Everyone's family/work situation is different. I'm not shouting it from the rooftops, but I don't think I will shy away from a direct question. One of the problems, I think, is other people's misconceptions about the lapband. It's not my job to educate them, but I think I will simply say, "This is what I have chosen to do to help me lose weight and become a healthier person. I want to see my children grow up." I've told family and a few close friends. Two are not in favor, but have pledged their support. One of them had a very outdated understanding of what the lapband was. Recently, we went on a girl's night out. She called me ahead of time and asked what "we" needed to do to help me stay on my pre-op diet, so even the Doubting Thomasina's can change! For me, having family and friends "in the know" is important - I will need their understanding and support when we are together and food is around. Honesty just works better for me.