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  1. #1
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    07/08/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Luciano Fiszer
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Last Activity
    06-27-2015 10:11 AM
    Posts
    38
    Said "Thanks" 3 Times
    Was Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 2,199 Times
    Blog Entries
    34

    Default Any Secret Sleevers?

    I have been a "Guest" of this site for over six months while doing my pre-op preparations. I was supposed to meet with the surgeon in January and even had a surgery date set for March, but cancelled for fear. Not fear of the surgery, but of how I would view myself and how I would explain it to others. My Mother had gastric bypass surgery when I was a teenager and I gave her HELL. I saw it as giving up, taking the easy way out, and so on. As with most crap a teen says I now regret those words. I KNOW this is not the easy way out. I am convinced this is the right tool (and procedure) for my health issues, mainly being PCOS. However, I am a seen as a strong person who tends to care for everyone else above myself. It is time to take care of me, but I do NOT want this to define who I am. I have the immediate support system in place with my Mother, Husband, and a couple of really close friends. I do NOT want to discuss this with my co-workers, extended family, and general acquaintances. How were you able to protect your privacy?




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  3. #2
    Gastric Sleeve Member amandajane's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Amanda
    Surgery date
    04/10/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. David Brams
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Last Activity
    04-27-2017 12:52 PM
    Location
    Boston, MA
    Posts
    197
    Said "Thanks" 0 Times
    Was Thanked 63 Times in 62 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 130 Times
    Blog Entries
    23

    Default Re: Any Secret Sleevers?

    I wanted to be very private about my surgery as well.. However, I did tell my family and my closest friends which was the right decision. Having that support has been great and I also didn't want to feel like I had to hide or make up stories as to why I was unable to do certain things that I used to ( I am 4 weeks post-op and have been on a full-liquid diet this whole time). I really hesitated telling my friends and really only told them about a week before I was going into surgery. I just wanted to focus on the process and my own feelings without having to explain myself. But- it all worked out fine b/c they were all very happy for me. I did NOT tell my co-workers as I don't consider them close friends and I really don't think it's any of their business. I did tell my boss b/c I felt like I had to just in case I needed more recovery time, etc. (which I didn't). But with all the Dr. appointments, I felt telling my boss was the right thing to do. Luckily, she understood this is very personal for me and has respected my decision to keep it private. People at work know I'm on a medical weight loss plan through my Dr. and that's all they know... Obviously, as the weight comes off I'm sure they will comment and that's fine... I've changed my habits and I've lost weight- period. I just don't feel the need to tell them every little bit of my personal life. I feel that you need to tell who you are comfortable telling. Some people on here scream it from the roof tops and don't care about other's opinions.. some people tell no one- including their own families. It's a very personal decision. But I do recommend telling your family and closest friends b/c those are the people who will be there to support you. It makes things a lot easier when you feel like you don't have to hide from those around you. Whatever decision you make, I'm sure will be the best one for you. Good luck!



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  5. #3
    Gastric Sleeve Member Cleverjuls's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Julie
    Surgery date
    10/02/2013
    Surgeon
    Dr. Almanza
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Last Activity
    11-01-2015 08:25 AM
    Location
    Fairfield, CA
    Posts
    78
    Said "Thanks" 23 Times
    Was Thanked 26 Times in 22 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 76 Times

    Default Re: Any Secret Sleevers?

    I keep my mouth shut. No bodies business but my own. if people ask what I am doing I tell them the truth, diet and exercise. The sleeve is just a diet aid to help you along, no different than a diet supplement. After I lost 60 lbs I only told people I wanted to tell and some told me the same things you told your mom, "oh you took the easy way out." There is nothing easy about being a sleever.



  6. #4
    Gastric Sleeve Member rescue's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    07/10/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Quinones
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Last Activity
    01-11-2015 05:03 PM
    Posts
    90
    Said "Thanks" 37 Times
    Was Thanked 22 Times in 22 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 58 Times

    Default Re: Any Secret Sleevers?

