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For those of you that are not telling everyone you are getting or already have the Lap-Band, what did you tell people the surgery was for? Most people will not even know I will be having surgery of anykind, but I will have to tell a few something- like the mom of the girl I babysit for, I will have to tell her to find someone else for a few days or so, she lives close by, so I can't just tell her I am going to be out of town. I have always felt the need to explain myself and I'm too passive to tell her it's none of her business. What did you tell your boss, I guess is my general question? Thanks- Chelle

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I have a hernia, so I'm going to tell everyone that I'm having hernia repair surgery. Alot of people have them repaired during lap band. If you are comforatable with a fib,that will work. Seems to have the same recovery time, and will explain your "new" diet.

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That's perfect! I hate lying, but I also don't want to hear everyone's opinions either! Thanks- Chelle

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For those of you that are not telling everyone you are getting or already have the Lap-Band, what did you tell people the surgery was for? Most people will not even know I will be having surgery of anykind, but I will have to tell a few something- like the mom of the girl I babysit for, I will have to tell her to find someone else for a few days or so, she lives close by, so I can't just tell her I am going to be out of town. I have always felt the need to explain myself and I'm too passive to tell her it's none of her business. What did you tell your boss, I guess is my general question? Thanks- Chelle

I am going to tell my coworkers that I am having some Health Issues, my doctor has insisted that I lose weight and really do not want to discuss it. Hopefully that will cut the questions

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I told everyone I had gall bladder surgery...same scars. It explains a lot and no one even questions

Same here. Although I did finally tell most of my friends since I have nothing to be ashamed of. With work it's more of a protecting my privacy thing. Plus I am the HR/Benefits Manager. Our company insurance doesn't cover it but my husband's does. DOn't want anyone angry at me for being able to have it

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hmm well it never bothered me to tell ppl :P I dont go telling everyone but when I do tell someone they are so excited and want so many details it doesnt bother me at all I dont feel ashamed I tell them I much rather this than dieting and gaining the rest of my life until it kills me :party:

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What I've done is kind of casually mention here & there that I've been thinking about doing the Atkins to jump start my metabolism & my dr has a new nutritionist & work & that I'm gonna be starting his strict program soon. Everyone knows I already tried alot of diets & with having diabetes they know I am ready to get strict with myself. I work in a salon & the last thing I need is for the lap band to issue get out of the bag. Yes its all a big lie but again, its nobody's business.

I also told them my sister is coming from out of town for a week of summer vacation & I want tio spend some time w/her. Good luck!

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I didn't tell them what the surgery was for. I just said I was having "a surgical procedure" and left it at that. Most people understood that this mean it's NOYB.

Now that I am obviously loosing weight, people are asking me all kinds of questions - how am I doing it (Answer: I eat less and exercise more - TRUE). How much have you lost? (I will never answer that question!) My usual answer is "not enough". Two weeks ago somebody actually confronted me - saying - OK, did you have a weight loss procedure when you were out? I just answered, surprised, "You mean my hernia repair?" (True, I did have a hernia repaired)

At church, somebody asked my Mom if I had 'one of those lap bands in Mexico." My mom said No (half true, I did not go to Mexico.)

I told only those who needed to know - my boss. My employee health nurse - who keeps making comments and asking me about it before meetings/when others are present, even after I tell her it is a confidential and I'd appreciate her not talking about it. ( I was required to tell her! )

As it becomes more obvious, I may tell some people I just don't want to have them watching me, evaluating how much I lose. After I am nearer my goal, I may tell people I can trust, and make sure they know that even though I have the band, I am still doing the work!! And it isn't easy just because you have a band.

Some people may like to tell coworkers and then appreciate their support. For me, I don't like to be the center of attention and find it embarassing - sort of like pointing out what a failure I was at weight management that I needed to have the band.

What I do apprecate are people who say things like "I don't know how you're doing it, but you're looking great!" :-)

In the end...do what feels right for you. In truth, It's nobody's business unless you want it to be. People react differently to knowing - some are great, some are jealous, some are just curious, some are just being nosey.

Good luck w/ your journey!

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i told my boss that i needed to have surgery so i was going to need a week off work. by law they can't ask what the surgery is for. for the other people at work i just said it wasn't something i wanted to talk about right now. now that 2 months have passed, i have started telling my closer friends at work.

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I know what you mean but seeing as though the lap band is generally like a day surgery I don't see why anyone has to know you know? At the moment my mum and dad know as well as my aunt because my mum needed someone to talk to but the only reason my mum knows is because I prefer her to come with my to my hospital appointments - My dad knows because I was put in hospital and we thought we should tell him before the Dr blurted it out and my dad was left there wondering what was going on lol and I plan on eventually telling my 2 sisters - at the moment I still live at home so there going to need to know - especially when my sister is in a playful/annoying mood and sometimes hits me in the stomach (not hard but after the band she's going to get a black eye if she does it lol) I plan on going out with my sisters and mum the night before the 2 week diet and telling them - kind of like a last meal thing - As for surgery, no one really needs to know I mean I don't see people often enough that they would wonder where I am and hopefully it being only a night stay I can come home and just sleep - If people ask you why your loosing weight just say you've given up bread because technically it's true - if you did give up bread, rice Pasta and didnt have the lap band you would loose weight and really your not eating it afterwards so you actually are being truthful - I think if people ask me how I do it I'll just say "Well I went on the Optifast shakes for about 2 weeks but got sick of it and I'm just sick of being the way I am so I gave up breads,pasta and rice" Technically your not lying and if you don't want to tell people and they have no right knowing it's the absolute perfect excuse!

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    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

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    • LeighaTR

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      · 0 replies
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    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

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