chavezmommy

I know a lot of people who have had both. The sleeve seemed less intrusive to me. I didn't want Vitamin malabsorption issues. My surgeon, who I really respect, recommends the sleeve to people like me who have never had GERD issues and don't have more than about 100 lbs. to lose. It's what I wanted and I'm 100% happy with the decision for me.
I completely respect everyone's personal decisions as valid for them and wish everyone success.

They should do a pregnancy test right before your surgery to be sure. They did one right before they wheeled me in to the OR. They are seasoned at this and will make sure you're not pregnant.

I just went to the coffee house with my kids. It's a treat and I thought Ill share a brownie with my son. Well he didn't want any and during our time there I got stressed about something and ate the whole thing and now I feel stuffed and guilty. I need to go back and read what I wrote a few hours ago. This is a life long struggle with ups and downs. I'll keep at it, but its hard... The good thing is the surgery kept me from eating more than one; and also I would've had a large sugary coffee drink before surgery; so I guess I should look at the bright side.

Hang in there and know that you are not alone. I also started messing up after 7 months of eating perfectly to plan. I'm not 100% on track but I'm trying. When I don't eat well I tell myself its OK to start again next meal or next bite! I am really hard on myself which is counter productive. Give yourself a fresh start otherwise you can fall in to a guilt cycle that feels hopeless.
I also have some go to meals that I enjoy (egg white omelettes with veggies and LF cheese) and SF chai tea. The key for me not to overeat is to throw the food away as soon as I feel satisfied - NOT full. I LOVE eating so it's hard not to keep eating. I tell myself - Don't stretch your stomach. You can eat again later. It's really important to get physically away from the food so I stop eating.
You made a huge step with WLS and that shows that you are committed to a healthier lifestyle. We are here for you! You can do this!!

I have said this before, and it may apply here too. Tell people about your surgery to Inform them, NOT to Affirm you. If and when you are comfortable, you can share with others. I have been amazed at how many people are either thinking about WLS, or know someone who is considering it. I see it as a chance to counter the negative junk out there about WLS failures and complications.
If you tell no one, it is your choice and NO ONE should condemn you for your silence. Just be comfortable with who you are and who you will become once the surgery succeeds for you!

I have gotten good about pushing food around on my plate where it looks like I ate more than I actually did! I also use the "I'm not feeling too great" excuse, but that doesn't really work 2 meals in a row. I really need suggestions from others who have faced this!!! Banded 2010 weight:327
Sleeved 12/28/16 weight:253
CW: 230 GW: 155
Heather in Texas

"You wearing a wire?" "You writing a book?" "What do you plan on doing with that information?"
These are a few of my favorites. Oddly, people will laugh, but I'm being serious.

If asked how much I lost, I ask how much they weigh. That shuts that question down fast. If asked what I'm doing to lose weight I say the following which are all true:
Working with a doctor and a nutritionist
Using a high Protein, very low carb diet
Watching my portions very carefully - weighing and measuring most things I eat
recording everything I eat in my fitnesspal
Working out more and working with a personal trainer
Giving up sugar and added sweeteners
Not allowing myself cheat days
Exercising at least 30 minutes a day.
I'm working very hard at losing weight. Thank you for noticing.
There are members of my family (including my only sister) who do not know I have had surgery. As for people at the office asking what your surgery is, you have no obligation to tell them what is being operated on. I had a medical issue which needed attention, it's a private matter. If they ask again, ask if they had sex the night before. If they looked shocked, explain they have as much right to ask you personal medical questions as you have asking when the last time was they had sex.

I've been completely upfront about having the surgery. I tell people I had surgery and then say that I have been eating right and exercising since surgery. More people than I could ever imagined have had the surgery themselves.

I had the experience of telling people at work. That for me sucked! Commets like, "you cheated, your are to small and how much more weight due you still want to lose." I moved to new state/job. They only see what I do and eat . Recent comments, "your are a workout Guru, you are doing great and you are getting so small." I will never tell people at work again. I will just do what is needed to get to my goal. I have 47 more pounds to lose. It is an individual's choice.

My significant other & close friend know I'm getting the surgery. No one else does. I played around with the thought of telling when I told my hairstylist "I think I should get weight loss surgery" & she said I wouldn't qualify & that I could lose weight on my own since I'm not that big :eye roll:: little did she know I was approved.
I can't stand people's negativity. So, I'm keeping this a secret. My surgery isn't till next month but I post my workouts & healthy food on social media so people will believe I'm doing "the norm". That's all I'll say to people. I'm eating healthy by cutting carbs, working out, & stopped drinking Diet Coke.
Height 5'0"
Weight for consultation: 216 lbs.
Pre-op Weight: Unknown until January 20th.
My profile picture is not me. It's my "FitSpiration" body.

