I am not sure if there is a part of the forum for this but please forgive for being a bit negative. So I have from the very beginning been very open about my decision to have weight loss surgery. Imagine my surprise when today at work when one of my co-workers who is significantly larger than I attempted to make me feel bad about my decision. She stated, " You can do it on your own, you just have to be committed". I told her and I had done it before but had not been successful (i.e sustained WL) and hoped this tool would help me reach my goal. She said I shouldn't be saying I can't do it without this tool. I told her I needed some help and I was not above getting it for my health. She then told me I would never eat normal again. I was super annoyed at this point and went on about my business. She seriously was looking at me like I had three heads. I think I better keep my business to myself. Didn't know people who also struggled with weight issues could be so judgemental. END VENT.

It seems to me like she may be a little jealous!

I think I'd be upset too & would have told her that she is the one who isn't eating "normal"! If we were all eating normal and healthy, then we wouldn't be overweight in the first place! I've tried to do it on my own with various programs and have not been successful. Even with just "diet and exercise" I couldn't lose weight - even being committed. If I could have done it without surgery, I would have, but I truly believe that surgery was the right choice for me and I couldn't be happier with my decision now that surgery is done. There are a few people I was worried about telling and I've gotten some interesting looks from some people, but so far no one has been negative. Some people have just said "oh. okay" and have dropped the subject. I'm sorry that she was that negative about it. I would have just explained I did what was right for me, but I know it's not right for everyone. I wish people were more understanding.

I doubt it, just uneducated. She kept mentioning this cousin or that who did it all on her own. I expected her to get it but to each their own. I've been large for a good portion of my life and I have a couple acquaintances who have had WLS. I have never been jealous, just happy for them.

They can be VERY judgemental....that's why I've only told the people who I am closest to at work, plus my boss....which is a grand total of 4 people....

Just think about how much it sucks to be her. You'll be at a healthy weight a year from now and she'll still be thinking about how she could do it all on her own if only she had more willpower, and feeling like crap about herself.

I agree. She may be jealous since she doesn't have the guts herself to take control over her own weight issues. Take it in stride. YOU are making this decision for YOU. Not everyone will see the logic in it but it's not about them it's about you. You're gonna do great with the sleeve.

If she could do it in her own why is she over weight herself? Sounds to me that misery loves company. Don't worry about what others say or think my surgery was the best decision I've ever made for myself. I wouldn't have lost the weight on my own only gained because I have zero will power etc and this surgery will make you have will power. She's right you'll never eat the same ever again but that's a good thing and remember nothing ever taste better than skinny... There will be a time after surgery where you'll become irretatble with not being able to eat more than a few bites but again skinny never tastes so damn good. Shake the negatives out your life and do you girl

Yeah you have to watch who you tell I didn't tell anyone except my mom during my 180 days I told my dad. You have to do what's best for you I'm doing it bc I'm a single parent an I wanna be here for my son instead of dying from having fat around my heart. Do you Hun:)

When she brings it up again and she will, just look at her and say "How does me taking control of my life, health and weight and the way I choose to do that affect you in any way?" and then smile really big of course!! That should send her packing and let her know you aren't interested and her opinion isn't going to change your mind.

Just smile and be grateful that you want to save your life and are willing to work hard for it. Your friend has a very low self esteem and God Forbid, you are successful and then she'd have to re-evalate herself. I go by the notion that I have chosen this procedure and it has helped me ten fold. I would do it again in a heart beat. LOL ]

people and their opinions and know-it-all attitudes never cease to amaze me. you did what's right for YOU and not anyone else.

I doubt it, just uneducated. She kept mentioning this cousin or that who did it all on her own. I expected her to get it but to each their own. I've been large for a good portion of my life and I have a couple acquaintances who have had WLS. I have never been jealous, just happy for them.

I did it on my own..I weighed 330 and got to 128 and maintained it for 5 years. I ran 10 miles a day, kick boxed, I wore tiny mini skirts and in my mid 30's got asked out by 22 year olds. I got sick and hit 175, then had surgery hit 200. I have gone from 200 - 300 since 2001.

I too have a fear of telling people what I am doing, only my parents and husband and son and one friend knows. People can be judgmental and cruel, whether overweight or thin. Tell only people you trust, and for the people at work that now know, let's see who has the last laugh when you are crossing your legs and looking good and they can only talk about how their cousin lost weight. I say someone is a bit jelly

Good for you and good luck!

I think she might be jealous also. Next time she says anything just put your fingers in your ears and sing lalalalalala!

It makes me laugh to myself when anyone, espec. obese people think they know what's up with weight loss and what's right. If they truly did, they would be in the same boat! We Sleevers have just taken it to a new level.

We all Im sure have dieted and lost weight, it's the keeping it off part that is important. I have explained this to many people that know about my WLS. I am upfront and totally open with the fact I had it. I didn't want rumors again like before when I lost over 60 pounds a few years back. OMG she's on drugs and all that

I applaud all of us on here for getting control over obesity, we are all winners( but great losers too) LOL

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Thanks everyone. I guess I have to realize everyone is not going to get it. In the end its none of their beeswax anyway. I am going to be healthy and I never want to eat, "normal" again. Normal has gotten me to where I am now which is overweight and unhappy. I am just glad that I have this forum and all you great folks to go to and vent. :-)