Question:
What ALL to tell about WLS???
Last night my son's school had their "Meet the Teacher" night. I saw so many people that I have not seen in months ... 3 - 6 months for most. So for many of them, the last time they saw me I was 100 lbs heavier. Everyone was amazed at how good I looked ... their words. All asked some form of "what have you been doing ... how did you loose so much weight?" questions. This went on and on as we walked from classroom to classroom. I have to say I was very intemadated (sp?) ... what not sure what to say. To most I said ... lots of time on the treadmill ... which is not a lie. I do 2 1/2 miles a day on the treadmill and do weight lifting. Now I keep feeling like I lied to all of them. What have you told people about your WLS??? I don't want to keep it a secret. I have told so many people, but did not feel comfortable going on and on about my surgery at that time to SO many different people. — Tammy Cardwell (posted on August 22, 2008)
August 22, 2008
i tell everyone that ask i had surgery i have people come up to me and
ask if i am sick i just say nope i had wls if they ask i tell them about it
— oldpepsilady
August 22, 2008
I am proud to tell people that I had wls -- it gives me the chance to
educate them that this is not the "easy" way out -- Congrats on
your weightloss --
— Cheri V.
August 22, 2008
I am going back to work in a few weeks, and I've thought about it alot and
I'm not going to talk about my WLS to my co-workers once the weight loss is
really noticeable. I'm going to tell them I've been eating very carefully
and exercising which is 100% truth. I've chosen not to tell them because I
don't want to talk about it. That's a personal choice. It's especially hard
for me because I'm an open book in EVERY other way. So I know it'll be
really hard not to talk about it, but I don't want to so I'm not going to.
— k4rizz421
August 22, 2008
I think you did the right thing. A teachers meeting is not the place to
try to teach people. I tell people who are close to me. But fair-weather
friends, I just tell them, "well, I lost 80 lbs." Which isn't a
"Lie" Most of them have seen me go up and down before. I just
never had this kind of success. I saw a post about a year ago, talking
about Carnie Wilson and how she "sold out" to WLS. So I just
don't invite that kind of negativity. I have the support, encouragement
and love of those who are important in my life. Why complicate it.
— lesleigh07
August 22, 2008
I'd "tell the world" about your surgery. You can mention that the
surgery is only part of the reason for your wt loss as you have to daily
exercise, watch food portions and what you eat, and drink plenty of water.
The surgery is the "tool" towards wt loss, but your participation
in following the protocol makes the difference in how successful the
surgery is in the long run. DAVE
— Dave Chambers
August 22, 2008
I found that too many WLS patients try and hid the facts, but I have been
up front before surgery and after. People don't treat you any differently,
but I think it does other good to hear about the sucessful WLS patients out
there than it to be a secret and all they hear is the rare case of someone
dying from the surgery. I see more people on this site that have trouble
with their family and freinds because all they know about WLS is people
die. Just be upfront and spead the good word. I have had 5 people that I
came accross after surgery that have had or are planning to have the
surgery because of my success. It makes your feel good to help someone
down the path, so be up frount and offer to help.
— William (Bill) wmil
August 22, 2008
I tell everyone. I am very proud. I tell them I had RNY as a decision to be
proactive with my health and to stop being reactive to it. People seem to
get that and catch on well with the concept. Congrats on the -100lbs. I am
down exactly 143lbs - which means I am EXACTLY 1/2 the person I once was.
Keep up the great work.
— jammerz
August 22, 2008
You did lie to them but thats your business. If your ashamed of your weight
loss surgery why did you do it? I tell everyone that askes. I had gastric
bypass. and most say wow. it worked for you didint it. yes it did and I am
proud of it. I worked hard to look good. I will work hard for the rest of
my life to look good. Dont be ashamed of your progress and what you did.
Its like getting a tattoo. If you have to hide it your ashamed of it and
should have never got it
— Joanc
August 22, 2008
I am very prod of what I did and have no trouble telling people. I leave it
up to them to ask more about it as I have found that most want to know more
and are very supportive of my decision. Or they have a ton of questions for
me because they have been thinking about it and have no one to talk to.
— stutzman
August 22, 2008
I believe that honesty is the best policy! It's so hard to keep track
later on of those that you did and didn't tell. You sound very proud of
how much effort you have put into your victory, so why not share it?
Everyone will definately have a story that they've heard, either good or
bad, but like pregnancy and labor stories, they are all different! Stand
tall and let your peacock feathers spread for all to see.
— bariatricdivalatina
August 22, 2008
These are good answers to the question. However, I'm confused, I thought
having wls was a personal decision. I plan to tell some people about my
wls and some I will not tell. If it is a situation to discuss wls okay,
but not all situations are appropriate at the time. It is not about being
ashame, in my family, they are very judgement and I don't want to discuss
negative outcomes with people that don't care about wls. I think that you
should pick your battles. I could be wrong.
