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Almost 5 years out and I haven't told anyone other than medical professionals that I had surgery. Haven't told any family, friends, or coworkers. I didn't want the judgment or the fear or the skepticism, and didn't want to have to justify or explain myself. I think it's absurd that people criticize WLS or medications (Ozempic et. al.) as the "easy way out." First of all, fat people are ridiculed and criticized, and then when we find a way to lose the weight and have bodies that are socially acceptable, well now we've done it the wrong way and get criticized for THAT. Second, anyone who thinks WLS is easy obviously hasn't researched what we have to go through just to qualify for the surgery, and then the miserable pre-op diet, and the long and difficult recovery and diet progression. Finally, have you ever heard anyone criticize a cancer survivor for taking the easy way out by getting chemo? Of course not -- when it comes to just about any other medical condition, we obviously all want to use the most effective treatment available. We have to take the risks and benefits into account, but for most of us who get WLS, the benefits far outweigh the risks, so of course it makes sense to do it. People who have never struggled with their weight want to believe that they're thin because they're superior to fat people. They're resentful of anything that can level the playing field because they feel like it takes away from their superiority.

Please let us know how you get on, huge congratulations on your progress. You deserve the bonus. I too have heard great things about Colombia. P.S. I wouldn't try to climb those steps even if Jason Mamoa was waiting at the top for me naked. My poor knee is screaming just looking at them. Nooooooo.....well maybe

Yes, this is the easy way compared to all the failed dieting. Because it works. If dieting worked, it would be easy. You have a medical problem that requires treatment. This is one of the most successful treatments for that medical problem. Simple.

Just tell them you've made a life choice to be and eat healthier to lose weight and wine has empty calories for you, so as its a wine "tasting" you'll taste it but not drink it all down. Explain you want to enjoy the flavor and time spent with good friends but don't want to sabotage your health plan!

I would say based on your responses you hope that they never have to go to the doctor for colds, pain, broken bones...etc...after all those are all medical interventions for things you/your body can handle overtime and with enough brain power over it! After all, you wouldn't want them to take "the easy way out." I'd go on to say doctors don't prescribe surgical procedures for the easy way out, nor do insurance companies approve and pay for surgeries for the same reason. Lastly, I'd add if they don't have anything nice to say you don't want to hear it - you're doing what you feel is right for you and you don't need negative comments on your journey to better health.

I first looked into WLS about 15 years earlier. I went to an information session and a consultation with a surgeon, and my mom came with me. My mom cried and begged me not to get the surgery. Thought it was too dangerous and I should do it "naturally." Obviously, that didn't work and I ended up getting the surgery anyway, after 15 more years living with obesity. That was a big part of why I didn't tell anyone -- I made an informed decision and didn't want to give anyone else the chance to talk me out of it. Exactly... When people get nosey about how I lost weight, my go-to answer is, "I made a lot of lifestyle changes." Even though I did get the surgery as a tool, it is 100% true that I made a lot of lifestyle changes. I worked hard to get to my current weight, and I work hard to maintain it. Every single day, I have to prioritize my diet and fitness. I got up early this morning to do a 5:00 am Orange Theory workout before work. I've logged my food every day for over 5 years. The surgery didn't do that for me.

@summerseeker I hollered laughing 🤣😂😂. I thought I was the only one who lied to some people I tell them "oh yea I get up and walk 5 miles everyday" that's how I done it 😂😂😂. Please get out of my face nosy judgy people

Offer to be the designated driver. Nurse one glass for hours (did that a lot & still do it but for an hour or so now). Say you’re not really in the mood to drink. Or you have been fighting a headache all day & you don’t want it to come back. Or if you’ve realised you’ve been drinking a bit lately & decided to have a dry couple of weeks. They will notice your weight loss soon if not now so you could be semi truthful and say you’re making a few changes and trying to lose some weight. Whatever you decide to say add you’re glad to see them and to spend time with them & make sure they know you’re okay with them drinking or eating whatever they want.

I didn't tell any family members or friends as you know they can be the most negative and there is also that hint of envy and jealousy. As far as being the easy way out please dealing with a lifelong battle of obesity. This surgery is the best thing that you could've done for yourself to combat this horrible disease! congratulations! I am one year postop VSG so any questions any concerns we are always around. when people say it's the easy way out they really don't understand the complexity of the disease of obesity. The disease of obesity is complex, its metabolic, chronic and systemic and it gives no fucks. It's also a very smart disease. When you try to lose weight on you own without the tool of surgery, your body always fights you and then we play this game of lose gain lose lose gain. Obesity hates to see you win. Enjoy this new life its very hard yet very rewarding . Every day is hard. And No one deserves to know to hell with them lol

Hes on the max dose now he tells me. I am away from him at the moment visiting family so I am unsure of the cc's. Hes been on it since the Novenber, so pretty good. Hes very immobile so its all down to it lessening his appetite. 16 kgs is a lot. 2.5+ stones, I work in old weights. Imagine carrying that weight of potatoes with you now. You might not see it on yourself but next time you go to Asda just look at the potatoes, put them on the scale. Its a lot x