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

Recommended Posts

I am open about the whole subject of the upcomming surgery. my family friends and co-workers have been more than supportive.

i have actually gained quite the fan club. ( not that it was my intention to have one :-)

by being open and discussing my journey i have found out that 5 people who i know have had some form of weight loss surgery. And have been greatly sucessful.

i have been given gifts ( books to read in the hospital) people are giving me clothes of the smaller sizes i will be passing through. i have not had one negative experience.

my feeling is the more support you habe the better the results will be.

cheers

RJ

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I did not tell anyone I was having this procedure except immediate family and my Drs. I just told them I was having a hernia repair and stomach procedure for the explanation of why I was gone from work. There is too much stigma attached to weight loss surgery - being fat is one of the few areas everyone feels free to comment on. II have never found that telling anyone or dieting with anyone changes what I do - or - I would have had success prior to this surgery - after all people were judging me every day as I walked trough the world. The down side of this is I have wanted to share my success with some people who would really benefit from the procedure but if I do that - it will be soon spread around and the judgements would start. I have been mostly happy with this choice of not to tell.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

thank you for your comments on this. I am having my upper GI this week and blood work, no surgery date yet, but coming after this Thursday, waiting to see the GI reports. I can't wait to get the band off!!! How long did the surgery take from removal of the band to RNY, I am guessing 2 plus hours???? I still haven't told anybody else and I am glad. One lady from church is bugging me about trying the Protein drinks from Shakley for a diet. She doesn't know what I have planned. Maybe approach her after surgery for Protein Drink help???? Thanks again everybody!

I had a band to RNY 5/1, it ended up taking 6 hours because I had a massive amount of scar tissue, but I recovered quickly, had minimal pain, and am doing great now. Minor complication with gross drainage from my JP, but had that removed this past thursday.

Make sure the Protein shakes from Shakley are whey Protein, and you need to ask the sugar content, some are outrageous. Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The only people that know are my husband, parents, my sister and 1 of my cousins. The only reason I told my cousin is because we are really close and she is getting married in the Bahamas on June 22nd, the day after my surgery. She wouldn't have accepted any other reason for me and my husband to not be there. I'm currently a stay-at-home mom so I don't have any crazy or rude co-workers to worry about. As for my friends, I told a few after I got my LapBand, so I'll probably tell the same friends a few months after surgery.

Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've told everybody that will listen. I've been very fortunate in that I haven't had any negative comments made to me. They may be said behind my back, but if I don't hear it, it doesn't hurt me!! It's not like I'm hiding the fact that I'm fat. People can see that quite easily! I feel the more people I tell, the more people I have looking at me to make it successfully through this process.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My daughter accidentally spilled the Beans to my mother-in-law! Darn! Darn!!! Darn!!!!! She came over to give me the third degree. Then she asked me how much fat they took out of me and what I weigh now?????? (Shaking my head) I think she's thinking liposuction. So I tried to explain it to her. The closest thing she could come up with was heart surgery. (Shake my head some more). So now she wants to cook me some food (that I can't have). When I told her I need to be on liquids for now she nodded and said 'another fad diet' (pulling my hair out). Today she called to ask me why I didn't just do weight watchers since I once lost 50lbs on it 20yrs ago. (Someone just shoot me now...)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow...sorry that happened.some people just so do not get it!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow...sorry that happened.some people just so do not get it!

I'll just have to bite my tongue and keep my sense of humor. Now I'm waiting for her to tell my sister-in-law. She is a know-it-all with a nasty streak.

I knew it would eventually come out. All I really needed, and got, was for the ignorance and nastiness to wait till AFTER my surgery. Don't get me wrong. My husband's family would do anything for me, except mind their own business, but it always comes at a price. (((Roll eyes)))

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sounds like my husband's family....they don't know and hopefully they won't.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I know what you are going through. I told a couple of coworkers and was very surprised by their support. One did not approve but told me matter of fact that she realized it was my decision not hers.

The family is another situation all together. Mom and brother were ok but my sister was something else. I finally told her that her older brother was not asking for permission or approval. I was notifying her of my decision and not listen to any negative comments. It is amazing that she is still talking to me.

My nephews wife is a doctor and my sister put him up to calling to talk me out of it. I was prepared since I know my sister. When she started the negative comments and complications I agreed and told her the complication rate is less than breast enlargement and face lifts. She apologized since she is very familiar with one of the procedures. And I reminded of the health benefits I would see.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I know what you are going through. I told a couple of coworkers and was very surprised by their support. One did not approve but told me matter of fact that she realized it was my decision not hers.

The family is another situation all together. Mom and brother were ok but my sister was something else. I finally told her that her older brother was not asking for permission or approval. I was notifying her of my decision and not listen to any negative comments. It is amazing that she is still talking to me.

My nephews wife is a doctor and my sister put him up to calling to talk me out of it. I was prepared since I know my sister. When she started the negative comments and complications I agreed and told her the complication rate is less than breast enlargement and face lifts. She apologized since she is very familiar with one of the procedures. And I reminded of the health benefits I would see.

