I’ve been “lurking” here on VST for about 10 months (I’m 9 months post-op). I’m pretty good at using the ‘search’ option and ‘Google’ so I didn’t see the need to actually join the site…until now. I have learned so much from so many of you and appreciate all the knowledge and opinions that are shared on this site…and let’s not forget the endless entertainment provided by a special few (you know who you are)…seriously, thank you!

Here’s my issue…

I’ve been working out with a personal trainer since I was 6 weeks post-op. I met my trainer through my NUT so he is aware of my WLS and has helped me modify my diet as our work outs progressed. I work out with my PT 4 days a week and 2 days on my own. We work out in a “trainer’s gym” that’s fairly small so I’ve gotten to know almost everybody there. It’s a very positive and encouraging environment. They’ve all noticed my weight loss and body transformation and compliment me regularly…I know, it’s just awful, right?

The thing is…I feel a little guilty that I don’t tell them about my WLS, but I also feel like I eat clean and work really hard in the gym to get where I am now. Because of my significant transformation (I'm not at my weight loss goal yet, but am getting pretty defined), they’ve asked me to do a testimonial for the gym’s website and to show my before and current pics. I know it’s silly, but I really don’t know what to do. I haven’t lied about my surgery to anyone but I don’t offer the info to people I don’t know either. I thought about just talking about the positive environment and how it’s helped me reach my personal goals…that’s the truth…but if you saw the video and knew I had WLS, would you feel like I was being dishonest? What would you do?

Thank you so much for this perspective. I hadn't thought about it from that point of view. I have been honest with everyone who has asked me directly because I do believe honesty is the best policy...and I'm a horrible liar! I think that's why I think it's silly that I'm struggling with this decision. I think I'm going to pass on it...at least until I feel more comfortable talking about the surgery.

I hope all our comments help! I know you're in a bit of a jam, but I would say do what your conscience can live with first!! You are the only person you are obligated to. I offered another perspective only because my experience has made me really consider just how impactful our decisions can be, with respect to who and what we tell. But ultimately, its most important that you share what you're comfortable with and not a bit more. And in what you keep to yourself, do your best not to disillusion others. I think it best to say "I prefer not to say" than to flat out lie. I think you and I are similar in that way, in preferring to keep silent than to be false. Good luck with your choice, no matter what, I know you'll make the best decision for you!

For me, I'd have to tell them I had wls. It is very deceiving to say that all the benefits came from the gym. I might talk to the people featuring the article first and he or she would probably publish it anyways because it would also attract individuals that have had wls. So it's targeting a new demographic that could increase their revenue. You have still worked hard to get where you are but you had an additional tool to add to your tool box...... JMO

Now that is thinking smart, and outside of the "tool" box lol. Great perspective!!!

Girl!! The first thing you need to do is send her a friend request!!

And then you need to pm me her profile name so I can silently judge her

I'm all for not telling everyone and their brother my personal business BUT if someone were obese and asked me how I was doing it I would tell them EVERYTHING! Because this surgery IS part of how we are doing it..

hahahahah I freakin love whenever you post!! you are hilarious. And I will be posting an entire thread about my situation, only bc I'm not sure if I feel upset bc I'm simply jealous or if I'm legitimately hurt and deceived. Now that I've had the surgery, I have less to be jealous about, except that she's already at her goal and I'm just starting. But I'm still upset about it, particularly bc I see her continue to tell people (mutual friends of ours and strangers on Facebook) that she did it au natural!!! Am I crazy lol?! Why do i even care so much lol. I didn't mean to take over this young lady's thread, so I'll just go vent the situation and all its particulars elsewhere lol .

hahahahah I freakin love whenever you post!! you are hilarious. And I will be posting an entire thread about my situation, only bc I'm not sure if I feel upset bc I'm simply jealous or if I'm legitimately hurt and deceived. Now that I've had the surgery, I have less to be jealous about, except that she's already at her goal and I'm just starting. But I'm still upset about it, particularly bc I see her continue to tell people (mutual friends of ours and strangers on Facebook) that she did it au natural!!! Am I crazy lol?! Why do i even care so much lol. I didn't mean to take over this young lady's thread, so I'll just go vent the situation and all its particulars elsewhere lol .

Feel free to take over any thread that I start! I am not one of 'those' people. I love this topic...I was waiting for you to start it so I could reply. You are not crazy...well you may be crazy, but it's a little hard to determine online So kidding! BUT...I agree with you, I do not think it's ok to flat out lie about anything.

Thanks for all the great input. I don't feel comfortable doing this without being 100% honest and am not ready to share that info with people I don't know yet. Maybe I'll feel differently when I get to my goal weight...and things don't jiggle anymore!