I'm not going to tell anyone but my Mom, Dad, and Husband. I don't want to be the poster child for WL surgery in the family. I want to get my weight off and go on about my life. I know my cousin that had lap band. Everyone is always talking about her. What is she eating? She should have lost more. Things like that. I've stuck out for so long with my weight that I just want to be normal. So did you tell?

I told my boyfriend and my sisters. I'm not telling anyone else unless they ask. I told my sisters not to tell anyone unless they ask. So if someone ASKS my sister why I'm getting so skinny, I told her she can go right ahead and tell them that I had VSG done. I'm not ashamed of it.. I just don't want to advertise it ahead of time and then have people have expectations of what I "should be" losing. I figure at my size by the time anyone notices I've lost, I'll be down a hundred pounds

I've told anyone who wants to know.

Here is my reason. I met a woman locally who I thought was pretty great. She is smart, funny and of course beautiful. After talking a few times I got to know she had bypass surgery a few years before I met her. I would never had known if it wasn't for her being open and also having a special FB folder dedicated to her journey. I credit me having surgery to her. We have a lot of things in common as far as being military spouses, small kids and a few other things. She was the constant reminder that I could take action and change my life. If it wasn't for her and her honestly I wouldn't have thought twice about surgery. She may never know but by her being open about it, it changed my life. I would love to be able to do the same for someone else.

I told several people I was thinking about doing it. I wanted to hear feedback and support. I was also kinda hoping for somebody to say "What the heck - NO NO NO!". I didn't hear any negative feedback (I have a great and diverse group of friends and family). I thought my sister would be the 'doubter' but she was super supportive. She's been doing a lot of research and asks me questions - which helps us both - I know what I'm getting into and that helps calm her fears. I've challenged her to find something I haven't heard about or researched. I HATE the stigma attached to WLS. It's not a failure or a way to cheat weight loss - it's a tool and a good choice for me.

Will I post it to FB? Yes, probably after I get my date. If you're not in support of me, then you're not really my friend anyway. I don't want to lie (or hide the truth) - it's a journey, it's a lot of work and YAY ME!

I get why others are keeping it to themselves but that's not for me. Best of luck everybody!

that is perfectly acceptable! You don't have to tell anyone!

I figure at my size by the time anyone notices I've lost' date=' I'll be down a hundred pounds[/quote']

I feel that. I'm down 68lbs and still wearing the same pants to work. They're more comfortable but definitely don't feel like I need to go out and buy smaller sizes.

Why does not telling everyone who will listen equal being ashamed? Just asking...

I didn't say I'm telling anyone that will listen and I'm not saying that not telling people makes you ashamed. You completely took my words out of context. Every single person has the right to do whatever they want.

Deciding whether to tell people or not is a very personal choice, just like deciding to have the surgery. There really is no right or wrong, just do what makes you comfortable.

I tell anyone and everyone, because I have had such success and am proud of it. By telling people, many have come to me seeking advice on the surgery for themselves, and it makes me really happy to be able to help others achieve their weight loss goals.

Sent from my iPad using VST

I didn't say I'm telling anyone that will listen and I'm not saying that not telling people makes you ashamed. You completely took my words out of context. Every single person has the right to do whatever they want.

I was actually commenting on several posts. Sorry if I didn't communicate my thought better. No harm intended. Someone else used the anyone that will listen but what I what I was trying to get at is that several posters who chose to tell lots of folks seem to like to use the term "I'm not ashamed" as though those who chose not to share are and I don't think that is the case for most.

You are so right when you say everyone should do what they want. There really is no right or wrong answer just different opinions and that is what we are here to share.

I find it very helpful and informative to see so many different opinions, including yours. All of us here are on the same journey, just taking different paths.

I haven't read all the responses but just wanted to temper the tone that I sometimes detect when others respond with honesty's the best policy in these threads. If you've been upfront and recieved nothing but support- realize that you are lucky. My DH is against this and fills my head with so much negativity that I have stopped talking to him about it. Also, I work for a company with a lot of cattiness, judgement, and gossip. Even thought it is illegal, upper management has already talked to my immediate supervisor questioning my surgery, e.g. what am I doing? Why do I need to do this now? They want to know what surgery I'm having since it is elective. Just to be clear, none of them have asked me if I am going to be okay or wished me a speedy recovery. They are simply concerned with making quota. My supervisor has respected my privacy but he is a talker so I've hinted that it's hernia surgery (I do have a hiatal hernia) just in case he can't help himself or they pressure him more. My only point is that I choose not to tell people because even though it is illegal, people can suffer from retaliation in the workplace and judgement at home. Ok off my soapbox now.

@ERP. It's sad that your employer choses to do that. It would be nice if you could share it the way you want or keep to yourself if thats what you want. I've seen several posts where folks have shared with their co workers and they were nothing but very supportive. Those are some lucky people.

To bad they are not all like that.

Hope everything goes well for you. You can alway come here to vent!

Best to you! And that sweet, adorable face on your profile! That face can only give unconditional love!

Thank you! I agree it sucks but I've been there a long time so I knew what to expect from them.

I was actually commenting on several posts. Sorry if I didn't communicate my thought better. No harm intended. Someone else used the anyone that will listen but what I what I was trying to get at is that several posters who chose to tell lots of folks seem to like to use the term "I'm not ashamed" as though those who chose not to share are and I don't think that is the case for most.

You are so right when you say everyone should do what they want. There really is no right or wrong answer just different opinions and that is what we are here to share.

I find it very helpful and informative to see so many different opinions' date=' including yours. All of us here are on the same journey, just taking different paths. [/quote']

thanks best of luck to you!

will my boss find out that im doing the surgery through my insurance company? Im nervous that even if i dont tell her, she will find out through the insurance company submitting the paperwork or claim through my company? Perhaps i will start a new forum topic about this.

will my boss find out that im doing the surgery through my insurance company? Im nervous that even if i dont tell her' date=' she will find out through the insurance company submitting the paperwork or claim through my company? Perhaps i will start a new forum topic about this.[/quote']

No. Even if your plan is self-funded and large claims or appeals are reviewed by a committee made up of people from benefits and executive level, your name should not be associated with the claim and if it is they should not tell your boss. If they do, you need to find yourself a lawyer who has a lot of experience in employment law. Probably hipaa violations going on as well.