I Just 'came Out'

[dexter 205]

Decided I was only hurting myself at a time I really need support. The road there is pretty trying. And even tougher with only a select few knowing. So I looked on my Facebook friend list, selected family and friends who really know me and updated my status. This is how I keep in touch daily with some of the people who may know me best.

I stated my intentions, what I need from those who support me and then what I don't need. And as of right now, I've got 12 more people supporting my decision to be sleeved than I did this morning. I even had one friend say he didn't like that I felt I needed surgery but that he supported me nonetheless. And I admire that.

I know some friends will delete me and maybe even some family members. And it will hurt. But not as much as feeling ashamed of my decision and needed to keep a secret. And definitely not as much as one day really needing their support and not having it.

Nope. I'm out and I'm proud. I'll be checking in to my sleep study on Saturday. I'll be 'liking' my surgeon's office. And I'll be announcing my surgery date as soon as I know it - all over Facebook.

I should weigh myself. Because right now I feel a ton lighter.

[cmf1267 27]

Glad you're comfortable with "coming out" I told the family and friends I wanted to tell. My friends are very supportive. My sister's - not so much. But they will keep their mouths shut and try to support me. they know it's my decision.

Good luck with the sleep study. I'm not a fan, hope your's is better than mine was!!

[chitowngirl 884]

Congrats.

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

I'm so proud of you! There is no shame in choosing to have to have this surgery! This is the best decision I have ever made and I told everyone. Everyone was supportive and if not, I distanced myself from their negativity.

[dexter 205]

Oh, it's my second sleep study. First one was a week and a half ago. Resulted in a full blown panic attack! Now with Xanax and hubby in tow, I'm gearing up for the one with the mask. I read my study and it doesn't quite jive with my night. Said I had more sleep than I had. Says I have mild sleep apnea but stopped breathing twice in the night but still they say I need a mask. I think it's crap but it's standing between me and my goal so I'll play the game.

But, that's just me.

Just another hurdle. No problem.

[gustavo52974 369]

Wow Dexter...this is really refreshing to hear. Thumbs up!

[dexter 205]

Thank you all! It really is refreshing. I'm too social of a person to keep something like this secret. It feels good. Really does.

[TheNewSusie 471]

Thank you all! It really is refreshing. I'm too social of a person to keep something like this secret. It feels good. Really does.

I tell everybody and their mama, lol. I'm very proud of my decision and I have no shame. Go you!

[Lissa 2,631]

I'm proud of you for "coming out", too! It sounds like it was the perfect decision for you and that's what counts! I think the stigma attached to WLS will only go away when more of us are proud of it. I'm still amazed at how many people I know that have had WLS and I never knew before my own surgery. I really wish they'd have said something to me much earlier.

Good luck! I'm betting your friends and family will support you more than you expected!

[dexter 205]

I've gotten lots of "well, you know what's best for you" comments. I know many are backhanded in nature, but I respond in my head with "Yes! I do know what's best for me!" these comments come from (surprise or not) very overweight family members. The most support has come from friends (twins) who are very thin & get accused of taking drugs or being anorexic. Also from friends who have been discriminated againt. My deaf friends, gay friends and even one who is a female bodybuilder.

People fascinate me. They really do.

[az1369 9]

Only my parents and husband know I am having WLS. To be honest with you, I never thought of it as trying to hide it or ashamed of my choice in solving this lifelong issue of my weight. But those are the only people in my life that know how miserable my weight has made me, so I felt it was important to share my decision with them.

To everyone else, I'm a really upbeat, funny, confident, care-free person..................but my husband and parents know how long I have been unhappy with my weight and body image, and how low my self esteem really is because of it.

If people ask me after I lose the weight, How I did it, I have no problem telling them what has finally worked for me. And they can make whatever comments or decisions on our friendship that they would like...family included. I've had a great support system throughout life, but finally having this surgery is a way for me to be my own support system and finally live the life I have always wanted and know I deserve.