I was just wondering if you told your family/friends about the surgery or kept it a secret? I've been struggling with this decision. So far I've told my immediate family, boyfriend and best friend, and they were all very supporitve as I had anticipated. But I'm not sure if I should tell my other good friends or family.

Thoughts? Advive? All is appreciated!

Told only husband . No one at work knows. Not fear of failure, just didn't want people to know my medical history. None of their business and plus I don't need to hear their opinions.my life, my weight, my issues.

Remember you cannot"un-ring that bell"!

I told my husband and my mom. Nobody else in my family knows, but I did tell the ladies at work... well, I told one of them fully expecting that the whole office would know a week later. It didn't even take that long, they all know! I have a pretty dull sit down job and all of the women who work there are overweight. They've been SO supportive, more so even than my own family so I'm actually really glad I told them. A lot of them have been struggling with their weight for years so they're all cheering me on and a couple of them are even watching my progress and considering the band themselves.

If you decide you don't want everyone to know, make sure that the people you DO tell know that. My husband was the first person who found out, I thought he would have known that this was a private matter... but no, he told like four of our mutual (male) friends before I had even decided for sure that I was having the surgery!

I gotta be honest. Feeling a bit embarased, weak and ashamed that it has come to this and dont want to really deal with peoples opinions or judgements. Its the right move for me, but everybody has an opinion. Kind of lame, right? oh well...cant wait for this journey to begin.

Almost everyone I have been around within the last few weeks knows my surgery is coming up on monday. I'm not embarrassed by it, this surgery isn't something that I would keep a secret. I am proud of myself. Everyone knows I have struggled with weight issues since I was 10, and that I have always eaten healthy & etc. So I have no problems sharing it. I've been on diets since 10-11, I am programmed to eat healthy and lapband is just there for extra helping measures while I start kicking myself into shape.

I only told a few people. I am afraid of the comments about everything I put in my mouth or if for some reason this doesnt work for me. I have only lost 10 pounds so far, not been filled at all yet, but I am nervous. A lot of surgeries and such never seem to work for me, I am always the one sick or with issues, so I am afraid this wont work either!

Don't think about what could possibly go wrong, scorrea, think about all the amazing things that could happen to you in the long run. Just keep working at it one day at a time and you will notice big changes.

For me it was easy to tell the people around me, my wife,mom and cousin are all nurses another cousin is a surgeon I work in the medical field and in a hospital. The people in my clinic are all rather close even the ones I don't much care for are all wishing me the best. My friend actually was the one who talked me into it and has paid for a large portion of my co-pay. With out his support this would never have happened. He said its a selfish thing he's doing... He just wants his buddy to be around when he's in his 60's.

I only told a couple of family members( hubby, mom and aunt)

I chose not to keep it a secret. My reason was that so many people that I work with struggle with their weight, even those who are"skinny" work to maintain it. So I thought I would be open and answer all of the questions, figuring that not only was I widening my support system, but maybe help someone along the way. I have been very fortunate, I work with four different schools and have not had one negative or unsupportive comment during this whole experience. It actually has been the opposite, I have gotten many supportive cheers for my accomplishments so far. Even a few of my "skinnier" friends, have started exercising again with me. I went so far as to post a monthly update with comparison photos on my Facebook account. I think each person has to know what they are comfortable dealing with and how much information you are willing to share about the journey.

No I did not share operating info with everyone. Didn't know the outcome yet. Did not want naysayers. Just wanted to try something besides the same thing after god knows how many diets ,programs,therapy etc❤

I was very open about it. My mom tried to talk me out of it. Thought I could do it the "old fashioned way" - like she did. If that actually worked for me - I'd have done it the first 100 times I tried! I was a widow at the time (alone) so a significant other wasn't in the picture. Since then, I've married. I've told everyone who will listen, actually! Last week was the first time I showed my new mother in law a before pic of me. She couldn't believe the difference. I'm very proud of that.

Marci

I think it is a very personal choice. I am struggling myself with who to tell because you never really know how people will react. I have been told that if they react negatively then they are not people you should be around anyway, but I think its important for you to understand that some people are just completely undereducated about lap band. Many people look at this as the "easy fix" but we all know that is not the truth. I would suggest that whoever you decide to tell, you should make sure they are well educated on what you will actually be going through.

I tell everyone too. I didn't think I would but it just seemed like the right thing to do. I tell them it's a tool to help me lose... it's not a miracle cure I still need will power!!

I know that before surgery I was worried that people would judge me. But then I realized I had the surgery to make me happy. And not to mention when you start losing weight that fast people start to ask questions and you can only lie for so long. Now I am proud to say that I have had lap band and I am happy now.

(My thoughts regarding people who are close too you that come off negative)

When people go to a extreme measure to better themselves, sometimes loved ones may feel left behind, or intimated by the new you that will soon be. They may have insecurities that have in some way latched onto yours and now that your moving on, it has left them more exposed. I think it's important to see the "loved ones" negative response for what it is. If needed talk to them about it, call them out and let them know you will still be you. Think about it... If your a lady...and you and your sister always traded outfits together and now your going to be too small to trade it may make her feel left behind, not because of the clothes but it is a tanagable difference that can no longer be shared. If my brother and I both get winded after walking down range to setup targets and now I'm not... It's sorta a slap in his face. If my wife and I were always big together and now I'm fit and trim she may worry that I won't find her attractive anymore. (that won't happen baby) one of the post in the (men's room) mentioned his hunting buddy gives him a hard time because he can't eat his deer steaks anymore... Its possible he really enjoyed preparing them to share with you and now because of your band you have to refuse, it may hurt his feelings so because he's a dude he just returns fire.. anyway it not always just your change.