Question:
What to Tell People About Surgery
Hi, I am scheduled for Lap Band 12/28/09. I have a very few select friends that I have told. Can I tell the others who ask that I've had hernia surgery withou raising suspicions? I really don't want to lie but when they ask me to go for New Years gatherings, I need them to know it is for a good reason and that I am not just dismissing them...Thanks. — [Deactivated Member] (posted on December 19, 2009)
December 19, 2009
Hi!!!
I had the same issue...only telling a few select friends...I didnot know
what i was going to say to others...and on day of my surgery 12/09..they
told me hiatal hernia to be repaired...so i just tell them about that..
Its not lying to tell them that u had hernia repair or gallbladder
surgery...I feel its your personal choice...
I hope u dont need a hernia repair on top of lapband surgery..the recovery
is a little slower i think...
anyway Good Luck...Whatever decision u make is the right one....
lol
— garnet408
December 19, 2009
You should say what ever it is that your heart tells you to say.
There is a saying that i like....
"Be who you are and say what you feel. Because those who mind don't
matter and those who matter don't mind."
GOOD LUCK with your surgery!!!! Keep us updated on how things are going.
— merehern
December 19, 2009
I'm scheduled for Lap Band Surgery on 12/24/09 and actually am having a
hernia repaired at the same time. I've told very few people. (5 to be
exact.) When I first started telling my friends that I was thinking about
WLS they told me I was crazy. But they don't live my life or feel how I
feel or deal with my health issues (which are very likely weight related).
So now I'm just telling everyone I'm having my hernia fixed.
I think it's a personal choice; some of us are more private than others (as
determined in a convo with a friend that's had RNY done). I don't think
there is anything wrong with telling people you are having a hernia surgery
if you wish to keep your WLS private. (My ex-husband is driving me and
picking me up and he will not know either...my doc has been sworn to
secrecy! LOL) Good Luck!!!
~ Michaela
— The Fab Ms. M. ..
December 19, 2009
I had surgery 7 1/2 weeks ago. Started out only telling 2 people and only
my mom and dad...no sibs. Now that I have had it, if people ask what I am
doing to lose weight, I tell them! I am PROUD of the choice I made. My
decision to have WLS came after years of research, lots of thought and even
more prayer! Most people have been supportive, but there have been a few
nay sayers. To them I just say it was a well thought out decision and I am
happy with it. Be proud of your decision to take back control of your
life!!
— Karen K.
December 20, 2009
Hi....I had one woman at work who would have just been in my face about
having the surgery, so I only told my work friends and supervisor that I
was having some minor surgery to help correct a hiatal hernia....which was
partly right, I DID have a hiatal hernia. But, I was happy to tell the
rest of my circle... my friends and family were very supportive and
although they didn't realize just HOW restrictive my new eating-style would
be, they have been very generous and accomodating. AFTER my surgery was
already done, and I'd been back at work for three or four weeks, I finally
told people because when I'd go to heat up my little 2 ounce containers of
protein food, they'd give me these really odd looks.... and at that point
in time, even the woman who would have been "in my face" were
very accepting (or at least she knew that keeping her mouth shut would be
best).
— Erica Alikchihoo
December 20, 2009
I had Lapband surgery Oct. 22nd. I only chose to tell a few friends
initially. But everyone knew I was getting surgery. Then the day I left I
told a few more and by the time I got back two weeks later alot more knew
and what kind of surgery. Since most people know now I have had no negative
energy from anyone. I have had nothing but positive feedback as my weight
and physical condition was very noticeable. So keep it low key and let it
naturally happen as you lose weight. Good Luck!
— postalmoose
December 20, 2009
First of all, good luck on your brand new start to a brand new year!! I
personally think that many of us who have made the decision to move forward
with WLS experience a large amount of shame. I know for me personally this
has been a struggle and largely the reason why I was hesitant to tell
people. However, I am slowly discovering that this is a journey of
learning self acceptance and self worth, not just about weight loss. With
that in mind I have been able to share with co-workers that I am getting
surgery. And though the reactions have been somewhat mixed, none have been
negative (some just seem more surprised than happy for me). If you are
accepting of your self, others will be accepting of you too. Good luck
with everything and have a fantastic New Year!
— ChristysJourney
December 20, 2009
If you think people will ask, you should just tell the truth. There is
nothing wrong with having lap-band to make yourself healthier. You can say
it just like that. Say my doctor advised me to have the lap-band due to my
bad health, and he felt this was a good option for me based on my past
history. Or you don't even have to say that much. You can just say I had
it to get healthier. I wouldn't lie or avoid the question though. It will
be obvious. Even though the lap-band has a slower weight loss rate, it
will be noticable. It is okay to say you had wls. These days, people are
interested in having it. My sister in law saw I had it done, and just had
hers done one week ago. So you might even encourage someone else to have
it. Best wishes.
— Kristy
December 21, 2009
I agree with those who advise you to be up front with people about your
surgery. I at first wanted to keep it secret (3 yrs post RNY), but then I
realized that it was because I was ashamed to be having the surgery. I
refused to be of that mindset! There is nothing to be ashamed of. Surgery
is not the "easy way out". When I told my friends and coworkers I
found eeryone to be supportive. Friends even asked what I could eat when
they brought food in to work or had me over. I encourage you to be upfront
and truthful. If word ever got out about having WLS people may be a little
disappointed in you because you weren't up front. Good luck.
— Muggs
December 21, 2009
You should be honest. You have nothing to be ashamed of. If people don't
like what you're doing, and are unsupportive, they're really not worth the
trouble of making up stories for, anyway.
— Snapefantasy
December 22, 2009
I chose to be very open about my process and it has been a real blessing to
me. The VAST majority of people are supportive, interested and curious. I
feel like being open helped a ton because I had a big team pulling for me.
Who to tell is a very personal choice, but I really benefitted from
"coming out of the closet".
— mollyt
January 3, 2010
In the end, it's up to you. I've gone with the hernia story, but it's what
you're comfortable sharing that's important.
— emily2009
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