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Was I too Open?

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PrettyLilButterfly

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I'm reading post after post in regards to whom people have told. And it seems very few are telling people outside of their 'cirle'.

 

Me, I've told the world. If someone at work asks, I tell them. My job knew the second i started contemplating the surgery.

 

I think part of my decision to tell everyone was I work for the company/hospital who does the surgery. i was the first one at my insurance company to get lapband. and now i am the first one to get the revision. i actually considered trying to get a job at the bariatric clinic. everyone at work has been so amazingly supportive. two of my close friends at work have gotten surgeries too. i feel like i've inspired others to follow suit, or to at least go to a clnic. i've sort of become the poster child for the surgery. matter of a fact, i may soon literally be the post child. marketing has asked if i'd be willing to be part of our 'my story' campaign. I have already put a testimonial on the website. they want to do a photo shoot (WHAT?? WHO? ME?? really? YIKES, YAY) most of the posters i would be on are within the insurance company and the hospitals. there's a very slight (NO WAY! YIKES) possibility i may be on a billboard.

 

see here in new mexico, not very many doctors offer the surgery. matter of a fact, it appears to just be our hospital here in albuquerque and one in santa fe. so it's a huge deal to have success stories and advertisement when a huge part of your advertising is 'only hospital in alb to offer wls'. i don't know if all this will come to light, but i'm willing to do what it takes to inspire others. or to be there for anyone who has questions. granted, one of my best friends is the manager of the clinic now, so i doubt she'll let it go. she'll make sure my mug shot is out there! haha..

 

 

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Like many things, it's each to their own. I told few people in advance cos I didn't want their opinions or to have to allay their fears when I was dealing with my own.

Post op, it was only when I had lost a fair chunk of weight that people starting commenting. At that point I started to tell everyone and anyone who'd listen, lol!!! I have shocked myself at how open I have been but I am very happy explaining it. The majority get why I had the surgery; most are blown away by me being "brave" doing it and at the results. No judgement.

But as I say, there's no right or wrong way. I wasn't ashamed when I didn't tell, it was right for me then, in the way that it is right for me now to tell all....

Good luck, bet you look fab in the photo shoot with the new look :-)))))

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I told the world also and anyone who asks. As I've lost more and more weight I have gotten more and more comments so I don't tell everyone right away. If they probe me and want to more about my journey, then I let them in on my secret...which is no secret.

I guess I feel as if having surgery is just part of who I am and part of my life. I am not ashamed of having surgery or I wouldn't have gotten it done in the first place. I think those feelings of negativity or even trying to hide something so big in my life is such a burden. I don't need anything else weighing me down...I've got myself to do that!

Telling everyone was part of letting go for me. It was freeing I guess. I didn't have this secret to hide. I didn't have to wonder if people were going to find out or figure it out. It was relief for me and freedom to walk my journey the way I wanted to walk it.

As for those people with negative or judgemental comments, I try to educate them. If they don't listen, then I don't listen. We have a choice as to whom we let into our heart. I don't have the room or the energy for people who try to bring me down.

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What a fantastic approach and such a positive outcome for you. Like Indigo, I do believe it is a personal choice on how to approach telling people and who to tell. This is personal medical information so it has a right to be kept private. Saying that, I have read so many positive stories about people who share with everyone. You are now taking that a step beyond and leading by example in an area of the country that seems to have less exposure. Bravo! Congrats on your success to date and I wish you the best on your continued journey!

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We all just go with our gut feeling and do what feels right for us. My sleeve mentor took your approach and told/tells everyone, while I have told only family and the absolute closest people. Of course, once you've told one person, you've really told 10 others. lol

Your approach is what works for you, so it's definitely not "too open". I think the billboard thing is cool. Congrats.

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