What do you tell people?

[sophiecat]

I've decided not to discuss my surgery with my co-workers. It's been going ok, except that I have people asking me how I lost the weight - people who genuinely want help and to do the same thing. I tell them "a restrictive low-carb diet", which is *technically* true. But I still feel like a big liar. Help?

[xena7158]

I decided the same thing - not to discuss the surgery with coworkers. A month pre-op I started my pre-op diet, and made a point of talking about 'new year, new plan', getting serious etc ... so as far as anyone is concerned, i'm just doing the normal new year's diet and exercise plan. (I was sleeved on Jan 20)

The reality and truth is that you are losing weight because you are overhauling your eating habits, using extreme portion control, and doing regular exercise.

[Terribj]

I did the opposite. When people ask I tell them I had weight-loss surgery. Just my opinion but the only way to change the "stigma" is to not make it one.
I have far more "good for you!!" than anything else.
It is a very personal choice - best of luck with your journey!!

[PayItForward]

I did the opposite. When people ask I tell them I had weight-loss surgery. Just my opinion but the only way to change the "stigma" is to not make it one.
I have far more "good for you!!" than anything else.
It is a very personal choice - best of luck with your journey!!

I did the same thing. I'll even tell the people that don't ask me how I did it.

[shparks]

When people ask I tell them I had weight-loss surgery.

Yeah, me too. The idea of keeping it a secret never really crossed my mind.

[densol]

Im the same - told loads ! In the UK its still relatively rare and people are dying to know the juicy details ! Ive not had any negative feedback ( that I know of lol ) its a personal thing and each to their own

[Alberta.edm]

I haven't told coworkers. And I stick with the new year new me. Time for change. Say I track everything I eat in my fitness pal and added some workouts. It's all true. Just not the whole truth.

[dxgolsen]

I figured people would figure it out eventually anyway, so I was up front about it. Down for 2 weeks after surgery, scars, dr. appointments, going out to eat and sharing meals with my 4 year old . . . . For me, the only reason not to tell was if i were ashamed about it and I'm too old for that. :-)

Though i have to say, i'm generally more candid about stuff than others. I never kept my adolescent depression a secret or my postpartum depression either. Figured if one person got help faster because i was willing to share, it was worth any talk behind my back. Same goes for the WLS.

[sophiecat]

I appreciate everyone's input - thank you. I feel the need to explain why I don't talk about it. I don't want to answer questions about something so personal. People know that I had surgery, and they're liable to figure out what kind. They can go ahead and talk behind my back - it leaves me free to concentrate on my own journey. Maybe I'm selfish, but I do not want to be a mentor to someone who wants to have it or a crusader for WLS. Yep, it sounds harsh, but I gotta do what I gotta do! ;-)

[knewme2013]

Interestingly I was diagnosed as being diabetic a week after my surgery. So I focused on that as my sole reason for being motivated to lose weight and get in high gear with my exercising. Also I found unless I exercise I don't loose weight even with my sleeve.
Iam not disclosing to anyone except for my family and closest friends.

[missbybee]

I started out telling people I was just making lifestyle changes, but decided it wasn't worth lying about. And I know it isn't a "lie" technically, but I felt horrible looking someone in the eyes and not telling the complete truth. I decided to tell anyone that asked (I've never offered the info), because I didn't want it going around my small town that I was doing something I shouldn't be doing, like drugs. If you don't admit to having surgery, be prepared for some nasty rumors, that's just how people are unfortunately.

[bigiphish41]

I didn't hide anything, its much like my sobriety, I am not ashamed I am proud of what I have become. Everyone is different, only you can decide what works best for you.

[Munecagirl85]

I told everyone also i was ify at first ,but iam fine with it!!! It is what it is

[Belle2]

Yes rumors do fly. I had complications and was in hospital for 55 days. The rumor was that I was in the state mental hospital. So that is another stigma that society needs to overcome.

[Mbenson5]

I am very picky about who I share this with. If it's someone who has also struggled with their weight, like a nice young man I work with who also lost a lot of weight, I talk with a lot because I know he gets how hard it was. Otherwise, I also just say low-carb or somethin similar. I was judged so much as a heavy person that I don't think it's anyone's business.