Other People's Opinion

[audefacere 45]

Let me set the stage: I'm an avid baker. I plan on opening a bakery some day and even though I was sleeved a little under 3 weeks ago doesn't mean I'm going to stop baking. It took me a long time to develop a new relationship with food. Over the course of the 9 months pre-op, I started to associate food with sustenance and not something that made me happy. Baking makes me happy but not the way a half of pizza use to.

I recently been testing some recipes for the holidays since I plan on baking some goodies as presents. I posted a few pictures to my face book and I had a few people telling me I should be eating pie and cupcakes.

Now I want to be very clear, I didn't post pictures of me eating them just the end product and I haven't had any of baked goods in over 2 months. It really annoyed me because I know what I can and can not be eating. Its frustrating when people who haven't gone through the process or have never had any problem with their weight seem to always have an opinion on how I can be successful.

I feel like everyone is watching what I eat.... Anyone else feel this way?

[alwaysvegas 702]

This is such a wonderful topic! Everyone at work knows I've had the surgery and most coworkers seem to "know someone" who has had the surgery. Some coworkers do have many opinions based on what they think they remember their friend did for their pre- and post-surgery diets. They also based their opinions on different types of surgeries they've heard about, none of which matters when I have a primary care physician, a surgeon, and a nutritionist telling me what's best for me after sleeve surgery.

I do get alot of "Can you eat that?" type questions. I almost always say, "I can eat just about anything that fits in my mouth, I'm just selective about what I eat now."

I did have a few friends and coworkers see my lunch and comment, "Wow, that's more than I thought you could eat." How they see 4oz of Protein as "more than they thought" seems crazy to me. I think they've heard how some people can only eat a couple ounces just after surgery and construed that to mean "forever." I find that sort of statement rather rude also.

Overall, people have been very supportive and I don't think the comments come from a bad place. The somewhat negative comments seem to be based more on what they thought they new about the surgery and pre- and post-op diets.

[audefacere 45]

Yeah, I know most their comments or questions are coming from a place of ignorance because obviously they just don't know but it is still rude. I guess I'm going to have get use to explain my sleeves limits. Thanks for your reply.

[teb 5]

I did not tell any of my friends that I had the gastric sleeve because everyone has an opinion and I did not want to hear it. Everyone thinks I am on a diet and doing real well (LOL). Tell your friends that it is none of their business and to go take a hike!!!!

[Ripper 76]

It is really funny, (read strange) how everyone has an opinion about what you should and should not be doing once you make the choice to take control of your life. I personally applaud you for your recognizing the need for a new relationship with food as well for understanding that a new relationship does nor equate to a "break up" from things you enjoy. I for one have always loved to cook, and just because I limit what I cook for myself, it does not limit what I cook for family and friends. Hang on to you dreams, your loves and your life. One thing I have learned from the wise sages here is that it is not only possible, but motivational to know that this life change is not a life limitation, but a life affirmation. We can have healthy, and fulfilling lives and for those who don't get it, I am truly sorry!

All the best!

R.

[downsizingdiva 459]

Let me set the stage: I'm an avid baker. I plan on opening a bakery some day and even though I was sleeved a little under 3 weeks ago doesn't mean I'm going to stop baking. It took me a long time to develop a new relationship with food. Over the course of the 9 months pre-op, I started to associate food with sustenance and not something that made me happy. Baking makes me happy but not the way a half of pizza use to.

I recently been testing some recipes for the holidays since I plan on baking some goodies as presents. I posted a few pictures to my face book and I had a few people telling me I should be eating pie and cupcakes.

Now I want to be very clear, I didn't post pictures of me eating them just the end product and I haven't had any of baked goods in over 2 months. It really annoyed me because I know what I can and can not be eating. Its frustrating when people who haven't gone through the process or have never had any problem with their weight seem to always have an opinion on how I can be successful.

I feel like everyone is watching what I eat.... Anyone else feel this way?

One of the many reasons that I'm keeping my journey SECRET....bless you're heart. .you bake on gal!

[IcanMakeit 1,318]

I hate to sound like a cranky old lady, but I miss the days when people undestood that comments about people's appearance and eating habits are rude and out of line. Just tune them out.

[audefacere 45]

I have had a really supportive response from my friends and family which I'm so thankful for. I just didn't expect everyone to be giving me their uneducated opinion. It's always funny when someone is like "oh, I know someone who wasn't really successful with the bypass" or "I know someone who gained weight after the bypass". I just look at them and I'm like, "I got the gastric sleeve" It's more annoying than upsetting. I know everyone wants to feel like they're being helpful but it comes off rude sometimes.

[Crystal88 85]

I noticed my mother has asked me "are you allowed to eat that?" and included a "look" with it as well. I just say, "I dont know, but I want to see if I can handle it".

A co-worker of mine who had gastric bypass 8 years ago was trying to tell me what to do as far as walking. She said I HAVE TO get up and walk every 2 hours; that's what she was told, so I should do that too since I work 10 hours. Umm, no lady, I don't HAVE TO do that.

I don't like when people try to tell me anything about my surgery or how/what I should be eating, especially when they've got a snickers bar in their hand.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Let me introduce you to the concept of not giving a darn and the power of telling people not to police your food. I'm truly serious. People who know me wouldn't dare to step to me like that. Those that don't are politely told I am grown and don't need to be told what I can and cannot eat.

[Easterli 12]

I bake. I take a bite or two, save some fory husband and give the rest away. Bake whAtever you want.

[JCP 619]

There is an incredible amount of ignorance out there about this surgery and the entire process. I just try to ignore it. It's my business, I know what's best for me.