I haven't received my surgery date yet but I'm on track to have it mid August. I'm a little nervous about how my co workers will react to my dramatic weight loss. I asked my social worker what I should tell people who ask how I lost my weight so fast. She told me to just respond by saying I've made "Lifestyle Changes." I could say that but the 2 weeks off from work are gonna seem a little suspicious. I've told 3 of my close friends who also work for me and they've gone almost six months without saying anything. Ive been working at my job for over a year and my coworkers know me as the girl who's frequently dieting and working out. Ive lost 50 lbs all while working at the job, gained it back and then lost 20 so it wouldn't be that unusual for me to lose weight. Maybe I can just say a diet finally worked for me. I was also thinking of saying that I got another procedure with the side effects of weight loss like getting thyroids removed. I'm just not sure what to say. I really don't want people to know. I honestly just want to say "it's none of your business."

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You don't need to say anything other than "Thank you for noticing!". Your business is your business and your social worker's advice is spot on.

I'm 5 weeks out and have lost some - enough to really notice. I took 7 days of time off work. Those that asked I said that I had hernia surgery. When people comment on my weight loss I say " low carb and high protein." It is always different depending on the person asking. Only a very few know that I had surgery.

I just tell them the truth. First off, these folks around here will talk about you regardless, so I figured that I'd atleast give them some truth instead of making things up

Second, I want those around me to understand exactly what weight loss surgery is, why I chose to do it, and how it can be successful (because damnit I'm going to be successful).

And if I help one other person that needs help, then so much better.

However, I'm an open book... I have a hard time not just being me and to hell with what anyone else thinks... they'll most likely talk about me because they're jealous anyway

I spout off statistics, facts, and information so that it's not so taboo to them. The fact of the matter is, I have an eating disorder, and this 'tool' helps me to deal with that easier. It's not for everyone, but it can save someone's life if they need it.

Of course, I also realize not everyone is as open as I am, so I totally understand your desire to keep it to yourself. Just this past weekend, we had family staying with us, and my uncle - who is highly opinionated - had some choice things to say to me. I just smiled, quoted my facts, and tried my best to ignore him until my aunt could reel him in

Funny you should write about this........I am a teacher, so I am very hopeful that when I return to school in August that I will have lost more than the 8lbs the I have lost since my surgery on 6/27. I KNOW that there will be talk, and that's ok. What's funny is when I woke up my doctor told me that I had a large hernia that he had to fix before he could complete my bypass! So I really can say I had hernia surgery! LOL

The point is: who cares? All that matters is how you feel about yourself and your health. You are being proactive to get healthy! End of discussion!

I only told a few close friends and a few family members prior to surgery. Once it was over I told my remaining family (siblings). They have all been extremely supportive. It's funny because I've lost over 50lbs and when I encounter friends I haven't seen in awhile, there is no mention of a weight loss. Did they not notice or are they not saying anything? Which is frustrating but then I don't need to explain. For the majority of friends I will say that I've made a life style change (which is the truth). However, if I have dinner or lunch with friends, it's pretty evident that I'm simply not eating much. Of course, I'm not drinking either but I did have a liver issue (fatty liver) so I've quit due to a high enzyme issue. So, I've decided to play it situation by situation.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Here's what I tell people. I'm doing a high protein low carb diet and exercising 1 to 2hrs a day(all of which are true). They don't need to know the particulars of the surgery and for all they know you could have lost weight from something like cancer even. It's your business and not theirs. You don't have to give up any information you don't want to, just because someone was nosey and asked.

Each person is different and handles it differently, but, my opinion is that I just don't understand the people that cover it up. Just be honest about what's going on and leave it at that. I'm an open book and honestly have not received any negative criticism for my life choices. Honestly, if I did I wouldn't care anyway. This is my life and my choice. Be who you are.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App