The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[Lenainie]

I've been getting the same question from a lot of coworkers and I wonder if anyone else is. Over the last week or so I've had multiple people approach me and ask "Did you have gastric bypass surgery?" It's happened at least daily.

Is there a correct way to react to this question? No one has prefaced it with say hey you look like you have lost weight or anything just straight to did you have surgery. When did losing weight transition from a sign of hard work and will power to it must be surgical intervention? Gastric bypass can be a great thing and many people have benefited from it, but it's a not very nice assumption. It's like they are saying, "hey you were extremely obese so you must have agreed to major life changing surgery."
I am at a loss as how to respond, if a friend asked I'd explain; but these are just random co-workers I pass from time to time. With one exception I've just said no I haven't had surgery.

The exception was someone who actually outright said that I was huge and that they were glad that I decided to have the operation...they didn't ask they simply assumed. I think I said something like I didn't realize my weight was such a big concern of yours since you don't know my name, but now that you have solved my mystery maybe you could get some work done. Not quite how I phrased it, my version was far less PC.

Okay incoherent rant done.

[alpha femme]

hmm...
i don't think it's really an issue. if you want to answer, and you haven't had a bypass, the answer is "no."

for example, "alex, did you have a gastric bypass?"

"no. i stopped eating crap."

[Arklahoma]

I agree with Alex ~ Don't let them get to you.

[bdg]

I haven't had that question, but I have been asked, and been fully upfront. Alex's way is one way, another is to say "No, I am happily working toward getting healthy. It is work for me, not someone else." and if they are overweight as well, then you could (if you were really unhappy with it) throw in the "What have you done to get yourself healthy lately?"

I am not opposed to Gastric Bypass, my Mom is alive today because it afforded her a way to end her need for diabetic meds. My mom is also on the Take Shape for Life program now, because Gastric Bypass didn't help her to get to where she wanted, or maintain a constant weight. She is happy she did it, but even happier that Joelie and I have shown her the TSFL program.

I think the question boils down to everyone's search for a quick fix so they assume that if someone did something it was by way of a quick fix too. Rude, yes. Stupid, yes. But unfortunately a fact in America today.

[Aerie]

Awww ya'll are no fun. I'd say something like, "No. I just threw up a giant hairball. You should see the thing it weighed liked 50#. Thanks for noticing. Have you had a nose job?"

[Elizabeth]

Awww ya'll are no fun. I'd say something like, "No. I just threw up a giant hairball. You should see the thing it weighed liked 50#. Thanks for noticing. Have you had a nose job?"

You made my day Doc! I needed that!

[JKSRN]

Perfect response, Doc!! One can usually tell the people who are generally interested in your weight loss or possibly in managing their own, and others who are simply curious, curious in a good way or in a negative way. My response to all is: "I am just eating healthy these days". When pursued, I say that "I am watching my protein-carb ratios". And, this usually shuts them up, as many have no idea what I am talking about! Even a fellow RN co-worker ended her pursuit of info!!
I love Medifast dearly, but I will not be a walking advertisement for the program, because what works for some, doesn't always work for others, and each person should find their own way as to what is best for them.
Joan

[sidrah]

I was gonna say something a little more nasty about expelling from the body a special something that weighs 50 lbs.

But, I guess a "duh" stare might work, too. Or, if you are being mean that day, you might ask, "Why? You want the doctor's number?"

I suppose the "right" way to be is to answer politely, but that is kinda boring.

[SharonR]

I think I would simply look at them, smile and say, Why do you ask?

That may force them to dish out a compliment.

But I know me and I'm a smarty sometimes so I like Doc's answer.

I can't even imagine coming out and asking someone, Are you on a diet? Let alone did you have Gastic Bypass? People are amazing....

[Unca_Tim]

That's like saying,
"Geee...you look bright and cheery today. You musta had an enema today, huh."

[falisamarie]

Unca you never cease to crack me up.

Lucky for me no one has assumed I had any surgery or I probably would not have been very polite but take heart.....at least they are noticing.

Lisa