Good job! Good point about plastic surgery... :-)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Some else told me about doctors being negative on gastric bypass but being fine with cosmetic surgery with no health benefits.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Some else told me about doctors being negative on gastric bypass but being fine with cosmetic surgery with no health benefits.

Maybe it's quick money for them

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've told everybody that will listen. I've been very fortunate in that I haven't had any negative comments made to me. They may be said behind my back' date=' but if I don't hear it, it doesn't hurt me!! It's not like I'm hiding the fact that I'm fat. People can see that quite easily! I feel the more people I tell, the more people I have looking at me to make it successfully through this process.[/quote']

this is the same approach i have taken. i have found everyone is very supportive.....Good job. best of luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My daughter accidentally spilled the Beans to my mother-in-law! Darn! Darn!!! Darn!!!!! She came over to give me the third degree. Then she asked me how much fat they took out of me and what I weigh now?????? (Shaking my head) I think she's thinking liposuction. So I tried to explain it to her. The closest thing she could come up with was heart surgery. (shake my head some more). So now she wants to cook me some food (that I can't have). When I told her I need to be on liquids for now she nodded and said 'another fad diet' (pulling my hair out). Today she called to ask me why I didn't just do weight watchers since I once lost 50lbs on it 20yrs ago. (Someone just shoot me now...)

OMG! I am laughing but sharing your agony. Your mother in law sounds a bit senile - or is she just dense? Keep your chin up! Clearly you are too sweet than to tell her to MYOB.

I need to find a tactful way to say it- like- " this is so personal, i am just not comfortable discussing it with you yet "- because i have plenty of opinionated coworkers and my surgery will be at the hospital where i work.

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

    • Eve411

      April Surgery
      Am I the only struggling to get weight down. I started with weight of 297 and now im 280 but seem to not lose more weight. My nutrtionist told me not to worry about the pounds because I might still be losing inches. However, I do not really see much of a difference is this happen to any of you, if so any tips?
      Thanks
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Well recovering from gallbladder removal was a lot like recovering from the modified duodenal switch surgery, twice in 4 months yay 🥳😭. I'm having to battle cravings for everything i shouldn't have, on top of trying to figure out what happens after i eat something. Sigh, let me fast forward a couple of months when everyday isn't a constant battle and i can function like a normal person again! 😞
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • KeeWee

      It's been 10 long years! Here is my VSG weight loss surgiversary update..
      https://www.ae1bmerchme.com/post/10-year-surgiversary-update-for-2024 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Aunty Mamo

      Iʻm roughly 6 weeks post-op this morning and have begun to feel like a normal human, with a normal human body again. I started introducing solid foods and pill forms of medications/supplements a couple of weeks ago and it's really amazing to eat meals with my family again, despite the fact that my portions are so much smaller than theirs. 
      I live on the island of Oʻahu and spend a lot of time in the water- for exercise, for play,  and for spiritual & mental health. The day I had my month out appointment with my surgeon, I packed all my gear in my truck, anticipating his permission to get back in the ocean. The minute I walked out of that hospital I drove straight to the shore and got in that water. Hallelujah! My appointment was at 10 am. I didn't get home until after 5 pm. 
      I'm down 31 pounds since the day of surgery and 47 since my pre-op diet began, with that typical week long stall occurring at three weeks. I'm really starting to see some changes lately- some of my clothing is too big, some fits again. The most drastic changes I notice however are in my face. I've also noticed my endurance and flexibility increasing. I was really starting to be held up physically, and I'm so grateful that I'm seeing that turn around in such short order. 
      My general disposition lately is hopeful and motivated. The only thing that bugs me on a daily basis still is the way those supplements make my house smell. So stink! But I just bought a smell proof bag online that other people use to put their pot in. My house doesn't stink anymore. 
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Oh yeah, something I wanted to rant about, a billing dispute that cropped up 3 months ago.
      Surgery was in August of 2023. A bill shows up for over $7,000 in January. WTF? I asks myself. I know that I jumped through all of the insurance hoops and verified this and triple checked that, as did the surgeon's office. All was set, and I paid all of the known costs before surgery.
      A looong story short, is that an assistant surgeon that was in the process of accepting money from my insurance company touched me while I was under anesthesia. That is what the bill was for. But hey, guess what? Some federal legislation was enacted last year to help patients out when they cannot consent to being touched by someone out of their insurance network. These types of bills fall under something called, "surprise billing," and you don't have to put up with it.
      https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
      I had to make a lot of phone calls to both the surgeon's office and the insurance company and explain my rights and what the maximum out of pocket costs were that I could be liable for. Also had to remind them that it isn't my place to be taking care of all of this and that I was going to escalate things if they could not play nice with one another.
      Quick ending is that I don't have to pay that $7,000+. Advocate, advocate, advocate for yourself no matter how long it takes and learn more about this law if you are ever hit with a surprise bill.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • 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

    ×