Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Peoples reactions to weight loss surgery



Recommended Posts

I told everyone at work, since they see me all the time and I figured they would notice for sure, lol! I've only had one bad reaction, and everyone just ignored the person who said it, as did I. She overheard me telliing someone about it, and started talking about eating more veggies and fruits. We all basically stared at her and then said "well, anyway..." and then forgot about it. In my head, I just think those kinds of negative people are that way because they have a nasty case of crabs that make them crazy, or something like that. Not the most mature reaction, I know, but that way I just let it roll off my back and go on with my own life! I just go "Dang, crabs must be itchin' you something fierce today!" ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I told everyone at work, since they see me all the time and I figured they would notice for sure, lol! I've only had one bad reaction, and everyone just ignored the person who said it, as did I. She overheard me telliing someone about it, and started talking about eating more veggies and fruits. We all basically stared at her and then said "well, anyway..." and then forgot about it. In my head, I just think those kinds of negative people are that way because they have a nasty case of crabs that make them crazy, or something like that. Not the most mature reaction, I know, but that way I just let it roll off my back and go on with my own life! I just go "Dang, crabs must be itchin' you something fierce today!" ;)

I think it is perfect, maturity is waaaay over rated....in my opinion!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I told my parents and one trusted co-worker. Everyone else I am giving the diet and exercise story. None of their business, IMO and I don't need any comments from the peanut gallery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Told my kids very supportive husband very supportive work giving e hard time w getting off for appointments and again like others a coworker I'm close to told me I'm gonna die w this surgery

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Told my kids very supportive husband very supportive work giving e hard time w getting off for appointments and again like others a coworker I'm close to told me I'm gonna die w this surgery

Just smile and say 'Aren't you a ray of sunshine today, thank you' :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I told people at work. I work in a call center, several have had it and many are overweight. Nobody has been negative yet, very supportive. I don't know what they may say behind my back but I could really care less. I did this for me and it is my life and nobody else's. Apart from work I only told my, son, daughter and one close friend. The ones I really did not tell we're my ex in laws whom I still see a lot. They would be very jealous and negative.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have told pretty much everyone, mostly so I can't back out of it!

Have had lots of reactions of "that's so exciting!" or "good for you!" which I guess is another way of saying "it's about time!". So far, no really negative reactions.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My feeling about coworkers is that they are just that--coworkers. Unless you're going to church with them, having them over for dinner, or going on vacation with you, they are not your friends, so if you want to keep it your own business don't tell them anything. People will be supportive until they feel threatened, especially in the work unit.

As far as it being the easy way out, why the hell not? The "hard way" hasn't worked, hasn't gotten you anywhere, so why keep doing it. I don't drive my car with square tires either.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm pre-op (since October) hoping for an April surgery. I wasn't planning on telling anyone but close friends and family, but then I figured that people are going to find out. So I've told a few more people, including my boss. I really expected my overweight friends to be more supportive, but I think it's the mentality that "wow - she is as big as I am. I don't think I need surgery!" So then they are talking me out of it out of denial of their own weight issues.

Then there are those who just don't know enough about the surgery. It's frustrating though. One friend wanted me to try a diet pill and said "with the surgery you will have to limit what you eat". I'm thinking, yeah that's the point. I would have to do that with a diet pill and risk the side effects too.

I've just decided to ignore the negative and focus on getting healthy. I know myself and I'm working with a counselor to make this successful. I don't owe anyone an explanation of my healthcare decisions.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Never An easy way out! People in my life have been nothing but supportive.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I just don't think my business is everybody else business. Now your close family is ok but coworkers no. Never

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I finally told my Dad last night and he was amazing! Very supportive I was shocked but very happy to have that burden lifted.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • 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. 💜
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • 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!

    • 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. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×