Co-workers negativity and thinking it's an easy way out VSG post op 1 month

I'm having an emotional battle with co-workers being so negative towards me. I was out for three weeks from surgery. So this is my first week back. I understand they have been doing my work duties while I was gone. But they are saying that I took the easy way out. That I am risking my life by having my stomach cut out. And why couldn't I loose weight like I did before when I went through my divorce... Just a few examples. I know now they are definitely not my friends. I have been overweight my entire post pubescent life. I have tried all the diets, pills and shots. This is the best choice for me and my health. I am already off of my BP RX. I feel better. But this is dragging me down. Emotional eating is knocking at the door and I'm trying so hard... What do you say to people like this? I have to work closely with them. 

let them try eating just 4 oz of protein at a meal

"It's a bit late for that now, eh?"  Smile and walk away. 

It sucks that people don't support us, but we're not entitled to support. Sadly!  

Perfect response! 

This was a concern for me too. My surgery is on Tuesday and thus far, I've chosen to keep quiet about it. I don't want to have to explain my decisions to anyone. I wish you the best of luck. The only thing I can tell you is that it's not about what they think, it's about you doing what's best for YOU. And you're right, maybe they weren't your friends to begin with because I would support my friend regardless of my personal feelings.

Good luck and keep your head up! They'll get over it. You're on your way to a healthier you! :)

Tanya

I kept my decision to have WLS secret for the most part BEFORE I had surgery because of what you mention above!! Everyone has their own opinion (ohh, don't they, though!) and love to make comments. I certainly didn't care for many of the things people said to me. So, I decided to keep it to myself. Now that I've had surgery, I don't intend to hide it if people ask or notice that I lost weight. (Not enough weight to be asked yet... :)

We all need to remember that this is our own journey. Despite what your spouse says or thinks, co-workers, friends and family - intuition will guide you to do what you know is best for you. Silence the outside noise and carry on! 

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery date. Mine is less than a week after yours...Mon, Jan 26.  I am also keeping quiet about it at this point. :-)

I have been pretty fortunate as my co-workers and everyone in my life have been extremely supportive.  So it is hard for me to know what to say other than you just cannot let the thoughts of stupid people bother you.  At this point, you cannot get your stomach back and nor should you want to.  There is not much easy about life with a VSG. 

The only thing a VSG does is limit how much food you can eat at one time.  And believe me, I am thankful for that.

You still have to watch what you eat, you cannot eat ice cream and lose weight.   You can still eat a whole pizza, just one slice at a time every 30-45 minutes.  Ok, maybe not now for you, but a few months down the line, it will not be a problem.    There are plenty of people who have failed with a VSG.  It takes hard work to lose as I am finding for myself now at the nine month mark.  And this board has plenty of vets who have regained weight.

And exactly how are you risking your life by having 80% of your stomach removed? I get surgery itself is a risk but most people have little risk of dying from this surgery.  Once you are past surgery, there is no threat to your life.  Malnutrition is not really a problem especially if you take vitamins.

I doubt you could explain this to them.  More than likely they are overweight themselves and would rather you stay heavy than escape obesity.

Support groups like this board help you deal with the challenges of WLS and dealing with stupid people.

Sorry, I was trying to respond to a certain part of your post and it didn't work.  I was trying to say this is exactly how my parents have failed their WLS.  They eat carbs/crap all day...not much at one time, but all day long.  It makes me want to work extra hard to stick to my plan and NOT fall back in to horrible habits.