— Toby2
August 22, 2008
I tell them "I had surgery". Most know right away it was WLS.
If they don't, they ask "what kind" and then I tell them. You
will always encounter those who are pro surgery and those who are against
it. You did it for YOU and not for everyone else's approval!!!!
— ALafferty
August 22, 2008
When I am not in the mood to talk (which is rarely...bt sometimes i am ina
rush) I tell people I had stomach surgery and I have worked hard to totally
change my diet to eat healthy and lean and cut out most sugar and junk
food. And I keep an exercise regimen along with vitamins and protein
supplements and a food journal.... If they ask if it was GB or WLS I say
yes...After that, they usually have nothing else to say...But most of the
time..I BRAG my little-fat butt off :) about GB!
— .Anita R.
August 22, 2008
If you don't want to hide it then DON'T. If you don't want to tell someone
then DON'T. It isn't about other people. It's about you and you have the
right to share or withhold information as you choose. Me? I say
"Thanks, I had gastric bypass surgery." If they ask more, I
notice a lot of the time it's because they themselves might be interested,
or they have a family member they are concerned about. So, if I can get
the word out there, I don't mind answering a few questions. I'm also very
assertive and have no problem curtailing the conversation if it becomes too
intrusive. Bottom line? Do what you are comfortable doing. This is your
journey.
— Shirley D.
August 22, 2008
Some people I tell, others do not. If someone is asking I just say that I
am on a doc superwised program, and a diet and exercise. It is the truth.
I donot have to tell some people if I do not want to, about the WLS. I am
enough of a "white tiger" out there to give most people one more
think they want to ask me about....
— H.A.L.A B.
August 22, 2008
i tell the world -- it's my way of educating people - i show them my scar
-- i tell them about insurance approval -- i tell them about my 2.5 days in
the hospital -- i tell them i can eat like normal people and that i'm NOT
on a DIET -- i tell them i never ate baby food -- i do my best to stop the
myths about WLS -- but i am proud of who i am and the decisions i make in
life -- good luck :)
— RCassety
August 23, 2008
Honestly, I don't even count it as a lie of omission. You told them was
truth-- and not telling everybody everything does not mean you're ashamed.
Shame tends to imply you've done something wrong, and what can be wrong
about making such a healthy change? As someone else said, it's a personal
decision, which means it's up to you when, where, or if to share. For
example, my sis and I are both pre-op, waiting for our insurance. She (and
my mom, who is excited) has told a lot of people, but she's a very outgoing
and open person. I'm the more reserved one and have only told my best
friends and a few of my closest co-workers. Once I start losing weight and
people notice, I will pick and choose who to tell what, not to mention when
and where. I would not tell some people I know that I bought a new pair of
shoes or went on a date, so why would I tell them something even more
intimate? It's definitely not that I'm ashamed, because I'm far from it!
I'm proud of making the decision, going through the endless tests and
appointments, and of all the things I've done to improve my lifestyle and
eating habits. It simply is not everybody's business. If they are
concerned, or if I think the information may be to their advantage, sure
I'll share.
— snickersblk
August 23, 2008
Most of the time I tell people I have had surgery because I am proud that I
had my surgery. There are some cases though because I know the people and
for one reason or another they would not agree with my decision I tell them
that I have done it with lots of hard work and careful meal planning which
is the truth also as far as I am concerned. I spend more time watching what
I eat and what I buy then I have ever done in my life. I also spend a lot
of time making sure I am getting plenty of walking and toning in . You did
what is right for you at the time. Good luck and keep up the great job.
— Harley2006Angel
August 23, 2008
I always tell people that I had surgery. There will always be some that
look at you like you are crazy but who cares. They have never been in our
shoes most likely. Or maybe they are just afraid of surgery in general. I
have found that when I tell people that alot of them want to know about the
surgery. I love telling people and I am proud that I made the most
important decision of my life to become happy and healthy not just for me
but for my family too. Be proud of yourself and everything you have gone
through to get to where you are now!!!!!!!!!!!
God Bless!!
Angie (sillyguts)
— Sillyguts
August 23, 2008
Initially I told no one except my family and my best friend. I couldn't
risk failing at one more diet in front of people again in case it didn't
work.
As I lost weight, I told them and I qoute "I'm eating less and moving
more" which was the absolute truth.
After I lost about 100#, I began telling people the truth, that I had
LapBand.
It's completely up to you, to some it is very private, to some it is out in
the open. Do what you are comfortable with and I give you permission to
use my line if you'd like.
Good luck,
Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
— DawnVic
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