How do you handle people asking "what your doing to lose weight" or asking "how much weight have you lost" I am worried about how to handle questions.

I am not comfortable talking about weight with other people. I am not telling anyone other than my family about surgery, and I am expected to lose 85-125lbs (which I know is noticeable weight loss) is there any easy way to try and shut down people asking, like just brush it off like, "oh I don't know, just being healthy" I am pre surgery and have mentioned to friends/ coworkers that I am trying to get healthy and eating right.

I am also planning to call my surgery a hernia surgery, as an explanation since I will be out of work for a bit and obviously people will ask and wonder and that would explain soreness etc in my stomach area... Has anyone else used this excuse?

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I also chose to tell only a few close family members about the VSG. I have EXTEREMLY nosey neighbors (a friend of mine) so they actually suspected me of having bariatric surgery. I told them I had hernia surgery because my hubby slipped and said I had surgery (but not what type).

When people were shocked at how quickly I was losing, I said I'm working out and eating high Protein low carb - which is true (yet omitting the teeny portions). I just stuck to that and now they don't ask except for "what are you doing" advice. Then I share snack ideas etc and then move on.

Only a handful of people know I had surgery. For the others--including the neighbors in front of me, etc.--they don't know anything.

IF someone asks, "what are you doing to lose weight?" [present tense]; or "what did you do to lose...?" I say "I really had to let go of the carbs, so I mostly eat high Protein, etc." Fact. I tell them how wonderful it is to have steak, crab, eggs, bacon, etc.; no carbs, no white stuff. Plus the neighbors now see me walking some, so they conclude that has helped, as well.

IF it's someone I know very well, and I KNOW they are struggling with their fat (and are depressed, etc), AND I feel I can trust them, if they ask, I will tell them I had wls. Or I may ask "have you thought about wls/the sleeve, etc.?"

I have told most what I've done...

for some I have said " I eat very very little now!"... and they are ok with that

I don't care what people think or don't think.

What others think of me is none of my business...

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

As a private person usually I would keep my surgery and weight loss journey to myself but I have done the complete opposite. I am 100 percent proud of my decision and am open about it with co workers, friends, family, etc. It is your life and your choices, do what feels best just for you.

Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

I usually say I had wls but sometimes when I feel like a smart ass I say something like my husband locks the refrigerator or I've been banned from the grocery stores.

Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I've avoided seeing friends in the past bc of how much weight I had gained. I missed out on so many things and people became curious and also took my absence personally. The decision for WLS is something that I'm weirdly okay with telling people about now. At first I thought "oh hell no! I'm not telling anyone!" I care way too much what people think. So this time I'm not caring. If it means I'm happy and healthy then who cares! It's not their body to judge. Wish I would've had this mentality all along. I am only 3 days post-op so no questions about my WLS yet. Someone once told me they say "I've been hardcore watching my portions and sticking to low carb/high Protein. I've also stepped up my gym game" it's definitely not a lie!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I said nothing. It's my journey! I eat smaller portions, Protein and increased Water. I'm so Not a private person so yes hard. But because people aren't educated on this surgery and what it's for, say nothing. You will find a lot of negativity. And it's usually from those who are skinny and/or healthy. And the surgery isn't a quick fix. It takes a lifestyle change.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Only a handful of people know about my surgery. To those that don't and ask me how I lose weight all I say is I eat a little and work out a lot. I'm not lying - I do eat very little and I do work out a lot.

I say the same thing. "Eating less, exercising more". I usually get a nod and they move on.

Just tell them hard work and education about diet complete truth

progress starts in the mind

Although I'm totally enthused I'll shout it from the roof tops it's what I need for me ...I've always been quite and shy ..but this is for me amd yours is for you

progress starts in the mind

PS: My decision to not tell whomever is not about what they might think, etc. It's just that I'm a very private person and don't tell folks my business. We live in a day and time where folks share almost everything. I've never been like that and just stick to (I guess my medical code of) patient confidentiality...even when I'm the patient. It works for me.

I have seen on here (and elsewhere) that sometimes people tell this one and that, and get hit with all kinds of negativity, judgments and ignorance, just as they are journeying toward, and through, a very personal decision. I try to avoid "vain babblings" of the uninformed or even naysayers, who don't know, nor understand one's personal struggle...with weight or whatever. Just my approach to serenity.

It's a personal choice for all, how to handle telling or not. But I think the majority of us are dang sure happy we made this decision!! Looking and feeling so fine, and happy, and sexy, and confident, etc. I should have done this sooner. God Bless the USA...and the VSG.

I just found its easier to tell people I had surgery. I figured they would know anyway when they see me eating 3/4 Oz of food.

Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I'm not embarrassed for having this surgery at all. I'd be more embarrassed if I chose to remain a fat bastard for another 10 years. So far, I've told my wife, parents, boss and work friend. All had been positive about it. I don't necessarily look for anyone's support though. I've been pretty self-reliant my entire life. I get great support from this site whenever I have questions and that's all I really need.

I am waiting, however, for the day someone asks how I lost all this weight and I'm going to say "I had a procedure done, I had my refrigerator stapled". I've been saving that joke for long time!

I'm struggling with this too. I literally just booked surgery today and am already trying to figure out whether I'll tell people or not. My husband and a couple friends are the only people I've mentioned it to so far and they are supportive. My kids will find out (you know, when I'm gone for 5 days and return not able eat food! lol) and kids aren't very good at keeping secrets, so maybe the easiest route is just to be an open book?