Hi everyone, I just need a quick consensus here. I work for a small company with what I would say is a 'mature' staff. (i.e. most everyone is over 50) People are starting to comment on my weight loss and are being supportive but, they don't know I had surgery. They just think I went on vacation........ Some, have an inkling something was up because I had some pre-operative testing I missed work time for and maybe some caught snatches of phone conversations, etc. Also, it's no secret I gave up smoking, drinking, coffee and birthday cake.

Anyway, from my reading here so far, it seems better not to say anything. I think this crowd might think what I did was too drastic or I'm lazy and took the easy way out because I couldn't do it on my own. I don't want to deal with the negative comments. I just want to bask in the joy. But, I also don't want to lie if pressed for more detail.

Thoughts?.............

You don't have to tell. You really don't. You can tell them what you are doing to lose the weight but you don't have to mention the surgery. It is surprising how some people feel that surgery is the easy way to lose lbs. They obviously have no clue. And who needs that kind of dialogue in their lives? As they notice that you're not eating the birthday cake, they'll understand that you have a commitment to lose weight and get healthy and they will respect you more if they have no idea about the surgery. That's just the nature of people.

On the other hand, it sounds to me like you are thinking seriously about telling them. It's a personal choice we all make. I didn't want to tell anyone because of all my past diet failures. Everyone seems to have an opinion when you're dieting and when you gain, they still have an opinion or at least that look that tells you that they're thinking critical thoughts. But if that sort of thing doesn't bother you and you are normally an open book, tell them. No matter what they say or think, they can only make you feel bad and defensive if you let them.

Yeah, I know. I really don't want to tell, I just don't want to lie. Like you said, they have seen my past failures too so, they will want to know, or at least be thinking, what's different this time? I'm already being questioned and getting 'advice' about my diet and I just want to say "shut up about it already". We are a close knit group and I know their intentions are good but, what I'm saying, I guess, is that I just can't get over the feeling that I'm being deceptive. If they would just say, 'Way to go!' or "Lookin' good!" and let it be.....................

I haven't read through the replies so forgive me if I am just repeating something lol. I don't work but my husband does and he has VSG also. He works with a small close knit staff of 7 people in his office. He pretty much told everyone, which I was surprised about because I don't know if I could have done the same in his situation. I mean, I do tell everyone who asks, but not if they don't ask. So anyway... his input is that it has been very helpful. He is able to eat his frequent small meals at his desk, have water constantly, take walk breaks, etc and take better care of himself overall because everyone knows his situation. They have been supportive. He had to take time off for pre-op as well as post op appointments too, so this has been important for him to have their support. They also permit him on business trips to get a room with a fridge and do a small grocery store run.

hi after my banding I told everyone even strangers.lol I was so proud of myself and how the band had helped me. After having my band removed I gained every lb back and feel like a failure. I had the band for a reason in the first place right.

So I'm having the sleeve in Nov and apart from 1 or 2 people I'm keeping this to myself.

I'll just tell people I'm following my lapband lifestyle with great disapline and As I found out before nobody's really interested in how much i eat.