I have only told a few people about my choice to have surgery (May 25th). I don't really want people to know because I think that they will judge me. In fact, one of the people that I did tell told me that they didn't think that I needed it. I know she means well. She is a large gal, as well. I know she knows what it is like, but she is a good deal bigger than me. I considered the idea that I just don't look big to her because she is bigger than me. Does that make sense? Don't get me wrong, she wasn't cruel to me or anything. She just felt that I was doing something radical. The other 2 people I have told are very supportive and totally understand. I do wonder what I will tell people once I start losing weight, however. I have contemplated making up something a little more "natural" sounding as an excuse for my sudden weight loss. What are you folks doing? Who have you told? What did they think about it? Please share!

considering the fact that I have had zero fills, it's not a lie that i'm watching what i eat and getting more exercize. i have no restriction, so i am pretty much doing this the old fashioned way. no need to tell people i also have a band. for me, just having to get that band put in was enough to tell me that i needed to make a change. i don't need the fills at this time because the surgery was a head change for me. i don't think i will ever tell anyone unless they just come out and ask me point blank if i've had it done. but so far, no one has said anything.

My Nutrionist cautioned me about thinking twice who I tell. She said she found that some people's co-workers and families were too judgemental about weight loss surgery and caused some additional stress. I did tell my immediate family members (parents, spouse, children and CLOSE friends). I did NOT tell any of my coworkers. She suggested when people ask you how you lost weight to tell them you are eating less . . . which is true. GOOD LUCK

im very big and ive told everyone,most of em have been very curious and ill answer them,i am a lil scared of failure but ppl think what they want anyways i just want them to know i am trying and thats what counts

I agree. I dont care what people think. I have lost weight and gained it back so many times and was alwasy ashamed of failing in front of people. Then I realized something very important, those people dont care about me and i dont care what they think. I promise as i approach 40 years old, i get this attitude. None of those people were there for me whne I was struggling, so i honestly could care less about trying to be accountable to them. This is about me!!!

In the beginning I told close friends and relatives because they all had to put up with me while I was on my 2 wk pre surg liquid diet.... then as the weight started coming off and I found myself telling more people than I expected to.... Today when I see someone I havent seen in a while and they see me as an almost thin person and ask what type of diet I am on I tend to tell them the truth.... 1000-1200 calories per day.... and we really never get to the did you have surgery question. However if I feel I can help someone by telling them... I do volunteer the info.

This has been a question I was wondering too as I get further along in the process and hoping to have surgery the beginning of June. I have told my husband (obviously) and my best friend. Thats it. I don't think I will tell even my mom whom I share everything with at this point. She has always been a tough one with my weight and I think she will expect me to drop very quickly and will be always questioning my eating and what I do. I may tell her with time, I may not. I will be honest that I am turning a new leaf in my life and starting to put myself first and think about my health in a new way.... we are all doing that.... we are all going out on a new adventure... maybe it is a solo one or a whole group party but we are all in the drivers seat this time.....

I only told one person that had a lapband. My husband doesn't even know. Mainly because I know my family and friends wouldn't understand my struggle. I was obese but even my friend that knows thinks that I am crazy for getting it done because she fels the surgery is for he morbide obese. I feel I would have been morBidely obese in 5 years if I did not have the surgery.

I'm not telling anyone until the insurance approves it. Then I will tell my mom and one of my sisters and swear her to secrecy. When I get to my goal I may tell others, but only if they ask. I used to be one of the people who thought that getting WLS was taking the "easy" way out, but I realized that is far from the truth. From all the research I've done, I gather that the band requires hard work with watching what I eat and exercise. I commend you guys and dolls who have reached your goals and continue to fight for your health daily. I agonized over my decision for two years and I'm finally at the point where I'm sure. I did not ask one person in my life for advice because ultimately I am the one who must live with my decision for better or for worse.

A few family (parents and siblings, one grandparent) know. I haven't told any friends. I had to call off a trip because it's in the time period I expect to be having surgery and told my friends I was getting wisdom teeth removed! I'll probably tell a couple of them eventually. I am by far the largest of my friends and I don't see them understanding.

I can see that I'm in the minority here. I am not a very private person and it doesn't feel right to me to keep my upcoming band a secret. I am approved and scheduled for May 21. I had to ask for advanced sick leave so I had to tell my direct supervisor. I had to ask my other supervisor to follow a different procedure for one of my employees who finishes a testing period two days before my surgery so I told him too. Both were very supportive and disclosed that they formerly struggled with weight too. I need a colleague to cover for me while I'm out so he will need to know and my employees (scientists) will die of curiosity. I've shared other things with them before and I see no reason not to share this. I expect support and will deal with any negativity gently but firmly. I told my mom and siblings and siblings-in-law and all have been supportive. I cannot wait to get started with my band.

I've told whoever, doesnt matter to me. My coworkers and I are close like family. And because we're like family, they know I have no problem telling them exactly where to get off with the police stuff, and will hug them the next day. Boundaries... I have them. I also see it as an opportunity to do well and let someone else see me do well. Maybe I'll be able to help someone else....

I only told one person that had a lapband. My husband doesn't even know. Mainly because I know my family and friends wouldn't understand my struggle. I was obese but even my friend that knows thinks that I am crazy for getting it done because she fels the surgery is for he morbide obese. I feel I would have been morBidely obese in 5 years if I did not have the surgery.

Just a question...how were you able to have the surgery and not tell your husband? I know that I was very sore and had to ask my husband for help lifting things. Besides...I know that I made horrible faces as I tried to get up and down those first frew days.

I wondered the same, how did you keep it from your husband??

I had my surgery on a Friday. Saturday morning he went to work and I was sick with a cold - slept on the couch that entire weekend because I really was sick. By Monday I was as good as new :: a lot of drugs - but good as new. I had to hide it so I could not walk in front of him nor my daughter for 2 days. It was difficult; but I pulled it off and they have no clue to this day.

If y'all have a group of create a group please let mr know so I can join. Thanx in advance

About a face book group: I just made a new Facebook name etc and I use it specifically for my wls. It's great just to let it all out and be open in a community of like minded people. If you are interested in friending me I'm Sweetie Karma. And we know how fb goes. You will have tons of peeps on there. Most of my friends are wls specific. Good luck all of you new banders. My surgery was march 1

I told a few of Co workers ( two of which had WLS) and close family and a few friends, certainly not everyone I know. I did share it with two people that are over weight and workout like I do, I thought would be understanding and they were totally rude. They changed their time when i made it clear the decision had been made and that i was just sharing. My BMI was almost 40.