I am just starting to research Lapband surgery. I don't want to yell anyone that I'm considering have the surgery. Does anyone else feel this way?

Not teling anyone but my husband. Hate to put all that pressure on him for support but I want to keep it private. Most people I tell would not even know what a lap band is, I'd have to explain it and I'm not an expert yet. I just want to keep it private. If I change my mind, then I can tell. My children are under 8 years old so I am not going to tell them, but I will let them know I want to live a healthy lifestyle for them. I will raise them not to make rude comments about heavy people. I hope to be a role model for them by healthy eating and exercise. I will know when it is right to tell them. It helps to know others were successful at keeping it a secret too.

I think we all started this way, but eventually your weight loss will be noticable. You'll have to tell them something when this happens. I told my fellow workers that I was getting a band My immediate family also was told.

When i first decided to do the lapband about 8 months ago i didnt want to tell anyone either. I made the mistake of telling a few people at work and everyone of them had a horror story of a "friend of a friend" who had a bad experience ultimately talking me out of it long story short i canceled my first surgery date Based on other peoples opinions....... A few months later i still found myself unhappy with my weight i got a letter in the mail from my insurance saying my autho for lapbad surgery was going to expire. I thought about it for a few days not telling anyone this time and finally i realized thay I WANTED THIS FOR ME!! I call tge next day to reschedule my surgery and im so glad i did. I got banded on 9/21/12 and have lost 24 lbs and i have not even had my first adjustment/fill yet!!! Don't let people talk you out of it there is a reason you are considering most likely because YOU want it!!

Good luck:)

Just starting out go to meeting Mon 17th not telling anyone til after can anyone tell me how long of a process this is

I didnt tell anyone but my husband, sister and mother i didnt tell my son because he is only 8 and wouldn't understand. I didn't want people to judge me.

I feel the same way! I haven't even gone yo my first seminar yet! I finally told my mom last night and she doesn't agree with it because she sees it as unnecessary but once I explained to her my risks now and with surgery and how much it will benefit me she was much more accepting and supportive. In my head, I still feel the stigma of being the "easy way out" although I know it is the complete opposite.

Keep your chin up, your loved ones will support you no matter what, even though they may not agree with it. We're all here for you! Feel free to message me if you need a shoulder!

-Jennifer

I will only have the surgery next year but doing a lot of research now. I don't want to tell people other than my immediate family and some close friends. But what happens when you have family gatherings? What do you do if they don't know about you WLS?

I was thinking about that yesterday because part of my family got together for a brunch. There was tons of food (as usual). They will notice me not eating as much as usual.

What do you say?

I only told my immediate family and they were all very supportive.

When people started to notice how fast I was losing weight they wanted to know how I was doing it.

I told people. Everyone was very supportive. They knew it was an investment in my health.. I was self pay

If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

tomander@bell.net

7m in and only a select few..My husband, kids, one co worker,(she had it done as well) and one friend who was thinking about it, and now has had it done...I dont care..Its my story, not embarresed, not shy, just its MY business, if I want the questions then I will tell, but I really dont feel the need..Down 62pds so far, loving life, that is all they need to know!! Trust me, I keep other things to myself as well....its not like this is my only private issue!!! lol do what you feel is comfortable..if you dont want to, then dont if you eventually do want to share as your weightloss goes on, and you want to yell it from the roof top, then do it..Its all up to you!!! Enjoy your ride!!!

When I first considered the procedure, I had it in my head that I wasn't going to tell anyone other than my immediate family, for fear of being judged. As I started telling more and more people, I was suprised how supportive people were. Just own your decision to have surgery...no one has the right to make you feel badly about something you know is the best choice for your health. Best of luck to you!

I understand people not wanting to tell others.. For me I think it would be hard to hide. I was told by my doctor to carry measuring cups with me so I could measure my food wherever I am not to mention how long it takes me to eat such a small portion. Of course I am only allowed 1/2 cup a meal so it is probaby more obvious for me the most of you.

I told my husband and my boys and one close friend..of course the friend who referred me also knows.

When someone asks me I tell them I'm eating less and exercising...like duh!

As far as get together a go there is nothing you can't eat. Leaning in and listening to the conversations while smiling and slowly eating is a whole new experience. I enjoy it much more because I'm learning how to Celebrate family and friends without overheating. I've been out to pizza, to Mexican food and I go to weekly work luncheons.

No one has ever said boo to me. I've lost 30 lbs since my preop. I was banded 10/5.

Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement.

Me too! I told my mom yesterday. She had gastric bypass 8 years ago so she knows how I feel. I don't want to have gastric. Besides her and my dad- my husband is the only one I want to know. I'm embarrassed that I can't do it on my own.

Tell who YOU want. It is not a per-requisite for friendship! I would tell my spouse if married... they kinda need to know.

I don't know why this process of secrecy.If you're married or live with a significant other.The right thing is to be forthcoming and tell it like it is.Its similar to an alcoholic or drug addict fessing up.that he or she has a problem or disease if you will.This shows your spouse or significant other that you have a problem.that you have done your research and that you have come up with.a valuable solution.By God this is what you're going to do.this allows others to support your journey.journies taken alone are never healthy.mentally or spiritually.You create a better journey if you have a buddy and God.