A family member said this to me as well, that my choice to get WLS was "brave". It sat strangely with me for a little bit, but then I realized that it was a huge compliment - they were saying that I was doing something sudden, serious, and life-changing to take charge of my weight problem, and not just letting my weight continue out of control.
I'm back working today after my surgery last Monday and can already tell it was a mistake. I'm just way too exhausted at this point and will probably have a nap or two if I can.