Feel like a liar

I am really torn on how to answer this one, as I can see all the viewpoints given. Yes, I believe one should have the right to keep their personal medical history to themselves and their doctor. However, I can't help but think of other people who are in our situation. They have already looked into WLS years ago and know someone who failed miserably from a lap band, and they are scared of an RNY. They are at their last resort and contemplating ending their life. If it were me, I'd be an open book. This person may not be aware of OH, or if the VSG even exists. This is where we come in, because naturally we will be a source of inspiration for them. To simply say you are eating a high protein diet, exercise, and limiting portions, may be enough for them to try it. But what if they fail? What if they end their life? For me, I couldn't live knowing that maybe if I shared the VSG with them it could have changed their mind.

I know all of the above was only hypothetical, but you just never know who you will encounter and what impact you may or may not have on their lives. For me, I chose to be completely open, even on social media. I will say the experience has been positive thus far.

I really understand why one would want to be private as well. I would recommend prayer to ask for guidance and direction on this very sensitive issue.

Amy, don't feel guilty. I am doing the same thing. I told three close work friends and then swore them to secrecy. I work with mostly women and I didn't want to be the center of attention or negative comments.. Its something I did for me and I don't care for them to know. There are two more friends that I might tell when I get back because I felt guilty telling them the lie but that's it. 

Telling people you're eating right, drinking your water, and getting protein in is after all the truth.

I will add my 2 cents as well.  I was all prepared not to tell anyone about my WLS surgery at work except for my boss and my co-manager.  I thought the same as many, it was no one's business.  It was probably Gwen's comments on another thread(these threads come up a least 2-3 times a month), that I took into consideration the feelings of other people of size who asked how I did it.  If I said, just diet and exercise, I could only imagine how I would feel if I was the one asking.  So when a coworker remarked again, I pulled her aside and told her the whole story.  Previously, I had told her diet and exercise.  She was so excited to see my success and she told me she had been researching WLS.  Long story short, she was sleeved by my surgeon on Sept 2nd and is doing great.

I understand the need to be private but sometimes sharing the story is more important.

I must admit that I have been lucky and no one has made any negative comments. 

Of course you feel like a liar.  It's one thing to not shout it from the rooftops, but you ARE being a liar.  You're lying over and over to your coworkers, and now you really have to keep it under wraps.  If it comes out that you've had wls - this could shatter your credibility in the workplace, so be prepared for that.  Be aware that every person in that office has one or five people that they confide secrets to, even yours, and one of their five may not be one of your favorites.

The reply, "I'm not comfortable talking about my weight," is both true (for you) and reminds people that a person's weight isn't something that should necessarily be discussed in a work setting.  You're obviously not close to your co-workers, so there is no reason for them to be commenting on something so personal.  I think that type of answer would be better than dancing around your surgery. 

I kept my wls a secret too. Don't feel like a fraud if you don't want to share your PERSONAL business. You have the right to keep it to yourself and don't feel guilty for not sharing it. I will probably never tell anyone I had wls besides the ppl that knew from the start!

I wanted to add something to think about to put this in perspective. I still understand the idea of keeping it under wraps, but I can't help but to think that being open and honest even with this private matter may very well save lives. I'm not saying grab a megaphone and get on every TV station and announce it. What I am trying and was trying to portray in my previous post, that for some Obesity is a life/death issue. Not necessarily suicide as I mentioned before, but with health. I am one of those in the situation that if I don't do anything about my weight, I will most likely not be here in the next 5-10 years. It is amazing how one's health can decline so rapidly because of obesity.

By telling folks (I'm referring mostly to MO, SMO) you are losing weight by a high protein diet and exercise, you could very well be helping to sign that person's death sentence. People need to know that something can be done to save them. They need to know VSG and DS are great alternatives to RNY and Lap Band. They need to know Obesity Help and all the members are here to help and encourage these people. They need to know that affordable self pay plans and financing does exist in the US without resorting to Mexico. They also need to know you can go to Mexico and have a fantastic outcome with proper research and guidance. They need to know plain and simple. I'm sure of someone who is obese is asking you how you are doing it, I'm pretty sure that is a way of crying out for help, hope, knowledge, and encouragement. Excluding the fact you had WLS to assist you could mean life or death for these people. Obesity is still a stigma of eating way to much and being lazy. Educating these folks who could very well need to have WLS as well need to understand this is a disease, and it can be treated and there is hope.

I know I probably went a little far, but it's just something to think about. Ultimately the choice is yours, but please know that your decision can affect others either positively or negatively.

i really don't think there is a right or wrong answer for this question. if you feel like a liar you probably need to be open about it with more people than you are. others keep it a total secret and that's their choice, it's not wrong either. if you give yourself a flashing neon sign, that's ok too ;)

i'll probably keep it a secret for about 8 minutes cause you can really tell if i am hiding something. after that the whole town will know, for better or for worse.