Big Question

[SarahBeth1217 19]

I was sleeved on 7/25 of this year. So far my family and a few close friends know. I'm really excited about my new chance to live a healthy life and want to be open with everyone about my surgery, but I am of course afraid that everyone won't see it the same way I do and be all judgey and mean. I thought I'd ask for y'alls experiences with either telling everyone or just those select few that are really close. Thanks!

[JoannLz 62]

I told everyone from day one. I have a huge family and I new word was gunna go out fast so I opted to tell yhem personally. And yes I got everything from u cheated and why did u do it I thought u were happy to that was a great choice and u loom awsome.

It wasn't hard for me cause I consider myself strong enough to take anything. I ignore comments of people who don't like what I did. I don't judge them we all have a right to an opinion. I just live my life to the fullest. I'm happy with my choice and now that I'm healthier and happier than ever I don't care what people day anymore. Just keep positive !!

[Mrs.RRn 2,110]

It's difficult bc you know you will be judged. You know others might have nasty thing to say. I was ok with that. I chose to tell people. My family, friends, and coworkers (who are great friends as well). I expected negative feedback, but I have gotten much more positive.

Here were my reasons for sharing:

1) hiding it is more difficult-- people are going to know. And I feel like they are more judgmental if you hide it as if you're embarrassed by it. It's like when you point out a flaw, then no one will talk about it. ex: hey, I have a big zit on my face.. Then no will feel the need to talk about the big zit behind your back.

2) my mentors were not quiet about it-- the ones who have been through this, educated me, encouraged me were not secretive, and I'm very thankful for that. Had they not been an open book, I may not have had the tools to become a success story. I'm not loud about it. I don't preach about it. But I have had ppl interested about wls. If I need to be a mentor for someone else, I think I owe it.

3) I wanted to be held accountable-- especially at work. If I'm at work and about to bite into a pizza, I want someone to be like, "umm, are you supposed to be eating that??" Or with friends if I'm about to eat something that isn't good for me, I WANT the nasty judgemental face.

I respect people's reasons for not sharing, but I felt it was best for me.

[stacechase 251]

This is a big question, for sure. Personally, I have told many people, and I have received almost 100% support. The people in my life that love me are so EXCITED about this step I'm taking, maybe even more than me! LOL! I agree with everyone here, eventually people will be wondering what's going on, and I felt it would be easier to let them know now rather than later. Also, I had horrible eating habits, so this way, I don't get the "But WHY don't you want a donut?!" questions.

It honestly breaks my heart when I read posts about people who have family & friends that are cruel and rude about their decision to have surgery. This whole situation is going to be hard enough without that kind of lack of support, and I feel for them for sure. I'm glad that they have a supportive community on this site to help them through and Celebrate their victories with them!

[TwinsMama 483]

Same as the posters above, I told everyone. I have received nothing but 100% support. I don't post it on Facebook or anything like that, but I plan to post pics of my progress for my out of state friends to see (per their requests).

I like the support I've received and also the encouragement when I'm not feeling well or have a hard day. So far everyone has been supportive and no one has said anything negative. Part of that is my personality though, I've very confident and thought long and hard about this surgery (2 years worth) so I could care less what anyone thinks.

As a side note, I have a friend who also had surgery and she chose to not tell anyone (but her immed fam and 4 of her friends). She didn't receive much support during her process because no one knew to even support her. Looking back, she now wishes she had told people earlier because at goal, she feels bad having been only 1/2 truthful with the people she cares about.

[Ms.AntiBand 2,984]

I haven't told anyone other than husband, kids and boss. I've had no problems and no one asks me about my loss. Most see that I'm eating less, walking daily miles and biking so to them it's obvious I'm working on being healthier.

[Heather Meyer 103]

I tested out on a couple of close friends and family and i got an un welcomed response from a few..which seems to say to me that not everyone..no matter how close you are with a person...everyone still has an opinion