Today I met my first nonbeliever. Someone who hadn’t seen me around in a while, and asked where I’d been. ‘Oh, I was out of the office for a while, I had to have surgery….’
Non-Believer: Oh my, what’s wrong, is everything ok?
Me: Yeah, I actually had to have my stomach removed!
NB: Pardon?
Me: I had my stomach removed.
NB: Oh like part of it, like a stomach staple
Me: No, I had the whole thing removed
NB: No you didn’t
Me: Yes I did
NB: (pause) No you didn’t!
It was not quite as blunt as that, but not too far off either. This person clearly didn’t believe that I was telling the truth, or that a total gastrectomy was possible. I think I convinced NB after about 5 minutes or so, but I still sensed this person was not entirely convinced. I guess it does sound pretty ridiculous, to have your stomach taken out. I haven’t told a lot of people about the surgery who are completely unfamiliar with me or my family’s situation, so I imagine this is a scene that may replay itself more in the coming months. Luckily I’m pretty persuasive, and if all else fails, I have the battle scars to prove it!
By Brian Chelcun