I noticed quite a few people don't want to admit to having WLS, and I totally get it. But when hubby and I go to a restaurant, I always tell the server that I had gastric sleeve surgery and I will definitely need to make a couple of substitutions on my meal and I will need a to-go box (any time we go out to eat, my meal is good for that night and at least 1, sometimes 2, more). I've had a few ask questions about it, and they all have always congratulated me and were more than happy to accommodate my needs for the substitution (typically I swap out potatoes and/or rice for a side salad or extra veggies). I'm always proud to tell them I had the surgery, and I usually include how far out I am from surgery and how much weight I've lost so far. Is that weird? I don't feel the slightest bit awkward or uncomfortable about it. Not at all. My family and friends all know and cheer me on. I was never shy or worried about telling people, and I don't particularly care if anyone has a problem with the fact that I had the surgery. Again, is that weird?

9 hours ago, Arabesque said:

One because she’s always been very competitive with me so there was no way I was telling her. She thinks I went to a dietician which is partially true. 

My general response when I'm asked about my weight loss is that I did a year-long medically supervised weight loss program, which is also basically true.

9 hours ago, Arabesque said:

Wonder if family & friends have the potential to be most vocal about their negative (& often uneducated) opinions because they believe they have the right to tell you you’re doing the wrong thing & feel they have to ‘save/protect’ you from a such a terribly bad decision.

The two people who were the most hostile about my decision to undergo surgery were my sister and a close friend, both of whom are quite obese themselves. I don't think it was about protecting me. My guess is that they felt threatened by the fact that I was taking a positive step to improve my life and lose the weight.

Part of the reason I'm so vocal about it is because I know (from when I was a waitress for 3 years a LONG time ago) that as soon as an obese person is seated, they start talking about them. I use to feel so bad for the customer, because we didn't know why they were overweight, if they had surgery or not, if there was a health reason for the weight, yet some of the waitresses would talk crap. If I can be open and share why I order the way I do, even though I look big still, maybe that will stop some of the jumping to conclusions and making assumptions. I'm proud of my success so far, and I'm proud I had the surgery, but I also know what it's like being thin and being obese. And if I can change even 1 person's way of thinking, then I'm all about it. I'm thankful and grateful I have the support I've had, but I know not everyone does. And I hate that. So if some of the stigma can be lifted, even a tiny bit, I'll do what I can. Even if it's over-sharing with my waitress lol