I decided to write The Top 10 Things Not To Say To Someone Who’s Had Weight Loss Surgery because I’ve noticed there’s a bias against weight loss surgery in our country. Unfortunately, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), more than 1/3 of US adults have obesity, 36.5% to be exact and the numbers are climbing (no pun intended). Billions of dollars are spent each year by people trying to find the right solution to lose weight and improve overall health. With obesity on the rise and more of us choosing weight loss surgery as our best option, it seems odd to me the reactions we get when we answer the million-dollar question, “So How Did You Lose the Weight?”

Take a look at this list of comments I’ve been told and collected from my fellow bariatric friends. Some of these things have really shocked me. Yet, sometimes, all I could really do was laugh because much of it has been negative, insensitive, rude, and downright mean. We need to educate each other about all of the weight loss options that are available so we are better informed when discussing this very delicate and personal subject.  Let’s be real, weight loss is hard enough without additional stress, judgement and criticism. When thinking about some of the comments, I do realize that sometimes, people just don’t know what to say. I get that. However, when I started talking with other weight loss patients and they experienced some of these very same things, I thought it was too much of a coincidence not to get this conversation started.

Top 10 Things Not To Say To Someone Who’s Had Weight Loss Surgery

1. You took the easy way out! (Really, since when is losing weight easy?)
2. You will gain all the weight back (Thank you so much for your support)
3. Why didn’t you just go on a diet and exercise? (Oh, I never thought of that!)
4. You will not be able to eat normal food, socialize, go to restaurants and parties. (We’ve lost weight, not our ability to eat, socialize, go out and enjoy life)
5. You looked better before – (Here’s a before and current photo, you decide)
6.  You will have a lot of extra, loose and hanging skin

   

   

   7.  You were a much nicer person when you were fat (that’s because you’re just not used to hearing us say NO)

   8. You have a lot more wrinkles now (well, since fat doesn’t crack, I guess you’re right)

          9.  Are you sure you can eat that? Is that on your diet? (I’m not on a diet & I don’t need food police)

         10. You lost too much weight ( as opposed to being over 400 lbs)

What’s some of the shocking or unexpected things you’ve been told? I’d really like to hear from you.