I was always very thin until about ten years ago when I gradually started putting on weight. I'm a 55 year old female. Until I was about thirty I was very self conscious about being so thin. (5'6" 120 lbs). When i was in my mid forties, i experienced several life changing events that affected me greatly and I found comfort in food. Over the past ten years I've gained 90 lbs. and feel miserable in my body. I stopped working out and allowed thoughts of food to consume me. It seems it takes a ridiculous amount of food to feel satisfied and full. So the weight gain continues. I've tried several diet programs, traveled across the country to weight loss and fitness camps, only to return to my usual poor eating habits and inactivity. I researched weight loss surgeries and after consulting with my dr., decided on the sleeve. I've done all of my prelimary ore op tests and am awaiting approval from my insurance

company. My BMI is at 35, which may make it difficult for the approval I have only told one family member about my intentions and do not plan to tell anyone else. My family lives out

Of town. Is it possible to go through this with no one finding out. I know my family would not

approve and would be terribly worried about me

I think it's possible if you don't see people and choose not to tell them. Of course, if you have complications, you'll have to explain why you're in the hospital for 1+ month.

I was also not fat my entire life. It's only started putting on weight 8 years ago, severely in the last 5-6 years. I would strongly encourage you to seek counseling to explore your feelings about food and why you turn to it for comfort. I've actually been in therapy for 2 years now and just feel like I am in a place where I can have this surgery and remain compliant and not "eat my feelings." I think therapy is much more important component than diets or programs, as the sleeve is just a tool. We only have a short amount of time (6-18 months) to learn portion control and what to eat, so that we can maintain our weightloss forever.

Best of luck to you!

I kept the whole process to myself until 1 week before my surgery date. Then I had to tell my husband - he initially did not want me to have surgery- and I was going to need help getting my children off to school....and a bunch of other stuff - so i told my siblings and my parents. They have all been so helpful and supportive. You will need a support system for sure. I don't plan to tell anybody else about my choice. It really is nobody else's business. But I am so glad I finally told my immediate family--good luck to you.

Thank you. I am going to tell my brother and sister in law. My mother is elderly and very old school. She lost my sibling way too soon and worries about her remainig children constantly. Her knowing would just create more worry.