    You don't have to explain yourself to anyone!!!!! This is your decision. !! I've only told my husband and daughter -- . no need to tell others.. I don't want to hear the negative remarks.. I'm not going to explain or try to convince anyone why I chose the surgery. none of there business.. When I start losing the weight I'll say I went on a shake diet.. which is true -- Pre -op diet,,,, and I'll have to be on pure liquids for some time after the surgery.
    This is a tool to help you.. If you are like me you probable tried many of the (money making) diets out there. all have failed right??? The surgery you are going to have is to improve your health. Which is why most of us if not all have this procedure done.. Like you said "It is time to take care of me," You have taken care others, put them above yourself.. Now its time for you!!!! Best wishes in your decision . Why wait????



  7. #5
    Gastric Sleeve Member Jeanie's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Jeanie
    Surgery date
    04/05/2013
    Surgeon
    Touliatos
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Last Activity
    01-26-2015 07:32 AM
    Location
    Alabama
    Posts
    373
    Said "Thanks" 0 Times
    Was Thanked 63 Times in 58 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 33 Times

    Default Re: Any Secret Sleevers?

    Just shared my info with family' and a FEW close friends. When asked what I was doing, I never lied, diet and exercise. Just did not share all the info. You will be eating a different diet and exercise. People will see you eat differently and never question. I just let them know that my doctor wants me to focus on protein first and cut out carbs. There are so many diets out there that does that, no one will question. Good luck and no this is not an easy way out and I wish I could have dieted my way to healthy but I couldn't, I needed this TOOL. This surgery is not for wimps because of all the changes you go through!



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  9. #6
    Gastric Sleeve Member Metread's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Mary
    Surgery date
    02/07/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Parrish
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Last Activity
    06-01-2015 12:59 PM
    Location
    Louisiana
    Posts
    519
    Said "Thanks" 9 Times
    Was Thanked 97 Times in 94 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 89 Times
    Blog Entries
    6

    Default Re: Any Secret Sleevers?

    There are several threads on here discussing the topic of sharing or not. I only told those I felt needed to know, or I wanted to know. No big annuncements for me. you do not even have to disclose specifics with work. HIPPA allows you to take medical leave privately.



  10. #7
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    07/08/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Luciano Fiszer
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Last Activity
    06-27-2015 10:11 AM
    Posts
    38
    Said "Thanks" 3 Times
    Was Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 2,199 Times
    Blog Entries
    34

    Default Re: Any Secret Sleevers?

    Thanks everyone for your responses! I am actually meeting with the surgeon next week and approved to do the surgery as early as July 8th. I work with a small staff of only ladies and we are generally supportive of each other both personally and professionally. I do not feel the need to explain myself to them, except for the need for time off. My job isn't very strenuous, but I do drive about 2 hours a day to go to and from our various locations to teach two hour classes. The rest of my time is spent sitting at a computer or in meetings. I am hoping I can get by with only 2 weeks off which I could actually use vacation time for instead of medical leave, but not trying to kid myself this is surgery and I could need more healing time. My husband said if anyone asks to tell them that I am having a procedure to assist with my Poly Cystic Ovaries, because as a guy he thinks any "female" surgery is off limits as far as discussions go. Little does he realize that nothing is off limits when it is a small group of women...lol



  11. #8
    Gastric Sleeve Member ssc22880's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Tosha
    Surgery date
    08/26/2013
    Surgeon
    Dr. DiBenedetto
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Last Activity
    11-29-2016 12:28 PM
    Location
    Medina, New York
    Posts
    179
    Said "Thanks" 9 Times
    Was Thanked 35 Times in 34 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 59 Times
    Blog Entries
    7

    Default Re: Any Secret Sleevers?

    I've only told close family, my friends, my boss and my coworkers (were more like a family than coworkers and boss) this is a very supportive group that i chose (with the exception of my sister and her husband). Other wise i just tell everyone my diet changes and exercise routines. Good luck on your journey!!!



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  12. #9
    Gastric Sleeve Member one4sailn's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Jessica
    Surgery date
    03/06/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Almanza
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Last Activity
    10-11-2022 10:46 PM
    Location
    Tulsa, Oklahoma
    Posts
    376
    Said "Thanks" 9 Times
    Was Thanked 81 Times in 74 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 5 Times

    Default Re: Any Secret Sleevers?

    My .02 worth...

