Gretchel Z

Wow! So glad there was a medical team that reacted swiftly!! I hope you get answers and maybe get a medical alert Bracelet personalized.

I don’t see why not to tell people about the surgery!!!
I have been overweight all my life, and my doctor NEVER told me about the surgery.... she always talked to me about my weight and how bad that is for my health, but she NEVER EVER mention the option of the surgery...
Si I think you should tell people because someone may be looking for help or solution for the problem (weight). And how GREAT is the feeling of help others...

1/19/18 gastric sleeve

I don’t see why not to tell people about the surgery!!!
I have been overweight all my life, and my doctor NEVER told me about the surgery.... she always talked to me about my weight and how bad that is for my health, but she NEVER EVER mention the option of the surgery...
Si I think you should tell people because someone may be looking for help or solution for the problem (weight). And how GREAT is the feeling of help others...

Nop... Creekimp13, my doctor never talked to me about it, and when I told her about the surgery she was not too happy.
Also, when I come back to give her the sample letter for medical necessities, she told me that she would write the letter but I wouldn’t qualify for the surgery.
So, for her I am wasting my time...

This is such an interesting question. I didn't purposely tell a lot of people beforehand, and I have never mentioned it at work because I don't talk about personal stuff at work, it's kind of a formal office.
That said, since the surgery, many people have asked me for my "diet secret", and I am always open and say, I had weight loss surgery. You asked about what bad things people can say-- they don't say "bad" things in my experience, it's more of a "ohhhhh, so you took the easy way out" kind of thing. Which annoys me because it is NOT easy, the first few months are horrible, and even now, 8 months out, I don't eat sugar, bread, or any other simple carbohydrates. I don't drink fizzy anything, I take a gazillion Vitamins day and night, and I measure my Protein and fluids every day to make sure I don't lose muscle or get weak and light-headed.
Is it worth it? Hell yes! I've been following diet rules for years with nowhere near these results, so following the rules and actually losing weight is a dream come true. And most people just tell me "you look great" and move on, no big conversation wanted or needed. But the only bad I can think of is the perception that you don't earn this weight loss-- which is silly and totally wrong, but whatever.
Whatever you choose, there is no right or wrong way to do it, imho. Also-- I think you'll be pretty damn happy with your life and weight loss, so that cushions the blow. Good luck!!

My PCP brought up surgery to me first, glad she is in my corner.
Regarding people's opinions...I haven't had the surgery yet but I did raise a kid with Type 1 diabetes. The things people would say about his diet, oy! Mainly from confusing type 1 with type 2 diabetes. I'm not planning on telling anyone that I don't have to.

I agree with you 100% doctors not giving this option For years and years, my doctor never suggested it. Even through fertility issues, the whole 9 yards. It took someone I knew who did it, for me to even consider it as an option.
However, on the opposite side, I've heard that people often get negative feedback.
It's a tossup!
I'm telling close family and friends (at my discretion only). However, if I felt someone could benefit from it, I would tell them.

January 10th here!!! Couldn’t be more excited!! Exactly 4 weeks away!! Hopefully with the holidays it will fly by!!!

Thank you! And I am from Jersey City

Nop... Creekimp13, my doctor never talked to me about it, and when I told her about the surgery she was not too happy.
Also, when I come back to give her the sample letter for medical necessities, she told me that she would write the letter but I wouldn’t qualify for the surgery.
So, for her I am wasting my time...

Hey Sandy, this is my first post. Although I've been involved with this process since last summer this is my first attempt at connecting with the community. Good luck with your journey!

Sent from my SM-G935V using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi my name is sandy from NJ and I have decided to do the gastric sleeve. I have already met with my nutritionist and have 3 more left. Hopefully there are people out there that plan on doing the surgery or have done it...so let’s be buddies and fight the same psychological & physical battle.

I don’t see why not to tell people about the surgery!!!
I have been overweight all my life, and my doctor NEVER told me about the surgery.... she always talked to me about my weight and how bad that is for my health, but she NEVER EVER mention the option of the surgery...
Si I think you should tell people because someone may be looking for help or solution for the problem (weight). And how GREAT is the feeling of help others...

Same here my doctors never mentioned surgery... I only seen commercials on TV about "bariatric" clinics and their befire /afters and thought that was something only well off people can do lol ... never even crossed my mind that it could be covered by insurance. Well I changed doctors and the first thing she mentioned was "you would be a great candidate for surgery" and 9 months later I was sleeved. And I agree helping people feels great.

Sent from my SM-N910C using BariatricPal mobile app

I told anyone and everyone about my surgery, even people walking on the street. In general most people fell into two categories. They were either supportive or they were curious. The only negative comments I ever received were from my mother. She was very dependent on me at that time and I think she did not want to deal with anything that might interrupt that support.
People are different. My best advise is to follow your heart.

I don’t see why not to tell people about the surgery!!!
I have been overweight all my life, and my doctor NEVER told me about the surgery.... she always talked to me about my weight and how bad that is for my health, but she NEVER EVER mention the option of the surgery...
Si I think you should tell people because someone may be looking for help or solution for the problem (weight). And how GREAT is the feeling of help others...

I don’t see why not to tell people about the surgery!!!
I have been overweight all my life, and my doctor NEVER told me about the surgery.... she always talked to me about my weight and how bad that is for my health, but she NEVER EVER mention the option of the surgery...
Si I think you should tell people because someone may be looking for help or solution for the problem (weight). And how GREAT is the feeling of help others...

Are there any current members with Horizon NJ Health?

I am so excited to have this done... if the insurance denies me I will be crying for a week!!!!

I agree with Gretsada, the Premier Protein shakes in my opinion are the best tasting ones. I buy them when they go on sale at costco or Sams, which are a great deal. I like the banana and Strawberries and Cream the best but the vanilla is pretty good too. I didn't care for the chocolate one but the others have been really good. At 30g Protein and 1 carb for 160 calories, I don't know of a better option I've found. Also, my surgeon suggested the premier shakes and bars by name for post op as well and they align nutritionally with the Bariatric Advantage pre-op shakes nutritionally. Hope this is helpful.

Saw this and wanted to join in on the fun. The pictures on top are 4 days into my pre-op diet. The pictures on the bottom were taken this morning. I am 2.5 months post-op and down 87 pounds total. SW - 386 CW - 299 H - 5'11.5



Sent from my Pixel XL using BariatricPal mobile app

I completely agree with you, and i'm glad you kept yours a secret to avoid the negativity.

I'm only 5'1 and according to the BMI, anything over 130 is over weight for me so imagine what it takes to be considered morbidly obese, not much.

I think everyone should be supported for trying sooooo hard to take control of their life back.

That's what I have, you're Gucci, trust me you're approved....now buy the rest of your stuff and get mentally prepared!!!

I have Horizon NJ BCBS