Question:
What's a good response for co-workers who ask
I will be returning to work soon after 6 wks. off for my open RNY surgery. Why is it that co-workers (those who keep in touch now) want to know how much weight I've lost?I'm over 350 lbs. and to even notice it takes at least 50 lbs lost. Thru the grapevine, everyone is asking a friend how much I have lost, not necessarily "how is she???" first. I know the main reason I had this surgery was to lose weight, but I feel it's a personal subject. Someone on weight watchers--I wouldn't continue to ask "How much weight this week." Anyone have any ideas on how to handle this. I know it will be a question asked frequently to me throughout this journey. Thank you. — Annette M. (posted on November 27, 2002)
November 27, 2002
If you don't want to tell them, then don't. Just tell them that you are
feeling better than you ever did before the surgery...JR
— John Rushton
November 27, 2002
You could always say what I do. "I'm not one to weigh myself
everyday, so I won't know until I go back to the Doctor, next month."
— Tammy .
November 27, 2002
"thanks for asking, but I am not scale-obsessive, why are you?"
That'll knock 'em on their tush!!
Have a Sparkling Day!! ~CAE~
— Mustang
November 27, 2002
I had told people that I was having minor surgery when I was out for two
weeks. Well after I dropped 100 pounds in the first five months, rumors
starting going around that I had cancer. I had to come clean and tell
everyone that I had Gastric Bypass surgery. I was surprised at how
supportive everyone was. I am six months now I went from a size 24 to a 6,
so there are some people that I say hi to that doesn't even recognize me
for a minute. I had planned on just saying I had been working out and
dieting. But it was so fast that everyone knew something was up.
— Linda A.
November 27, 2002
Here is what I say:
"My health situation is private to me, it is not a comfortable
situation for me to talk about...."
Then I leave a long "pregnant pause" to weigh heavy on the air.
No one has ever asked more... so I guess it works!
BUT if anyone ever said more I have thought I might say
"I know you are concerned about my well being but I have to tell you
that during my time off work have suffered blood, sweat and tears because
of of my health problems and going into it in detail is not something I
want to do so I hope you will understand." THEN I PLAN TO SMILE.
I am six months post-op and still I am very private about my weight loss
surgery even though I have changed so much in apprearance. I wear a size 8
now... and I used to shop at Lane Bryant!!!!
Blessings for your journey, Carly G
— Grace M.
November 29, 2002
My philosophy has been to be upfront and open to anyone about my upcoming
surgery. They would eventually know anyway when I lose a drastic amount of
weight in such a short time. People mention the fact that WLS is not
understood and obesity still remains a horrific thing as viewed by society.
How can we expect to change these misconceptions if we are not open about
what we are doing.
— Kim DeHart
November 29, 2002
I did not want to share my surgery with anyone at work, so when asked how I
lost weight, I told the truth minus the surgery. Small frequent meals,
concentrating on protein, low carbs and sugar, lots of water and exercise.
— Cindy R.
November 29, 2002
I'M A YEAR OUT, FROM AN OPEN R.N.Y. AT GOAL, LOST 240#'S AND FEEL
GREAT.. MAYBE WOMEN FEEL A LITTLE DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS THAN MEN, BUT I
DIDN'T CARE WHAT PEOPLE THOUGHT, I DID THE W.L.S. TO SAVE MY LIFE.. I'D
MUCH RATHER THEY BE TALKING ABOUT ME AT WORK BEHIND MY BACK, THEN ME BEING
GONE AND THEN THEY TALKED ABOUT HOW MY OBESITY KILLED ME.. AT MY WORK,
EVERYTIME I CHEWED SOMETHING SOMEONE WAS WATCHING ME, THEY WATCHED WHAT I
BROUGHT IN FOR LUNCH, THE WATCHED HOW MUCH I COULD EAT.. BUT THEY DID MEAN
WELL, IT IS JUST A FASINATING SURGERY AND PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED IF AND HOW
IT WORKS.. WELL W.L.S. WORKS, AND AFTER A WHILE THE NEWNESS DIED OFF, I HIT
MY GOAL, I EAT WHAT I WANT,, BUT I JUST CAN'T HOLD A LOT, AND MY LIFE HAS
RETURNED TO NORMAL AT WORK.. LIKE BEFORE THE W.L.S. AS MY DATE NEARED I HAD
ALL THE NORMAL FEARS, DYING BEING THE BIGGEST.. THEN I LAID THERE GASPING
FOR BREATH, WEIGHING 425#'S, MY HEART BEATING HARD AT REST.. I THOUGHT I'D
DO ANYTHING TO LOSE THAT WEIGHT,, AND IF SOMETHING HAPPENED,, AT LEAST I
WAS TRYING TO CHANGE MY LIFE FOR THE BETTER.. AT 425#'S I WAS A BOMB
WAITING TO GO OFF. TODAY I'M 51 AND FEEL 21, JUST STAY TOUGH AND BELIEVE
ME IT ALL WORKS OUT,, GOOD LUCK
— bruce M.
November 30, 2002
I also was 350 lbs when I started and I have lost 29 lbs and you can really
tell in my face and also in my clothes. If you dont want to tell anyone
thats your business. Good luck.
— Farrah M.
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