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I hardly feel like I can say a word about having surgery to anyone around me. I have two coworkers, both VERY successful with RNY. They are both being so critical of me having this surgery though. It's funny because I could care less what others have to say. My annoyance is the fact that even if I don't mention anything, they HAVE to talk about it or ask me questions. They don't seem to understand that I don't. Are to discuss this at work. I didn't even tell my boss what surgery I am having, just that I will be having a procedure done. It's getting to be overwhelming and I wish I could have just gone through this whole thing without my family, friends, or coworkers knowing one detail. As far as its concerned, the only person who truly needs to know is my fiancé. Ugh. People.

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Shame on your two coworkers who have had this done. They should be the ones you get the most support from. Try not to pay any attention to them, they obviously have something going on with them. Your right your fiancé is the only one that counts. You will have people with a negative attitude about it and some that are really positive. I shrug off the negative ones they don't deserve the space in your head

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I'm going through similar.

In your case, why are they saying/being critical of you having this surgery? When you answer, I will tell you what I am experiencing.

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K.buys, thanks so much for the encouragement. The odd thing is, what they say doesn't bother me. I just am sick of hearing and getting questioned. I just wish they would hush and worry more about their own lives. Lol

Cherry, I have 2 coworkers that both had RNY and were very successful. They are both about twice my age and, unfortunately, treat me as such. They need something to talk about and for some reason, I am it. They keep giving me every reason in the world as to why I shouldn't do it. The latest was that I'll gain all of my weight back when my future husband and I decide to have kids. My response was "I could gain it all back either way, if I choose not to eat well." I'd be more afraid to have babies being 300+ pounds! That's not fair to my future children! How does mom explain that she can't run around in the yard because her knees hurt from her weight? Basically, they are just putting their two cents in when its not wanted, at all. I'm just frustrated. Unfortunately, working with women, that is going to be a problem forever and I just need to block them out. Lol what's going on with you? I'd love to hear!

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I just don't get why 2 people who had successful RNYs would do such a thing. JERKS.

Well, going back to your original post.... I have not told my friends about my surgery. I am not especially close to anyone other than my husband. I have very judgmental friends who put everything down from food Stamp recipients to Breast Implants.... and I am fairly confident that since they don't know me that well, they will be quick to say this is a vanity thing and I am "taking the shortcut".

I do feel awkward though since they are catty and as I lose weight they will ask me a million questions about how I am doing it. I have already lost 32 lbs in 8 weeks so in terms of weight loss, I have already "set the stage". I am already predicting how HORRIBLE I will feel not confessing that I had WLS, although I NEVER will.

My attitude is that it's MY business and they do not need to know.

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Ladies stop caring about what other are saying! Don't give them the time of day! The best you can is be fabulous in your weight loss !

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I am totally with you guys on this. I have told only a very few people because the support is just not there. It is sad, but very true. The stigma of surgery being the easy way put is just awful, as it is not at all the easy way. I started this journey at 391lbs 2 months ago, and am at 358 right now. I have surgery on 4/15. I have worked very hard to get to that point, and get all of the testing done in that small amount of time. I have changed all of my eating habits and forced my family to change. I seriously am happy I found this website because it is nice to have others who know what I am going through instead of just feeling like I going through this alone. My spouse does not understand the requirements and thinks the change is just for 6months or so. His perception is off. I happy he is here for me but worried he will try to help and get frustrated because he will be doing the wrong things.

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@Lulu - check out my recent post - looking for experience partners with dates April 15 & 16

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Had some more annoying comments/questions from my coworkers today and instead of complaining about it, I just decided to stop. I read a quote today that said "Use your frustration to fuel positive motion." It's so true. They can talk as much as they want, but how will their words TRULY effect me in 5 years? I probably won't even remember typing this up! Lol I know I still have a rough road ahead, but I'm going to make every effort to use all of the frustration as power.

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I feel so bad for those of you with coworkers that are being unsupportive and mean. I feel really blessed I work at a small hospital and everyone is

Great about my upcoming surgery. I work as a CNA and a lady I work with is our unit secretary. She is cross training with me so that I can come back to work in 2 weeks and do a desk job. She will be doing my job. We will switch for 2-3 weeks till I am cleared for heavy lifting. She volunteered to do that on her own. Everyone else on my work team has been cheering me on as I have lost weight doing the nut appts.

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Ignore them & soon you will join me in sexy & fabulous small size clothes????

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So my surgery date got moved up to next week. This, of course, is going to make work even more challenging on my coworkers cause we'll be short even more staff. Since I am the youngest and having an "elective procedure" the way they are treating me has gone from bad to worse. It's getting to be unbearable. I find myself hiding in rooms doing busy work just to stay away from the snarky comments and questions. It's like they think I need reminded EVERY TIME I talk to any of them of the fact that they're going to be so short staffed. They just don't get it. It was next week or 6 more months! I've waited almost a year! I don't want to wait 6 more months cause the doctors schedule is booked! I'm trying to "just not care" and remind myself that this is for me, but having to work so closely with these people is making me miserable and so sad. I'm not even excited for my surgery.

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Is there a supervisor you can talk to... not to make things worse but they are creating a hostile work environment for you and that should not be tolerated. Dont hide girl... we have hidden our whole lives. Put a smile on your face and slay the dragon. If that means creating waves with a supervisor to make these small minded women stop then so be it. It is time for you to be selfish. This is your time. Embrace the new you!!!!

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Is there a supervisor you can talk to... not to make things worse but they are creating a hostile work environment for you and that should not be tolerated. Dont hide girl...!

AGREED - most pertinently is that this is a hostil work environment. You NEED to be looking forward to this. Surgery, ANY surgery, really requires a good attitude to foster healing! I am soooo mad for you! Speak up for yourself or else, take a small leave if you can. But how exciting that your date was moved up!!! I too had a date moved up and about flipped with excitement then went crazy trying to make all my arrangements more quickly.

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Just so you know most company's have a section in their employee handbook. I know where I work we are not to discuss fellow employees medical history or problems. It is grounds for termination. However if I choose to discuss that is fine but it has to be positive

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    • 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.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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