I just replied to a post, where the person stated she would need to get new friends after surgery...this bothered me.

I found the opposite to be true....

Following is the reply I posted:

I never told anyone other than immediate family....

I go out with my friends, people from work all the time...while they are devouring greasy burgers, etc, I am very picky about what I eat, and go for the healthiest choices I can. Plus I eat like a bird.

If the menu has nothing but junk like a lot of chains do, then I eat nothing...and I will tell the people I'm with why I am not eating and why the food on the menu is not good......I also stopped eating meat after lap band surgery.

And I am one who would eat an entire large pizza at a sitting...now I wouldn't (couldn't) touch it...

You will be surprised at the respect you will get from people...you will be one of the unique ones..admired for taking control of your life, being health conscious, more active with an exercise routine, looking at life from a different angle.

And, when the weight starts to come off, it only multiplies.

The lap band forced me to change my lifestyle, but no one needs to know that...I am after all the one getting educated and making the healthy choices.

As far as alcohol, well that's a hot topic around here....listen to your Dr.

I do get annoyed with the friends who don't take my needs into consideration such as book club being at a winery or held at an Italian restaurant (a trigger food for me). I realize it isn't always about me and they shouldn't have to change because of me but it still bugs me.

Having read about "friends" on here before surgery, I have been expecting some distancing from some people. So far I haven't noticed anything except me distancing myself from anyone who is overly negative. For example, the "friend" who frequently told me that I couldn't understand her life because she was treated differently because she is pretty! Or the chronic liar and drama queen. I am being much more selective about who is in my friend circle. I chose people now who bring value to my life an appreciate what I bring to theirs. I had too many "friendships" that were one-sided with me being the friend and being taken advantage of.

It helps that I am doing the choosing. Its still scary, but I think it hurts less than being rejected.

Chin up everyone! We are great and deserve to have friends who build us up and appreciate us for our gifts.

pam

@@mngreeneyes thank you much, so far I have decided the same, my surgery was yesterday an I just told a few close friends about it.

@lamulatona WHOOOHOOO!! Congrats on your surgery. Welcome to the club. I pray all goes well for you.

pam