Sometimes the attention is too much!

I know that people are just being nice, but sometimes I wish that no one would notice my weight loss.  Today after church, at least five people came up to gush about my new size.  I think that when we are heavier, we hope that people won't pay any attention to us, and as we lose, that's exactly what we get -- attention, and lots of it.

I just smile, thank people for their kind words, and answer any questions they have (how are you doing it, how much have you lost, are you trying to lose more, etc.).  I truly try to be gracious, but on the inside, I cringe a little because I'd prefer to talk about anything other than my body size!

Ah, this journey is an interesting one indeed.  If you think it's all about the physical transformation, you're in for a surprise.  For me, I'm finding the mental changes to be just as challenging as the physical ones and sometimes, even more so.

Another random, rambling thought brought to you by my RNY!  LOL

I agree with the whole mental thing. We are all prepared by so many medical professionals for the physical part of this surgery, but the emotional and mental is actually the harder part to me. I mean physically its simple... follow the plan and use your tool properly and it works for you. Too bad they cant give our hormmones and emotions a tool... so we feel a little less overwhelmed and a lot less crazy!

totally agree with you - the lsychological is much harder, and the attention gets overwhelming.  But, I do find that a lot of it comes from other people who struggle with their weight and dieting, plus people wanting to be supportive, so that makes it feel better.  A woman I met at work told me this week that she's scheduled for RNY in a few weeks because I inspired her to look into it when she had been putting it off - which felt totally awesome!  --Sarah

 I completely agree with all of you.
Some days it's so overwhelming and I just smile and say thank you.  And then other days I wonder why in the heck no one notices!!
The physical part of all this is definitely easier then the mental, emotional part.  
Today is my 6 month surgiversary and I've been crying on and off all day.  SIGH
I really cannot wait to jump off this emotional roller coaster one day.
Thanks for sharing your rambling Leanne...I feel a little more 'normal' now.
And you really do look terrific by the way!

Leanne,

As much as I'm looking forward to dropping the weight I'm not looking forward to that part.  I'm a private person and i don't like it when people who hardly know me take it upon themselves to make comments like that.  I remember it from the past when I had dieted.  It's uncomfortable.  I'm going to have to work on that.  I always used to feel like saying "was I so horrible before?"

My best response for those people has been, "I finally decided to make me and my health a priority."  It makes them think a little about how they are taking care of their body, etc.

This is a good reply.  I have kind of another dilemma - I am making my surgery date soon - just got the approval from my insurance company - and other than my husband I have not told anyone, not even my own mother, I am considering this surgery.  I guess it's pride - I don't know.  It's not really that I am a private person it's just that for some reason I am embarrassed to tell people I am having this surgery. But I have to tell my boss why I am going to be out of work for a little bit. I'm thinking of just saying I am having a mass removed from my abdomen, lol - sort of the truth I guess.  But seriously - I have to cover myself somehow - do you all think I will be able to go back to work after only a week? I have a desk job and only work about 25 - 30 hours.  Even though my weight is high I am in pretty good shape physically - I usually recover from things quickly - I can cover my liquid drinking because I sit alone in an office and no one sees what I eat or don't eat - so assuming everything goes well I'd like to know what you all think - did you all tell everyone what was going on? I don't know why I am so opposed to telling people this - do you think this is not a good psychological sign? 

Cindy

You don't have to tell your boss anything more than you're having surgery.  It's none of his business why.

I'd recommend a couple of weeks, anyway.  You're going to have to recover from the anesthesia, and that means napping!  But you could go back after a week to see how you feel, and maybe just do a few hours a day??

If you're a private person that's fine--when people start to notice, and they will--just tell them that you're changing your lifestyle for your health.

And it's true!!!

Good luck-- 

I was also in very good shape, but I teach, so I took the full two weeks before i had to be back on my feet, as well as the fact that I coach so that makes my day and week even longer.
Since you have a desk job and it is not 40+ hours, you may be okay to go back.
You can play it by ear.  Go back and if it is not working then take more time off.
Can you do any of your work at home online?  That would also help because you could work when you are up to it.

As far as telling anyone when they ask, those that I wanted to know were told and those who I didn't think need to know, I told them I had my gall bladder out, which was not a lie.

Best of all to you!
Jennifer