Just wondering:

How many people know about your plans to have wls or that you have had wls?

I'm the sorta person to tell anyone/everyone because spreading the word can help inform the ignorant and inspire those who need it...

My sis had breast implants- doesn't tell anyone, in a way I think (although her choice) because womens bodies are "public objects" she is doing a disservice to girls who are told they are natural and then feel bad for wanting the implants she secretly has!

Although there is a lot of judgement with wls I feel confident I can handle it but would love to hear from people who keep theirs private and how they deal with people who ask how they lost so much weight...

No judgment at all, just curious to see other point of view (I am a sociologist after all lol!!!)

I have told virtually everyone I know. Family, church friends, coworkers. I don't really care what their opinions are, but I haven't gotten any negative feedback at all.

And I haven't had surgery yet.

Before I had surgery, I was selective in who I told....I wasn't interested in hearing unsolicited advice....now being 2 months post op, I have the motto of if a person doesn't ask, then I will not tell....honestly its no ones business unless you want to the a spokesperson for WLS....

SO when people ask, I tell them I'm following a high protien diet and limiting my carbs, and its working....whether they choose to believe it or not, is not my concern, honestly I dont go around asking people about their weight losses or gains....

If a person doesnt come out and out right ask me, I dont tell...

I told a choice circle of girlfriends, 3 co-workers, and assorted family. My husband has told everyone else. Thanks.

I like the 'don't ask, don't tell'. I've told a few close friends but I have NOT told my husband's family nor will I.

I agree, if not spokesperson motto, and my partners family all know but think diet/exercise is key...

I will just show them proof in pudding post-op ... since they've seen me yo-yo so many times I think maybe they'll be more open about it when they know it works for some

Lol @ dar1983,

Im glad he's so "supportive"

I've told some co-workers & my family, have very judgmental inlaw family THEY have not been told although I did tell my sis in law who probably blabbed to everyone! I'm 5 months out and have gradually shed almost 60# so I just get the "wow your looking really good" comments I secretly smile & say thanks & pretend I haven't really noticed...

I told everyone when I got the lapband..... Different "friends" always told me that i should do it on my own, but they didn't know I gained 150lbs over 7 years.....

Now that I'm getting the sleeve, I'm not telling anyone. My husband, family, my in-laws and my 2 closest friends (they both want the sleeve too....) They are all very supportive. My other friends are not. they still think I can go to they gym, run and lose the weight on my own...

Mrscastillo:

Let's put them all in a giant fat suit and see how fast they can run!!!!

I have been open and will tell anyone. I told alot of people before surgery and now that i am 4.5 months out, and down 83lbs, people that i didn't tell are commenting on how good i am looking and if they ask me how i am losing it i will let them know that i had surgery.

Mrscastillo:

Let's put them all in a giant fat suit and see how fast they can run!!!!

hahhahahahahaha that would be fun to watch....or send them to the mall for clothes shopping so they could see how depressing it is :/

Lol- and watch everything they eat, commenting at intervals"is that really a good choice for you!?"

Mwahaha *evil laugh*

I am with the don't ask don't tell motto. I told one person in my family and got a very negative response so I am selective about who I tell. I also like hearing how good I look and having a positive response versus oh you had surgery response. Some people are either jealous that you had or say it is the easy way out. They are ignorant and have no idea how hard this decision is to make and live with. With that said I would not change my decision for anything. I am very happy with my loss and very happy with my life right now. Telling is very personal choice because everyone has family and friends with different a outlook on WLS. Good luck to everyone.

I must admit I am torn between the sociological "reality" that women's bodies (more so than men's) are "public", on display and open to comment and criticism, ( & therefore we have a "duty" to change perceptions for the better) and the ideal that what we do is our own private choice and stuff what everyone else may think...

Has anyone changed a negative persons mind by telling them your experience?! Do you feel deep down its your own choice to share or not, or do you think you only keep it secret because of others perceptions, that they invalidate your success by "blaming" it on the surgery?

P.s I'm a future sleever, I know it's our success, I'm just really curious and playing devils advocate a bit! I am truly a feminist and to see where I'm coming from read "fat is a Feminist issue" by Susie Orbach