I'm trying to decide !

I'm really lucky that I seem to have almost all positive people around me.  I've pretty much tell everyone, including complete strangers at restaurants.  It is surprising how many people are truly interested in the topic, or have a family member who had the surgery.  However: I only told family and a select group before surgery.  Afterwards I have told bunches of people.

Just this past week I have had the following positive experiences:

* Wednesday: In line at the cafeteria at work and the lady behind me saw what I was getting ("off menu" grilled chicken with cheese, mushrooms, sauces, no bread, no sides) and decided to get the same thing and asked me how I'd thought of it - I told her that I had had WLS and could only eat a small portion and was staying away from fried and breads.  She was impressed and told me to keep up the good work.

* Thursday: Went quail hunting with a group of gentlemen (annual trip) - got some nice compliments on my weight loss - once I told them I'd had surgery, they all said "Way to go!" and "Good for you".  One man told me his wife had RNY 8 years ago and it has been amazing for her.  One friend came up to talk to me about another mutual friend to see if he could have him call me - seems his PCP had told him his diabetes was no longer control-able and that he needed to have WLS or he honestly would die soon. He had gone to a recommended bariatric surgeon who took a look at him (over 400 lbs) and said that he doesn't do surgery on people over 65 - He is 66. Wanted me to talk to him and encourage him to try another doctor or come talk to mine (5 hours away)

* Friday AM: Went to eat at the hotel buffet with hubby, step-daughter, and 3 grand kids.  I went back to get my yogurt I had brought with me from the room and when I came back, apparently hubby told the waitress that I would not be eating the buffet because I had WLS and there wasn't enough on the bar to make it worthwhile for me.  When I came back, an older couple at a table stopped me and said they had heard. This gentleman had just retired from the Mayo clinic and his wife was a retired lab technician - he told me it was great I had the surgery but for me to be very sure to do my follow-up care annually and to make sure I keep an eye on my electrolytes.

* Friday AM: As I finished talking to the previous man, a 50+ man at the next table apologized for eavesdropping, but his doctor had recommended WLS for him and after hearing how well I was doing and how much I was loving it, he was encouraged and thought he would seriously consider it.  I gave him the advice to study on it and realize that it wasn't a miracle, but a tool and he needed his head in the right place but that it could be a life-changer.

* Saturday late night: On a long 5 hour drive home we were at a fast food restaurant trying to figure out what I should get to eat - all the grilled chicken dishes were so darned expensive. Their salads were the fancier ones pre-made with odd greens and seasonings.  I briefly told the cashier my limitations and what I was hoping to get (small grilled chicken salad) and she came up with a bare grilled chicken filet ($2.19) and a side garden salad ($1)!  Perfect!

* Sunday: Pretty much everyone at church knows about my surgery and so every week I have a group of different ladies (and a few gents) coming up to me and asking "what's your number now!" They want to know how many pounds I've lost.  Then they cheer and hug me and tell me I'm doing great.  For me, it is really awesome having this giant cheering squad.

I realize from what I read on here from everyone, I am extremely blessed to be surrounded by encouraging and positive people.  So, make your decision based on the people around you - don't assume that people will say stupid rude things..... but I'd certainly not volunteer the story to the people you expect to be idiots.  If you do get an idiot response - remember the old saying "Consider the source".  Someone that rude and ignorant isn't likely to have anything to say that has any value for you!