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Who will you tell (or not tell) about WLS?



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I'm not sure I can avoid telling my immediate supervisor, though I'm a bit worried about that because he's also really good friends with his work wife and work mistress and the receptionist. All three of whom run their mouths continually about anyone and anything. This is my journey and I'd rather it be private.

I already hate the fact that I'm going to have to tell my sister-in-law something to ask if she'll come help with my disabled husband the first day or so I'm out of the hospital. She's the worst one of the family for keeping secrets but I love her to pieces. Maybe if I do enough ahead of time to take care of him, he'll be able to do the rest? Hmm. I'll have to think about that.

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I told everyone! Makes life so much easier and you don't have to deal with any questions as to why you are losing weight or eating little or need to go to the hospital for complications, etc. Plus, I ended up inspiring some people to have the surgery. Like, there is no natural way I would have lost 158lbs in less than a year. It would have been stupid obvious anyways. Like "Oh yeah, Brenda. My low-carb diet and exercise helped me lose 150lbs in 10 months." In no reality ever.

Edited by mousecat88

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I had my first bad experience today telling someone. I haven’t exactly been keeping it a secret at work since it’s basically impossible with the gossip mill there. The office manager came up to me and asked me if I was having surgery. I told him yes. He then asked what for. So I told him. He replied “is that going to do anything”.
I mentally throat punched him and said yes.
He chuckled.
I mentally kicked him in a not very nice place.
I chuckled.
Then I was saved by another coworker and escaped him lunacy.
Good times.

Next person that asks I’m telling I’m having a hernia repaired I swear.
LOL

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I didn't tell anyone at first because I didn't want to be judged or get some snide remarks but in reality, everyone has been so supportive. I'm an ER nurse and while my hospital doesn't do bariatric surgeries another one in town does so it's possible we could get a bariatric surgery patient. All of my coworkers are genuinely supportive and I have no problem with them asking questions.

My sister got married a month ago and the rest of the bridal party was curious when I had my husband bring me chipotle (bowl with chicken, pinto Beans, black beans, and cheese) after declining donuts and McDonalds. When I told them I had gastric bypass everyone was supportive and even asked questions about how I went about getting the surgery. One of the gals even said she was going to check her insurance to see if it was covered.

I was so scared at first because of other peoples reactions but this surgery gave me a whole other lease on life that I wouldn't trade for the world. Each day that passes I'm even more confident in my choice to have surgery and wish I would've done it sooner. It's been hard as hell, way harder than losing weight without surgery, but I wouldn't trade how I feel now for the world.

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I am not telling anyone either. My husband, my mom and my sister in law are all that knows. I am not ashamed but I just dont want my personal life all over the place, or unwanted advice. And since my surgeon has had me on South Beach I am able to use the whole "I'm doing South Beach" to explain any weight loss! No lying! :)

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On 10/14/2019 at 6:00 PM, ChubRub said:

I've decided not to tell anyone other than my husband. I just don't want to deal with the judgment, or feel like I'm the subject of gossip. I'm hoping to be back at work 2 weeks after surgery (I have a sedentary job), so will hopefully be able to just use some vacation time. My husband is 100% on board with the surgery and with keeping it a secret, so I'm very thankful for that!!

Anyone else keeping it a secret? Or are you telling just a few people, or the whole world?

other than my immediate family I only told 3 people. It isn't anyone else's business and like you I can't be doing with the judgement that this has been an 'easy' way out because it has been very difficult for me and even though I am now healed from my op, then my emergency revision a week later, I have ongoing awful nausea and that is with being on antiemetics for it so after, so you know....tell who you are comfortable with. No right or wrong, our own choice :)

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    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

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      1. NickelChip

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      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

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      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

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      · 0 replies
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    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
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