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Who are you telling before surgery?

I'm hearing that a lot of people are quite hush hush about people knowing that they are having surgery. I don't mind telling my friends and family at all.

My Mom had surgery 2 years ago and didn't tell anyone-- including me-- until like 2 weeks after surgery. I don't mind telling people because I feel it opens a line of communication and gives me the opportunity to address misconceptions about it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not wearing a neon sign and singing from the hilltops, but people who have been supporting me on my weight loss journey all know.

Are you telling people, or reserving it as a personal, private decision?

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  • I just went public on facebook. I'm starting the pre op liquid diet tomorrow and figured I needed all the support I could get, so I posted it. I've gotten an overwhelming return of positive feedback.

  • I told my hubby whn I started doing research I thought he would b negative about it. He said as long as I was sure I would be ok thn to go for it. Hes been very supportive so tht was a plus. Also my m

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I'm hearing that a lot of people are quite hush hush about people knowing that they are having surgery. I don't mind telling my friends and family at all.

My Mom had surgery 2 years ago and didn't tell anyone-- including me-- until like 2 weeks after surgery. I don't mind telling people because I feel it opens a line of communication and gives me the opportunity to address misconceptions about it.

Don't get me wrong' date=' I'm not wearing a neon sign and singing from the hilltops, but people who have been supporting me on my weight loss journey all know.

Are you telling people, or reserving it as a personal, private decision?[/quote']

Well I have told my closest friends but The one I haven't told is my mother in law... She has NEVER been supportive with the overweight issue and when she has heard someone had bariatric surgery she starts saying that's not good etc!

So I think I'll tell her after The surgery so she does not affect my psychological preparation...

I've told my immediate family, a few close friends, and coworkers. I felt I had to tell them 1. because I need time off of work and 2. becuase hopefully changes will be too noticable to hide. However there are no status updates on facebook or anything lol

I only told a few close friends and a family.

At first I only told a few people (5 in total). I wanted to see my surgeon and get on my plan in order and then I would tell everyone. At first it was interesting to hear a few comments from people but for the most part most seem to be supportive. There are those, however, that will still try and discourage you from getting it done but as long as you are confident in your decision you are good to go.

Like you, I have decided to make this journey more of an informative journey. I've also decided to make a project out of this too....more with pictures and journaling.

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Well I have told my closest friends but The one I haven't told is my mother in law... She has NEVER been supportive with the overweight issue and when she has heard someone had bariatric surgery she starts saying that's not good etc!

So I think I'll tell her after The surgery so she does not affect my psychological preparation...

I'm sorry your MIL isn't supportive. Don't let her discourage you-- we are all in it for the right reasons because this certainly isn't the easiest thing to do!

  • Author
At first I only told a few people (5 in total). I wanted to see my surgeon and get on my plan in order and then I would tell everyone. At first it was interesting to hear a few comments from people but for the most part most seem to be supportive. There are those' date=' however, that will still try and discourage you from getting it done but as long as you are confident in your decision you are good to go.

Like you, I have decided to make this journey more of an informative journey. I've also decided to make a project out of this too....more with pictures and journaling.[/quote']

I'm doing a lot of journaling too, and boy does it keep me honest! And having the little Angela on my shoulder (or pains in the fanny) knowing that I'm on the way has made me more motivated than ever to make the smart decisions!

I've told those I think need to know. I understand family not being supportive. My mom was the last person I told and I knew how it would go. She doesn't understand why I cant just eat less and walk a little. She believes im taking the easy way out, if she only understood how hard this will be. Having bypass on 12/27. Good luck to you!

I told my husband 2 weeks before surgery..... I did not tell anyone else.... I had surgery on 10/3/12..... Ive lost 20lbs preop and the rest post op.... A lot of people keep complimenting me but no one has ever point blank asked me if i had surgery.... I feel it too personal of a topic....

I told my hubby whn I started doing research I thought he would b negative about it. He said as long as I was sure I would be ok thn to go for it. Hes been very supportive so tht was a plus. Also my mom but no one else. I just dont want to hear negative comments.

I was adamant to keep it extremely private at first, but I started telling people after I had a date. My only regret is telling my brother who lost 227lbs with WLS. He's a condescending know it all and the second I told him he started his usual crap and I regretted telling him. Sometimes, I wish you could un-ring a bell.

I have been very open and honest about my surgery, and have not heard any negative comments. I thought maybe my in laws would be the hardest to explain, but they welcomed it with open arms and I found out my brother in law was thinking about the surgery.

My dad knows, he's had WLS 2 years ago and i've been asking him lots of questions. My husband knows and is very supportive. I told a close friend- we are now no longer friends :•\ so that's all I have planned to tell. Maybe a year out I will tell whom ever asks that I has surgery but for now it's only my business. My work knows I'm having surgery and that's the extent of their knowledge.

Only my husband knows. I'm taking time from work, but I'm having a hernia repaired at the same time so no one knows about the WLS part. Family, haha. My hubby had it, did great but his mom was upset. They thought it was risky and extreme. Although most of my family is overweight-I doubt they'd be very understanding. My sister and mother would be more jealous than anything at me losing weight. Sister would probably comment (to others) that I couldn't do it on my own even though she's never been thin herself and struggles with WL, and mom would gripe because she wants but can't have the surgery because of health issues; both would tell everyone and their brother... It would be great to have more support but it is what it is.

Ugh! Now my @##$%^& brother approached my husband at his work and tried to discuss MY surgery with my husband. BIG mistake telling the one person in my family who has been through it and could have been source of support from the WLS patient perspective. I'm thinking I am going to have to call him and tell him to shut his pie hole!

I've told those I think need to know. I understand family not being supportive. My mom was the last person I told and I knew how it would go. She doesn't understand why I cant just eat less and walk a little. She believes im taking the easy way out' date=' if she only understood how hard this will be. Having bypass on 12/27. Good luck to you![/quote']

Good luck tomorrow!!! Everything will work out Great!

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