secret surgery: what else can you tell someone if they ask?

[Sharon Walls 24]

The gastric sleeve surgery used to be the surgical treatment for stomach ulcers that refused to heal. My husband and my BFF girlfriend both know I had the surgery for bariatric reasons, and as far as everybody else is concerned I had the surgery due to unresolving stomach ulcers (which I actually do have a history of). It's really nobody else's business, and I don't want to hear any negative flack from the armchair quarterback gallery.

[Darla15 21]

blame HIPPA...haha Tell them "Due to HIPPA I am not at liberty to say" and change the subject. lol people are so nosy, eh?!?!

[Jordan861 124]

I said girl surgery.. and when they ask how I am loosing so fast I tell them - a major lifestyle change

[Introvert 53]

I actually had a hiatal hernia repair during my sleeve surgery so I just tell people that, and omit the rest. Then when they ask why I'm not eating I say because of the location of the hernia I have to be careful not to irritate the incisions... That's also why I'm losing weight so fast and I think I'll use this issue to kickstart a new healthier lifestyle. All true but they don't need to know ALL the details. But you will need at least one person to speak with openly. I guess that's where we come in!

[Jacqbult 112]

Staycation is enough I think. When people start to ask about your weight loss you can tell the truth just not the WHOLE truth, and say you are on low calorie low carb diet which is true. Your life your business!

[jjinWA 511]

I have told no one. I am 3 months out and have lost 44 pounds. Yes it is showing. My friends and neighbors are noticing, but they are also noticing that I walk over 11 miles each day! And when I do eat with them they see I have cut way back on food portions. I tell them simply I am limiting my food intake and eliminating carbs as much as possible. Other then that it is none of their business. It is my body and my life.

[Rovobay 920]

@@jjinWA 11 miles a day. kick ass!!! so far so good, I have been back to work, seen family. I just swallow the pain and hide it. try to live normal.

[JakeLancaster 36]

Hernia repair sounds good, you can have hernias in different places and even have the same one repaired twice so you are covered with that one. Gallbladder more difficult if you actually need it removed later. I told everyone about my first surgery and this time around only my real close network knows. I figure others are not close enough to insist if I tell them I took a few days off.

[I will what I want 271]

I've had an interesting experience telling people about my surgery. I've been matter of fact, I had a vertical gastric sleeve and hernia repair. No one says anything other than hope you are feeling better. I think most people have no idea what a sleeve is so just saying what it is gives them enough info to move on. I don't say it is a WLS or anything. I've been amazed people aren't more curious. Having said that, just saying you had a hernia repair would work too. Good luck!

[Sleeve2bFree~Tlea 23]

Sleeve2bFree ... that's tough dealing with family members who are idiots.

That's precisely why I didn't tell any of my family. I didn't want to EVER have to have any of those conversations.

It's inspired my sister to get back in the gym & others around me to pay closer attention to their calories. All though their motives may have more to do with not wanting to see me lose the weight before them ( which I find amusing).

Also, I found that after 15 years my N-laws don't really know me at all. I've had to give up my career, my life, my talents, I've been in & out of the hospital for numerous tests & procedures, I can't work & am on disability (& through all this gaining weight). MY husband & I have kept them informed every step of the way but yet, I guess they've never cared enough to listen. Since the surgery some seem to care more and others seem to care less. None the less, God has used the bad for good.

Through it all it builds character and strength. And I am learning to be thankful for my trials.

[unsupersizeme 43]

I told my work that I am having a hiatal hernia repair

[Cococat 119]

I am 67 and I can't be bothered telling half truths. To mince words means those people who presumably would not be in favor of my decision, have an opinion that counts. They do not. In my mind, I am proud to take this step. I am not ashamed to admit I need surgical help. Anyone who ventures a negative opinion, I listen to politely ... the first time. After that, if they bother me with their unsolicited opinions, I tell them that they are welcome not to have the surgery if they like.

These people often are bent on undermining your confidence and sabotaging your weightloss. Maybe it is unconscious, maybe not. I expect to loose friends because I will be slimmer than they are. So what?

[NewKaren 5]

My boss is a judgmental jerk who has actually told me I need to exercise more and lose weight, and then my colitis will go away, among other things. Without my asking for his opinion, btw. So I told him I was "having surgery" and would be out for two weeks but didn't tell him what it was. I am actually a little worried about returning to work because it's going to be hard to hide my new eating habits. He doesn't even leave us alone in the break room. Anyone else ever go through this?

[NewKaren 5]

I forgot to mention I had the surgery 9/15 and am down 15lbs. I go back to work in one week.

[Krazyklaws 9]

I explained that I was eating purees because my stomach was 'messed about' by the hernia repair. Not really a lie, as my hernia was severe and a third of my stomach was in my chest cavity. Eugh. It is getting harder now though I'm trying to convince everyone that I'm recovered yet still eating mush. I'm just shrugging it off for now.