trick. Once you're postop, recovering nicely, and losing weight, very few people will have the nerve or the stupidity to say negative things to you (IME). If someone does, you can just say, "I'm sorry you think that. I feel great!" and go on your merry way. They are the miserable SOB in that situation, not you, so don't add it to your worry pile. :-)
   — Julia M.

December 2, 2001
Hi, I had open RNY last May and I only told my husband and my Mom. At work I told everyone I was having my gallbladder removed (I didnt). Same thing with my kids (they are very young) and friends. Ive lost about 70 lbs so far and when people ask me how I did it, I say exercise and I eat less (the truth!) Becuase I was considered a "lightweight" I knew I would hear so much negativity re: the surgery. But in my heart I knew it was my only answer. So I figured rather then deal with all the negativity I will tell one simple lie. So far it has worked just fine. Best of luck.
   — [Anonymous]

December 4, 2001
Well, I don't want to lie at all. Even simple lies can hurt people in the end. There are people that I have pretty good relationships that I don't want to tell because they like to talk. Even if what they are saying is not bad, I just don't want me and my surgery to become a topic of conversation. Word gets around quickly. I'll probably tell them or have my parents tell them that I was having some health problems taken care of. Thank you guys for your responses. :D
   — Jaimee S.