    I have a few friends that have been sleeved long before me that never told a soul about their procedure. They still haven't admitted to those that have asked. I chose a FAR different route. You see, I am blessed with tons of friends and family who support me with everything. They love me as I am, and all that goodness. Why would I choose to go this very major journey alone when I have so many cheerleaders? Why say "Oh, you know, just hard work with diet and exercise" when they've all seen me lose 100lbs before, only to gain back 110lbs? My weight struggle has been pretty easy to see, for well over 25 years. To have the mind set of "it's none of their business", for me, personally, isn't okay. These are people who love me and root for me, and are EXCITED for me to finally see this dream realized. I'm just 2 months out and not one of them has gotten overly personal with questions, or ask "how much have you lost??" It's only comments like, "lookin good, lady!" It's a process, but be assured that (depending on your start weight) you're fooling NO ONE when you say "diet and exercise" and losing 30 lbs in a month. LOL This is a more common procedure, and not as "taboo" as it was 20 years ago.

    Be honest. Let those you love and trust know what you're about to do. It's major surgery to get your health/weight in check. Who on earth wouldn't be supportive? Pick and choose who you tell, but I am a firm believer in letting people be in the know who you know care so much about you.

    Again, just my .02 worth.



  13. #10
    Gastric Sleeve Member Little Verbena's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Kat
    Surgery date
    09/25/2013
    Surgeon
    Dr. R Peterson
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Last Activity
    03-08-2016 06:07 PM
    Location
    Big City, North Carolina
    Posts
    878
    Said "Thanks" 29 Times
    Was Thanked 209 Times in 191 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 156 Times
    Blog Entries
    56

    Default Re: Any Secret Sleevers?

    This is your own private medical information and you do NOT have to share it with anyone that you don't want to. I told my hubby, kids, brother and best friend and that is it. I did not tell anyone at work as it is none of their business. All they needed to know is I was going to be off for medical reasons for two weeks. No one else needs to know. Now that I have lost so much weight people ask how I did it and I tell them that I am seeing a specialist, working with a nutritionist to change what and how I eat and exercising. All of that is true. I do not feel the need to broadcast any other medical information. It is your habits you have to work on and enlisting those closest to you are all you really need.
    My soul is not limited by my body. My body is contained in the limitlessness of my soul. ~ Jim Carey


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  14. #11
    Gastric Sleeve Member keoster1's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Ciaran keogh
    Surgery date
    03/30/2017
    Surgeon
    Mr. Collins
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Last Activity
    10-02-2021 07:13 PM
    Location
    Donegal , Ireland
    Posts
    80
    Said "Thanks" 71 Times
    Was Thanked 52 Times in 32 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 0 Times
    Blog Entries
    10

    Default Re: Any Secret Sleevers?

    Hi there , im getting mine in 4 or 5 months ..... no exact date set yet but im just so chuffed to get the go ahead !! , im interested to know how your mom is doing with it now ??



  15. #12
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    07/08/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Luciano Fiszer
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Last Activity
    06-27-2015 10:11 AM
    Posts
    38
    Said "Thanks" 3 Times
    Was Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 2,199 Times
    Blog Entries
    34

    Default Re: Any Secret Sleevers?

    My Mom had the Gastric Bypass not the sleeve, but she has had very little complications. When I first started thinking about having WLS I asked her if she had any regrets and she said her only regret was not having it sooner!



  16. #13
    Gastric Sleeve Member Flipflops's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    11/26/2013
    Surgeon
    Dr. Simchuk
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Last Activity
    01-23-2020 10:43 AM
    Location
    No. Calif.
    Posts
    588
    Said "Thanks" 10 Times
    Was Thanked 107 Times in 105 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 148 Times
    Blog Entries
    4

    Default Re: Any Secret Sleevers?

    I only told a handful of friends & family before my surgery. Not even my parents. Post-op, I told everyone and still do when they ask. I have never had a negative comment or someone say I took the easy way out. I continually get compliments and it feels so good. BUT, you have to do what's best for you. It's your story. I would not delay your live because your are fearful of others opinion. Do this for yourself!
    Good luck and God bless!!!


    Highest weight - 254
    Day of Surgery - 245
    1 month: 22 lb. loss (232)
    2 month: 12 lb. loss (220)
    3 month: 12 lb. loss (208)
    4 month: 7 lb. loss (201)
    5 month: 5 lb. loss (196)
    6 month: 7 lb. loss (189)
    7 month: 7 lb. loss (182)
    8 month: 5 lb. loss (177)
    Goal: 150

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