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Keeping it a secret



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At first I only told my 23 year old son, since I needed someone to pick me up from the hospital. I expected to be home the same day, surgery at 7:30 - then home by 4. I had a bad reaction to the anesthesia, so I took a little longer to recover before leaving the hospital. Anyway, after a series of events, others in my family had to be told. My mom and my kids are very supportive, but my sister and my dad really aren't. I didn't feel anyone at work had the right to know. I am a firm believer in separating job life from home life. But we have allot of corporate lunches, so it is kinda hard to come up with reasons why I am only having Soup and salad, instead of something like I used to order. It is especially tough when they order sandwiches or pizza - I can not get any type of dough products down, without allot of pain - so I usually go back to my desk or find some other reason not to be there for lunch. I have to say that I do miss the commodory of the group lunches, but I have to think about me and my weight lose ambitions. I got banded in October and I still feel like I need to hide it from everyone, and I don't like talking to my family about it. But I needed a support group - and wellah! here you guys all are! Thanks!

BTW...Great question!!! OH, and for the intimacy...can't answer that, since I don't have a significant other...for the time being ;}

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At first I only told my 23 year old son' date=' since I needed someone to pick me up from the hospital. I expected to be home the same day, surgery at 7:30 - then home by 4. I had a bad reaction to the anesthesia, so I took a little longer to recover before leaving the hospital. Anyway, after a series of events, others in my family had to be told. My mom and my kids are very supportive, but my sister and my dad really aren't. I didn't feel anyone at work had the right to know. I am a firm believer in separating job life from home life. But we have allot of corporate lunches, so it is kinda hard to come up with reasons why I am only having Soup and salad, instead of something like I used to order. It is especially tough when they order sandwiches or pizza - I can not get any type of dough products down, without allot of pain - so I usually go back to my desk or find some other reason not to be there for lunch. I have to say that I do miss the commodory of the group lunches, but I have to think about me and my weight lose ambitions. I got banded in October and I still feel like I need to hide it from everyone, and I don't like talking to my family about it. But I needed a support group - and wellah! here you guys all are! Thanks!

BTW...Great question!!! OH, and for the intimacy...can't answer that, since I don't have a significant other...for the time being ;}[/quote']

Ok now that's exactly my problem wow! I know my dad and sister will not support me. My dad is all about people should eat meat cornbread and potatoes! And be happy! Have meat on the bones! My sister is miss you shouldn't cheat just exercise! She told me one day when I was complaining about what it feels like in my body sitting in a sports car (which she has) and she looked at me and said if your so dam unhappy push the plate away for a change! Back away from the table and put you fork down. I was so hurt wow she has no idea! My sister will tell everyone! As far as work, yea I work at a medical office and have to attend luncheons. My co worker are very pushy. I even thought about saying I was in some liquid diet lol just to make up something but like you said. I going to think about my life and separate work. They don't need to know my business and why I'm losing or want to lose weight. I'm still preop so I'm very exited and happy to have all you ladies for support And advise. So here to a new year to come To a new us!!! Whoa!???‰

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I never told coworkers because I didn't want people to start expecting me to be thin. I was happy in the long run because I really didn't lose much weight at all the first year. I have actually chosen to tell some people at work who are new and a little more distant from the inner circle, and who aren't permanently there. I seem to feel more comfortable revealing it to people who won't expect anything if they hear it (and I find that people totally forget that you ever told them).

As for intimacy, I've had a partner who noticed it and was little freaked out if he touched it and I've had another partner who never noticed it even though he knew about the surgery and touched me a lot there. So, I think it depends more on the partner than the surgery, in my experience.

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I was just banded today and I have only chosen to tell 4 people non of them coworkers. I agree business and personal should be separate. I am I guess what some people would say at the lower end of needing WSL. Even at my group preop meeting other patients looked at me like why are you here. 2 years ago I lost a lot of weight on the hcg diey which slowly crept back on. All I ever hear is why dont you do diet again you looked so good even from my own mother who is not a skinny mini. Congrats and an applause to you for taking control of your heath and lifestyle to make it better. Don't give a hoot about anyone else cause at the end of the day ultimately you take care of you.

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I told only significant other and children. I did not want the judging and scrutiny from co workers.

When they ask, I tell them I am eating less and exercising more.

When they ask how I did it, I talk about the hard work and persistence, writing down every bite. I start to go on and on about it and I see that they are losing interest ... It is kind of a fun experience!

When people start noticing the weight loss,they can be very persistent. But, it is a very personal experience for me and it is none of anyone's business.

Only one person came right out and asked if I had had surgery, I calmly replied no and went on about the hard work I did, all the exercise, focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables.... His eyes glazed over and we went on to another topic!

Remember, once you tell someone, you cannot " un-tell" them. There is no " swearing to secrecy".

In general, I find that many people want to know wayyyyyy too much personal information about us. Not just related to weight and weight related issues. But, family issues, money, religion..... Just too much sharing .

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Thank you wow I can't believe the support and the great advise going into this! I feel ready. Just waiting to get the psych eval and some other test. Yayy I'm ready

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I too didn't want to tell a lot of people only my immediate family and husband of course. But with my Dr being out of town people were wondering why I was all of the sudden going to San Antonio every month (I live 2 hrs away) so my husband started telling people which infuriated me. It was my choice who knew and he didn't understand why I would keep this a secret. He was like they're going to notice you're losing weight and what are you going to tell them? I told him that I didn't want all of the questions and judgement. It's a private issue and like everyone on here has said it's no ones business but our own. Just wish I could've controlled who knew more. Good luck to everyone!

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    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
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      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

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      · 0 replies
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    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

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