JulieA

When I started the process only 2 people knew: my husband and a close co-worker who had also had the surgery. About a month before the surgery, I told my best friend, my kids (ages 16-30) and my parents. The week before I went in I told my sisters. Personally, I don't like it being referred to as a "secret". I'm not ashamed of my surgery. Like others on here, I struggled with who and when to tell. I also came to the conclusion that lying by omission meant that maybe someone else who was considering it would falsely conclude that they were weak by not just continuing to diet and exercise. I've lost 80 pounds and gone from a size 26 to a 16. I'd like to lose about 50 more pounds. When people ask, especially if it's someone I see often, like a co-worker, I tell them the truth. I explain that I had weight loss surgery and have totally changed my lifestyle. NOT ONE PERSON has said anything negative about it, but many have questions. If someone does say something about it behind my back, it's not very juicy gossip because I've already discussed it. For those whom I run into occasionally or rarely I just say that for the first time in years I'm taking care of myself, which is very true. To each his own, but I encourage you to step forward and be brave. We can end the stigma regarding WLS. I tell people that I made the decision that worked best for me and have never regretted it. It gave me my life back. If that helps one more person start a new chapter in their life, my initial uncomfortable feelings would have been worth it. Congratulations on taking this step, and best of luck to you.

Susan, if you'd like a belly buddy, please email me jannekelly@aol.com

May 27. Counting down the days--I'm so excited!

Thanks, Rome. I thought I could also say that I'm eating much smaller portions, which is also true, right?

Question, though: how do you answer when acquaintances ask how you've lost the weight? Lying seems wrong, but I don't really want to discuss my surgery, either.

Thanks, everyone. I was thinking of only telling those closest to me, and only when I'm close to my surgery date. I'm so glad that most of you concur. I do have a follow-up

Hi everyone, I'm a few months into my journey. I've completed all of the insurance requirements, met with my surgeon, and made positive changes. I've only told 2 people about my surgery, which I expect to be performed in May--my husband, and my friend at work, who went through the surgery 6 months ago. Could anyone please offer advice on how to tell my children, and possibly my parents? My kids are 31, 29, 21, 19 & 15. I don't want them to worry, especially my youngest. I also don't want them to think that I've given up--I spent so much time teaching them to work hard and persevere. Now I feel like a hypocrite. I'm not even sure if I'll tell my parents. I know my elderly mother will not understand, and she'll be sick with worry. Do I tell my siblings? Part of me worries that I'll be fodder for their gossip. None of them have a weight problem. I would really appreciate hearing your stories. I'm very close to my children and I know they'll support me. It's the initial conversation I'm worried about. Thank you!