My best story was when a co-worker heard about my surgery and said she didn't want to give up eating whatever she wanted. Really, you enjoy getting close to 300 pounds? Do you want to be around to see your children grow up?

Love azladyrider's line about "I'll be glad to share my doctors name!"

4 words: Piss up a rope. I told who I wanted and those that asked me later I told too - if they say anything I just ask why are you obsessed with my weight and what I do? Or if they are fat I tell them I'll be glad to share my doctors name with them. Shuts em right up for good.

And THIS is why I didn't tell anybody but my husband and two very sane friends who live far away.

You'll be fine.

Most people understand nothing about obesity. Not even most doctors!

Some people will be mean, but for some people around us, it's also a way to look down on us. "oh that poor fat woman, too bad she has no willpower"....I'm not even kidding, I heard it.

So when they see you decide to do something about your disease (which for them is just too much indulgence), they see they won't feel superior any longer if you are successful!!
So of course they will make nasty comments and try to discourage you.
Either ways, it's always a form of ignorance talking.

I decided a long time ago I had no time to waste in trying to educate idiots.

I didn't talk to many people before my surgery. My real friends only showed concern about the risks of the surgery, but they were all very supportive.

Some relatives (who were ear dropping...I actually was not going to tell them) had mean things to say behind my back "she has always been eating too much, doing this surgery is wasting the insurance money...etc etc.....worth thing being that they know I have medical issues and how I gained the weight". But we don't chose our relatives! I've not been talking to them for more than 2 years now, and time did prove they were wrong...and I will be 3 years out in 2 months.

Avoid those nasty people, be strong and keep your goal the only priority! Good luck!

Having heard some not so nice comments about someone who had the same surgery I decided not to tell many people at all when I had mine. I didn't need the negativity. Those that I did tell were totally supportive and have continued to be. They asked lots of questions because they were interested and when we go our for meals they are the ones to suggest shared plates or tapas style meals. Now (a year out) if people ask how I have lost so much weight I generally tell them because I don't care what they think...........but there are some that I will NEVER tell.

My best friend told me how her other friend had the surgery and regained all her weight. Thanks, that was helpful! I don't even know what kind of surgery, could have been the Lapland that failed for many.

Over time people won't even remember. It's been over 5 years for me and no one says a thing. (Except one teacher who said how great it was that I've kept my weight off and asked how long it's been). Now just show those jerks that you can maintain your weight loss and they will have nothing to gossip about. Be proud of what you have accomlished.

HI Merritt

You are so right. I heard a friend make a snide comment about one of our other friends who had the bypass, so when I decided on the surgery I decided only certain people will be told and then for the rest of my friends and family I would tell them the half truth. People are very judgmental and can't just say we are proud of you and well done. If only these people knew that it was not an easy way out, as the diet after surgery is very tough. Good luck on your journey.

I bought decaf for when I got back home from Mexico. First morning home took one sip and bleh and immediately made a regular cup of coffee.

Great post. Thank you for the job you do. It is a hugely stressful and I can't imagine what you have to deal with each day.
This is a great place for support and advise.
"taking life back and doing whatever it takes to be healthy." Yep, that's what we are doing - and it is great! :-)

I love you guys! You do a great job.
Congrats on your most excellent decision and you are going to do great :-)

You are so right that the it will catch up with you. Last year at my high weight, I had 17 meds daily, plus nitro prn for severe uncontrolled angina. Now I have 4 things daily I take, and no angina, normal BP, very low bad low cholesterol, very high good cholesterol, no more type II diabetes. And I'm 66. So its never too late to get this fabulous tool.

I did have a minor bleed after surgery that required a second surgery the same day, along with 2 units of blood. Only had one extra day in the hospital, and no need for pain pills except tyenol. But as you know, vetting your hospital and surgeon are SO important.

And all the generously shared experience and information here is invaluable. You'll be wonderful in that role!

It does take a bit to get your head around all of this. Look at all the happy successful people on this forum. We all have similar stories to yours - dieting forever and losing but not being able to maintain the loses. Now we have a great tool to help us do it - and it works!
There is a lot of support here so ask any questions or just share your feelings. I can 100% guarantee that there will be someone who has felt/feels that same way.

It's really hard to go through something so big in my life and feel like I can't talk about it with many people because everyone has their judgments. Or to be honest it's really only important and interesting to me!! LOL I feel like I am always looking for information or ideas. I want to be prepared and know what to expect and maybe that's why I think about it so much.

Dradra336- I'd love to keep in touch. I accepted your friend request.

I feel like I could have written your post myself! My surgery is on December 6th, I would love to continue to follow your story!! = ) Thank you for posting this, it made me feel a million times better to know I'm not alone!

It’s nice to know that others are feeling the same way!

Hi.

You can have caffeine again. I know lots of (successful) people on this site drink coffee, even use their protein shake as creamer for their coffee. I actually gave up coffee because my protein shake satisfies that urge. It is monster muscle energy protein shake, and it has plenty of caffeine in it. I'm addicted. In fact, not only can you have caffeine, you can have anything you want in moderation after your initial healing time.

I understand your constant thinking, wondering, and worrying. I'm one that has experienced and posted the horror stories of what can go wrong. Oddly enough, after all I've been through and especially what my daughter suffered, I still think this is a pretty great surgery. I'm also all for Mexico. We had our surgeries right here in the good ol USA, and still had complications. You're right, that can happen anywhere. I've seen tons of people on here go to Mexico and have safe, successful outcomes.

December 4th is my sister's birthday. She died 9 years ago. I'll be doing Jagermeister shots (yuck!) that day as I do every year on her birthday. You'll be having surgery. I'll be getting drunk on nasty Jager. It'll be a great day ;-) You've got this, just stay vigilant on taking care of yourself.

I totally think about this surgery non-stop. So many emotions are going through me head and I want to be ultra prepared. My surgery will be sometime January. I wish you the best of luck and I bet you we both will not regret having this surgery!