I went in on a Wednesday and home Thursday afternoon. I fought with Doctor to release me. Haha. But I told my boss I had hernia repair (which i did). No one else asked where I was. I told my son same thing. It's NO ones business.
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I'm struggling with this too. I literally just booked surgery today and am already trying to figure out whether I'll tell people or not. My husband and a couple friends are the only people I've mentioned it to so far and they are supportive. My kids will find out (you know, when I'm gone for 5 days and return not able eat food! lol) and kids aren't very good at keeping secrets, so maybe the easiest route is just to be an open book?

I'm not embarrassed for having this surgery at all. I'd be more embarrassed if I chose to remain a fat bastard for another 10 years. So far, I've told my wife, parents, boss and work friend. All had been positive about it. I don't necessarily look for anyone's support though. I've been pretty self-reliant my entire life. I get great support from this site whenever I have questions and that's all I really need.
I am waiting, however, for the day someone asks how I lost all this weight and I'm going to say "I had a procedure done, I had my refrigerator stapled". I've been saving that joke for long time!

I just found its easier to tell people I had surgery. I figured they would know anyway when they see me eating 3/4 Oz of food.
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PS: My decision to not tell whomever is not about what they might think, etc. It's just that I'm a very private person and don't tell folks my business. We live in a day and time where folks share almost everything. I've never been like that and just stick to (I guess my medical code of) patient confidentiality...even when I'm the patient. It works for me.
I have seen on here (and elsewhere) that sometimes people tell this one and that, and get hit with all kinds of negativity, judgments and ignorance, just as they are journeying toward, and through, a very personal decision. I try to avoid "vain babblings" of the uninformed or even naysayers, who don't know, nor understand one's personal struggle...with weight or whatever. Just my approach to serenity.
It's a personal choice for all, how to handle telling or not. But I think the majority of us are dang sure happy we made this decision!! Looking and feeling so fine, and happy, and sexy, and confident, etc. I should have done this sooner. God Bless the USA...and the VSG.

Although I'm totally enthused I'll shout it from the roof tops it's what I need for me ...I've always been quite and shy ..but this is for me amd yours is for you
progress starts in the mind

Just tell them hard work and education about diet complete truth
progress starts in the mind

I say the same thing. "Eating less, exercising more". I usually get a nod and they move on.

I said nothing. It's my journey! I eat smaller portions, Protein and increased Water. I'm so Not a private person so yes hard. But because people aren't educated on this surgery and what it's for, say nothing. You will find a lot of negativity. And it's usually from those who are skinny and/or healthy. And the surgery isn't a quick fix. It takes a lifestyle change.
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As a private person usually I would keep my surgery and weight loss journey to myself but I have done the complete opposite. I am 100 percent proud of my decision and am open about it with co workers, friends, family, etc. It is your life and your choices, do what feels best just for you.
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I have told most what I've done...
for some I have said " I eat very very little now!"... and they are ok with that
I don't care what people think or don't think.
What others think of me is none of my business...

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Only a handful of people know I had surgery. For the others--including the neighbors in front of me, etc.--they don't know anything.
IF someone asks, "what are you doing to lose weight?" [present tense]; or "what did you do to lose...?" I say "I really had to let go of the carbs, so I mostly eat high Protein, etc." Fact. I tell them how wonderful it is to have steak, crab, eggs, bacon, etc.; no carbs, no white stuff. Plus the neighbors now see me walking some, so they conclude that has helped, as well.
IF it's someone I know very well, and I KNOW they are struggling with their fat (and are depressed, etc), AND I feel I can trust them, if they ask, I will tell them I had wls. Or I may ask "have you thought about wls/the sleeve, etc.?"

How do you handle people asking "what your doing to lose weight" or asking "how much weight have you lost" I am worried about how to handle questions.
I am not comfortable talking about weight with other people. I am not telling anyone other than my family about surgery, and I am expected to lose 85-125lbs (which I know is noticeable weight loss) is there any easy way to try and shut down people asking, like just brush it off like, "oh I don't know, just being healthy" I am pre surgery and have mentioned to friends/ coworkers that I am trying to get healthy and eating right.
I am also planning to call my surgery a hernia surgery, as an explanation since I will be out of work for a bit and obviously people will ask and wonder and that would explain soreness etc in my stomach area... Has anyone else used this excuse?
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You said it BigDog Bryan. I told my immediate team a week before surgery. They asked a few questions and then it was a non issue, which is what I wanted. I have run into both support and ignorance, but I was and still am very comfortable with my decision. If my experience can help someone else, then it is worth it. As far as being judged, I think we are judged no matter what we do. I know I was judged when I was 290 and I know I am still judged. It's what people do. Not worth worrying about. Be true to yourself and kind to others and enjoy the ride.