What to tell people

So I have seen a number of threads lately based on Should I or Shouldn't I tell people, or when should I tell people I had WLS.

While this is a personal choice that each person makes and we all make it for different reasons there are some facts that you can't escape if you opt to not tell people.  The biggest one is you will look different to people the changes in your appearance will be drastic and quick. People will know and sometimes people will ask.  Some people will ask because they are nosey and others will ask because well they are impressed by the changes you have opted to make in your life.  Remember people you don't even know but who see you daily will notice.

I opt to tell people when they ask, and I am not ashamed of the fact that I had WLS nor should I be.  I know I didn't take the easy way out, I work my frickin ass off and am proud of what I have accomplished in less than 9 months.  I bring this up today because well it was the perfect day where this did happen to me.

I had just hit a major milestone at the gym in my training for a sprint Triathalon  I completed the Full cycle and Run distances back to back for the first time and did it faster than I train each piece individually by almost 4 minutes per each activity  10 mile cycle in 35:57 followed by a 5K run in 33:18.  For someone who a year ago could barely walk 4 miles in 1:15 this is HUGE! and nothing about it has been easy. 

As I am walking down the hall at my office someone behind me asks "So how much weight have you lost?"  I look back and do not even recognize the person asking me so I reply "about 110 pounds in the past year".  Her reply was "WOW you look amazing, how did you do it".  So I am completely honest And tell her I had gastric bypass, and that I work out up to 9 times a week, I run 5Ks and am currently training for a a tri and 10K.  Now this is a total stranger and her reaction could not have been any more perfect.  She simply said "You look amazing and keep up the great work".

As I said we each make are choices for different reasons and we each live different post op lives. So I say take some pride in your choices and if someone asks there is no need to be ashamed. Yes you may find some haters I have come across some, but then I look and see they can't do half the **** I do so *****ally is taking the easy way out?

I think this is so true. While I choose NOT to tell certain people that I know to be snarky and gossipy; I feel I have somewhat of a responsibility to tell others so they know there really IS an opportunity to make permanent changes in their life if they are in that position. Especially people I care for and trust.

To tell or not to tell......I've a ton of gossips at work that I don't want to know but did tell my bosses and assistant.  I don't know how I'm going to handle it when i walk in on Monday.

The gossips found out I was on sick leave and that really ****** me off.  The rumor is that I had surgery (I'm never sick this long)  so I'm sure I'm going to be asked.  These people are not even my friends, I don't feel I owe them an explanation and I really want to say none of your business.  They don't care about me, they just want to know to spread the news all around the small place i work at.

I'm not ashamed of what I did, I'm very proud.  It is just that I'm a very private person (excpet on OH) and I really don't like my personal life spread around.  I really don't know how I'm going to handle it on Monday....

Do we work in the same office??? LOL!  Sounds like the people I work with.  They don't care and are trying to be in other people's business to gossip.   I haven't had my surgery yet but I havent told but close friends and immed. fam.  After surgery I will not  broadcast "I had WLS " LOL! but If someone ask the question I would  be honest and tell them. 

You forgot that some people will ask out of concern...With the drastic and FAST weight loss, they may think you are sick if they don't know about the WLS. I remember a few posts from people who didn't share the fact they had WLS and got pissed off because people asked if they were sick (i.e. cancer) because of the weight loss. Remember WLS isn't the only thing that can cause drastic weight loss.

Other than that. I agree! LOL.

I agree. A neighbor came up to me, almost in tears, at about 6 months, asking if I had cancer. Most of us lose so quickly that illness is going to jump into people's minds.

My surgery's not a secret. I am selective in who I tell how much weight I've lost, but I've only had one person actually ask for a number.

If I can be a resource person for even one person thinking about wls, that's all good.

Caroline

I agree with the OP. People are not dumb. If you are out for a month then come back and lose 80lbs in 3 months then 2+2 =4.  I am not ashamed i had WLS so ppl can talk and gossip  i do not really care but Most people in my depart ment (97 ppl) know. Ihave only had good remarks and congratulations wow you look great remarks. It is a presonal choice but if you try to deny it like some here at work who have had it. they talk about you worse.

My name is Angie and i had WLS and i have lost 86 lbs since Nov 17 *****es :)

It is not the easy way out, this has been a total challenge and will be  a life changing situation.  I guess Ill tell people too.

I tell.
Anyone who notices and asks, even those whose interest is suspect. ("You've never spoken two words to me and all of the sudden you have some driving interest in my health or well-being? Really?") 

It's kind of silly to tell some people but not tell others, because eventually the two versions of my weight loss will meet, and I'd look like I was trying to hide it.  I think lying about it just adds support to the bogus idea that we've done something we should be ashamed of, or embarrassed about.

Plus, whoever is asking just may have someone in their own life who is struggling with obesity. I will willingly be their guinea pig, their case study, if that helps them reach a decision...

And Paul?
You look amazing! You're simply killing those workouts.

Thanks!