Who the hell do you think you are?

[LadyK44 263]

At almost two years post-op, I have leaned not to tell most people. This is due to often finding myself in the position of having to educate health professionals and others. When I am heading to the gym after work many of my coworkers are supportive. The only know that I am working on my health. I do not think I will ever tell them about my sleeve. To me it is like telling someone you have diabetes.

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[Djmohr 6,965]

I will say I started out telling anyone who asked and that worked just fine for me. Especially if the person asking was overweight or obese themselves. I did this mostly because I really wanted others to realize that having WLS is not as scary as it sounds.

I will say over time (I am 21 months post op), I have changed that approach a little. I assess the person asking me. If I get the feeling they are just being nosy I share that I follow a high Protein low carb diet, I exercise as much as possible and I track everything I eat. This is the truth, sometimes I simply choose not to add that I have add some surgery to help me be successful.

The reason I have changed this approach is because I have learned that this really is more about my behaviors at this point than it is about the surgery. Having had to work my behind off to get this far, i feel like the bypass is just there in the background helping me along and it is none of any bodies business.

Before I knew better I believed it really was the surgery that was creating my success. Now, I know that is 90% me and 10% the tool. That is because I can eat anything I want, I can eat around my surgery if I choose to, I can decide not to exercise and I will gain my weight back. So nearly 2 years post op, I have to work at this every single day.

Not sure if that makes sense to others but it does to me.

[SalOdyssey 441]

*shrug* When you volunteer unnecessary information to strangers, you expose yourself to being subject to their opinions.

If you don't want their opinions then either stop sharing personal information, or put on your big girl panties and tell them you don't want or need their opinion.

"When all is said and done, usually more has been said than done. "

While true, there is such a thing as decorum.

[Hannah83 214]

I will say I started out telling anyone who asked and that worked just fine for me. Especially if the person asking was overweight or obese themselves. I did this mostly because I really wanted others to realize that having WLS is not as scary as it sounds.

I will say over time (I am 21 months post op), I have changed that approach a little. I assess the person asking me. If I get the feeling they are just being nosy I share that I follow a high Protein low carb diet, I exercise as much as possible and I track everything I eat. This is the truth, sometimes I simply choose not to add that I have add some surgery to help me be successful.

The reason I have changed this approach is because I have learned that this really is more about my behaviors at this point than it is about the surgery. Having had to work my behind off to get this far, i feel like the bypass is just there in the background helping me along and it is none of any bodies business.

Before I knew better I believed it really was the surgery that was creating my success. Now, I know that is 90% me and 10% the tool. That is because I can eat anything I want, I can eat around my surgery if I choose to, I can decide not to exercise and I will gain my weight back. So nearly 2 years post op, I have to work at this every single day.

Not sure if that makes sense to others but it does to me.

Actually this does make sense. I'm happy for you. And honestly same here, the surgery will be a tool used to gain health and be in a better earth suit. At the end of the day that is what matters.

[Fredbear 397]

*shrug* When you volunteer unnecessary information to strangers, you expose yourself to being subject to their opinions.

If you don't want their opinions then either stop sharing personal information, or put on your big girl panties and tell them you don't want or need their opinion.

"When all is said and done, usually more has been said than done. "

While true, there is such a thing as decorum.

Decorum, like respect, is reserved for those who deserve it, not for those who demand it.

[venomousflowers 56]

This, all of this. I wish I had the courage to tell people its not the "easy way out".

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[OKCPirate 5,323]

Last year when people asked I said "I've been eating less, moving more." Seriously obese friends who asked with sincere intent, I'd explain in more detail. I find myself biting my tongue with obese friends who don't ask because I'd like to tell them, but like my religious beliefs, I'm not telling unless they want to ask about the hope that is within me. I respect people's right as individuals to figure it out for themselves unless they ask (or attend one of my classes, which is an implied ask)

[ocgirl15 667]

*shrug* When you volunteer unnecessary information to strangers, you expose yourself to being subject to their opinions.

If you don't want their opinions then either stop sharing personal information, or put on your big girl panties and tell them you don't want or need their opinion.

"When all is said and done, usually more has been said than done. "

Maybe this opinion was stated in a harsh way but @@Fredbear is right. If you share your business you are bound to get some nasty comments eventually. I think it stinks you were treated this way but I am really not surprised. There are a lot of ignorant people out there. Every time someone shares a story like this it reaffirms my choice about only telling my husband and 3 best friends.

[SassyNanny 311]

I didn't advertise it on my Facebook but short of that I have told everyone I am

I'm contact with. I am an extrovert and a life coach and being in my truth is not difficult for me. No one has ever said anything derogatory to me. Actually no one ever said anything derogatory to me when I weighed 300 lbs either. I remember when Star Jones publicly lied about not having had weight loss surgery. It really bothered me. If by my example someone else can learn about WLS being a viable option to get healthy I am pleased. I don't mind explaining it to people who are curious. How will people ever get to have a positive opinion about it if they don't have a personal experience with someone who has had it. I'm not ashamed that I needed help. I'm not hurt by people being ignorant about it and asking questions. My friends and acquaintances have been so supportive and I personally am really glad that they know all about it. In my life I have found that secrets are almost always toxic.

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