Social explanation...

Ok, I just today submitted my paperwork for my auth (well second auth, since the first they canceled).  I think that one of my biggest fears/concerns with having my surgery is what other people are going to think and how they will react. I know that it shouldn't matter, but it does. I would like to know what you all tell people when they ask how you've lost the weight?  People seem to be so judgmental about bariatric surgery ( I work in a hospital) including health care professionals. Most people think it's an "easy way out", I would like to get in order what my response to these people will be...Basically I don't want to lie but would like to avoid some of the criticism and snears....

I think you should tell people whatever makes you comfortable. I mean, you're doing this surgery for YOU, not for others, right? So, it really shouldn't matter what other people think--plus, it's nobody's business but YOURS.

I do tell people that I had surgery, but I have yet to come in contact with any negativity about it. I suppose my opinion might change if I did.

But, if people ask how you are losing the weight, tell them....
Tell them that you are eating healthy, limiting your carbs and limiting your portion size. That really is the truth. So, there. LOL

Hopefully you won't encounter any negativity, but I do understand what you mean about people thinking this is the "easy way out!" If they only knew, right? LOL

Well, good luck with everything!
Hugs, Heather

OT - Sorry for the intrusion.  Honeybear - Time for an updated picture.  ok????

I have added pics to my page...and was trying to change my avatar tonight, but need my mom to make it less pixels or some crap like that! LOL

I'll get on it, though LOL

People will say what they think, and not even stop to think how it would make you feel.  I have heard oh you took the easy way out.  There has been NOTHING easy about this surgery for me.  I am five years out and still have complications.  Someone that has never been heavy has no right to say anything.  Do you get on them about smoking and drinking?  To me that is the same thing.  Good luck on your journey and let them guess what you are doing to look so great! T

I told everyone. Some responded positively but I could tell they were sceptical. Some responded down right negatively. And that could happen to you. I use the negativity to fuel my determination to succeed...They can think I'm gonna fail but they're WRONG. LOL. But that's just me.

So long as you know it's not the easy way out, it doesn't matter what they think. You could make it look easy too and that speaks volumes. How you do is going to say alot more than what you say...

When I first decided to have the surgery, I didn't want to tell anyone, not even my family!  But ofcourse I needed them to take care of me so I had to tell!  I was afraid my parents would react negatively, but they were very supportive, which was a surprize.  In the end I decided that I would be honest about it.  That way, I would not have to keep track of who knew what.  But that's just me.  So far noone has been negative to my face.  But do what you feel comfortable with.  It really isn't anyone else's business.

When I first had surgery I only told a few close work buddies.  My family knew and was very skeptical about the whole thing.  They knew there was no changing my mind though!  I wasn't back to work very long before people started commenting on my weight loss and I let the cat out of the bag.  I didn't experience any negativity.  Some had concerns healthwise on if I was going to be ok after having such a drastic procedure done. 

I had people that I didn't even know complimenting me on how much weight I've lost.  You learn quickly to smile and say thank you.  I have no problem telling them that I had a gastric bypass.  I'm proud of my RNY and don't care how anyone thinks about my success.  I know darn good and well I would have never lost 93 pounds any other way!

I ran accross a coworker in a support meeting that had shear panic on her face when she saw me at the meeting.  She took me asside and asked me to please not say anything to anyone at work about the lapband she was getting.  A month after her surgery I walked in her department and she told me that she spilled the beans.  It's hard to keep it a secret after the pounds start melting!

Good luck to you!  Just tell them when your ready.

Oops, one more thing!  Your new diet is going to be hard to keep a secret!

 I tell people that it was the easy way out for me. I say it with sarcasm of course, cause I have to remind them that I got my guts rearranged, which isn't easy at all. For me, it's been easier than fighting depression and self-sabotaging behavior that made me gain and regain more and more weight since I was in high-school. For me, it IS easier than before. I don't have the cheating options now. It makes it easier to deal with.  My hospital stay was a breeze, I had minimal pain, and I'm succeeding more now than I ever have when I tried it before.