What Do You Tell People When You Dont Want Them To Know?

[Carrie's Journey 130]

I'm 10 days out and have told the people who matter. I go back to work in a couple weeks and I'm just waiting for the comments..."Carrie, you look great! What are you doing??" which will be nice comments to hear, but I'm just not ready for the whole school (I work at a high school) to talk about me. I know...I need to figure out how to stop caring so much about what people think.

I was thinking of saying gallbladder surgery , which prompted a new diet (low fat) and once I started losing and feeling better I continued... I don't know. It's probably easier to tell the truth but I feel ashamed in a way. The nice thing is that I'm a lower BMI (started at 32), so I know the weight loss will come off slower. So maybe it won't be so obvious...

What did/do you guys say?

[AdeptDreamer 104]

Do what makes you comfortable you need to focus on healing. But I wouldn't use the gallbladder story because it is a possibility with this surgery. I haven't had the surgery yet so I'm not sure what my answer will be. Good luck and don't let negative people ruin this for you

[Nimm 31]

I feel the same way. I've told a few close people, but everyone else... how do you pick that topic up? =/ To the 'acquaintances' I've said that I had part of my stomach removed because of digestive problems. I thought about gallbladder too, but at least in the long run, if I DO have to have that removed, I dont have people going 'Whaaaat?' I wish I had the strength/courage to be completely honest (although to be fair, I DID have my stomach removed!) and maybe in some time I will feel differently, but for now if the question arises, that's what I'm going with

[Geechee Girl 9]

I'm 10 days out and have told the people who matter.

What did/do you guys say?

Carrie, I am also 10 days out and only told close family and friends. I feel the same way you do. I think I will just tell people that I finally wanted to get healthy and am doing something about the weight.

Some may guess about the surgery and some won't. But eating smaller portions and exercising will only show that you are serious about getting the pounds off. No matter what anyone says to you, keep you head up. You made a great decision to get healthy, let them say what they want. When we are both at our goal weight with ROCKING BODIES... Who will care?

[gmanbat 5,889]

I just tell them the truth: I eat less.

If I deem them worthy, they hear the rest of the story.

If not, that's all they need to know.

[unknown54678997 50]

I tell everyone exactly how it is. Speaking the truth is much easier than going along with a false story.

Even when I returned to work, people asked why I wasn't joining in with morning tea etc. I just told them straight out "I had wls two weeks ago and my diet is restricted for awhile". Most people are intrigued and I love sharing my story. I am proud that I made this decision to change my life for the better.

Unless you tell not one single person, someone is bound to tell someone else (unintentionally of course) but someone always lets the cat out of the bag (so to speak).

But in answer to your question...In my Dr notes, he says that if you don't want to tell anyone it was wls, you can say it was a hiatal hernia repair as the op and recovery are fairly much the same.

Good luck with whatever decision you make

[Carrie's Journey 130]

Carrie' date=' I am also 10 days out and only told close family and friends. I feel the same way you do. I think I will just tell people that I finally wanted to get healthy and am doing something about the weight.

Some may guess about the surgery and some won't. But eating smaller portions and exercising will only show that you are serious about getting the pounds off. No matter what anyone says to you, keep you head up. You made a great decision to get healthy, let them say what they want. When we are both at our goal weight with ROCKING BODIES... Who will care? <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

You're right. Maybe if they see me eating smaller portions and no crap it'll make sense..

Thank you. I'm not sure how to add you as a buddy or something. Lol since you're day 10 too! How's it been for you lately?

[Carrie's Journey 130]

I just tell them the truth: I eat less.

If I deem them worthy' date=' they hear the rest of the story.

If not, that's all they need to know.[/quote']

You're totally right!

[Carrie's Journey 130]

I tell everyone exactly how it is. Speaking the truth is much easier than going along with a false story.

Even when I returned to work' date=' people asked why I wasn't joining in with morning tea etc. I just told them straight out "I had wls two weeks ago and my diet is restricted for awhile". Most people are intrigued and I love sharing my story. I am proud that I made this decision to change my life for the better.

Unless you tell not one single person, someone is bound to tell someone else (unintentionally of course) but someone always lets the cat out of the bag (so to speak).

But in answer to your question...In my Dr notes, he says that if you don't want to tell anyone it was wls, you can say it was a hiatal hernia repair as the op and recovery are fairly much the same.

Good luck with whatever decision you make[/quote']

I may have the courage to tell my closer friends at work (knowing that everyone will find out)...just not right now. Great idea with the hernia because I actually did have one repaired! I didn't know I had one but I had a small one. Hmmm

[Carrie's Journey 130]

I tell everyone exactly how it is. Speaking the truth is much easier than going along with a false story.

Even when I returned to work' date=' people asked why I wasn't joining in with morning tea etc. I just told them straight out "I had wls two weeks ago and my diet is restricted for awhile". Most people are intrigued and I love sharing my story. I am proud that I made this decision to change my life for the better.

Unless you tell not one single person, someone is bound to tell someone else (unintentionally of course) but someone always lets the cat out of the bag (so to speak).

But in answer to your question...In my Dr notes, he says that if you don't want to tell anyone it was wls, you can say it was a hiatal hernia repair as the op and recovery are fairly much the same.

Good luck with whatever decision you make[/quote']

Good for you. Maybe I'll have the courage to tell closer friends at work at some point (knowing itll get out). But I totally did have a hiatal hernia repaired! I didn't know I had one...So that wouldn't be lying.

[kyzee 8]

When people start noticing (the people i dont want to know bout my surgery) and asking How did i do it.... with me I am just going to say I have cut down drinking alcohol (used to b a big drinker), I'm exercising more and on a high Protein low fat diet... And hey I'm not lying???

[KikiCC 83]

I think that lying about it will eventually make you uncomfortable. People are becoming more familiar with gastric surgeries and when they see a rapid weight loss, they can figure it out. I also work at a high school and have been pretty open about it. I find that coworkers, parents, and students are very supportive.

[UK Cathy 977]

I have onl told a couple of people at work, when others ask "what are you doing?" I reply "smaller meals, high Protein and no bread" this is all true. If anyone specifically asks if I have had surgery (they haven't yet) then I have decided to give them the full version.

[Kalimomof3 613]

When people start noticing (the people i dont want to know bout my surgery) and asking How did i do it.... with me I am just going to say I have cut down drinking alcohol (used to b a big drinker)' date=' I'm exercising more and on a high Protein low fat diet... And hey I'm not lying???[/quote']

That is my plan too after surgery. I have told my mom and my family .I have not told my MIL(way too judgemental)and none of my husband's family and never plan to tell them because they will talk $h!t about me. I have also told a couple close friends who are supportive. Anyone else will be told I have had a lifestyle change I eat a lot less and exercise a lot more <period>

[4ALongerLife 329]

I have to say, 5 months out, I still struggle with telling people sometimes. Yes, mostly now I don't care, but who's business is it what I've done?

I would not encourage any false stories though like hiatial hernia repair or gall bladder surgery because IF you do eventually decide to be honest with everyone, it taints your integrity. People may wonder what other false things you have said. Not that it matters, but.....

Just say you are changing your eating habits (and working out, if that is the case). It's not a lie because WLS won't get you entirely to your goal.... so I'd encourage you to say something more along the lines of that. Best of luck!