NEED TO KNOW

I have treated my surgery as on a "need to know" basis. I don't believe that it is everyones right to know, what, why, and wherefore. My family knows, my help knows and so do a few other people. But now you would not believe the garbage going on about my weight loss. One lady that is my customer and a member of my church is just convinced that I have cancer. That wouldn't be here or there except she is the biggest gossip in the county. Every where else I keep getting "my how much weight have you lost. How are you doing it? and Just don't lose to much." On top of that there are so many comments about how much I eat, or rather how much I don't eat. How do I curb the garbage or do I just say it is none of their business (which is how I feel) and go on with my life and not worry about what other people are thinking or saying? Hazel

I just say, "oh protein and the treadmill"--then I smile brightly and let them compliment me Cathy

I just tell them the truth. My reason being, you never know how many lifes you might save by telling them of this surgery. For instance...if Carney Wilson chose to keep her lips shut how many people could have died due to comorbidities associated with obesity....but instead they saw her success and it made them research WLS too. I feel that this surgery has saved my life in so many ways and if I have the opportunity to encourage another to experience the same thing...I want to do it. Dawn

I agree with Dawn, I am not ashamed about having the surgery, and I feel it may help others so Ihey! I got a few minute have no problem telling anyone that I had it. I actually was just the other day talking to the lady at the deli counter about it, and she was thinking of having it too, and because of our talk she has decided to take the first step and meet with the surgeon. I also told some of the parents in Hanna's class and one of the fathers asked if he could give my number to his sister because she was also considering it. I am proud that I chose my life over obesity and have no reason not to tell people. You are right for some that are just looking to gossip, it is none of their business, however you have nothing to be ashamed of either. Karyn

I haven't shared my surgery with everyone. All my family and friends know about the surgery. And I told everyone in my department at work. But the other people in the office don't know. Gossip is so terrible in the office and I choose not to be a source of it. I have had people ask me how much weight I've lost and how I've done it. I just say diet and exercise ... and hard work ... all true. I don't feel like I owe anyone an explanation ... but I'm definitely not ashamed of the surgery ... I just like my privacy and hate being gossiped about. Debbie