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?

I guess it all depends on the person. My sister had VSG weight loss surgery over the summer and she's very selective about who she tells, despite being very successful with her weight loss. As for me, I don't mind telling people. I'm not ashamed. I know I have truly tried everything in my power to lose weight. I've succeeded and failed throughout my life multiple times, and I know I worked my ass off in trying to maintain the weight loss...but it's not easy. I don't mind telling people because there is such a stigma attached to weight loss surgery. There are so many misconceptions and negative perceptions about it. It shouldn't be thought of as something to be ashamed of. I know many people refuse to tell others because they're concerned that it means that they failed. I don't feel I've failed. I feel I'm just continuing to take action into my own hands. Like you, I don't won't announce it at the top of my lungs for all to hear, but my co-workers know, school friends know, and my family and some friends know. Obviously they're going to want to know how I did it with such quick results, and I believe people aren't stupid lol.

I guess it all depends on the person. My sister had VSG weight loss surgery over the summer and she's very selective about who she tells' date=' despite being very successful with her weight loss. As for me, I don't mind telling people. I'm not ashamed. I know I have truly tried everything in my power to lose weight. I've succeeded and failed throughout my life multiple times, and I know I worked my ass off in trying to maintain the weight loss...but it's not easy. I don't mind telling people because there is such a stigma attached to weight loss surgery. There are so many misconceptions and negative perceptions about it. It shouldn't be thought of as something to be ashamed of. I know many people refuse to tell others because they're concerned that it means that they failed. I don't feel I've failed. I feel I'm just continuing to take action into my own hands. Like you, I don't won't announce it at the top of my lungs for all to hear, but my co-workers know, school friends know, and my family and some friends know. Obviously they're going to want to know how I did it with such quick results, and I believe people aren't stupid lol.[/quote']

I think more often than not it's dependent on the persons support system and history, not always if they are wanting to share their story. Fear of failure might also play part in a persons openness; however it could also help one to be more accountable. It's wonderful we have this venue to share, support, ask questions and vent-I appreciate all of the honesty in each persons posts and responses, from others who are, have and will be going through it.

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 did the same thing about 2 weeks ago. I received positive feedback as well. Support I'm gonna need. So far everyone I've told has been supportive & asking questions because they want to be educated. It's a great feeling but I still have one of my best girlfriends that still has distanced herself but that's ok. She has some things to work out herself. I felt a huge weight off my shoulder now that it's out.

You can do it...good luck.

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' date=' so I posted it. I've gotten an overwhelming return of positive feedback.[/quote']

Good for you Sparklette!! That took a log if courage Im sure but Im totally with you. The more support the better!

I did the same thing about 2 weeks ago. I received positive feedback as well. Support I'm gonna need. So far everyone I've told has been supportive & asking questions because they want to be educated. It's a great feeling but I still have one of my best girlfriends that still has distanced herself but that's ok. She has some things to work out herself. I felt a huge weight off my shoulder now that it's out.

You can do it...good luck.

Same kudos to you Shannalee!!

I actually told a patient of mine, who had a RNY over 10 yrs ago & I thought would be supportive....his friend actually said to me "have u heard of the new chocolate diet?" I was speechless, however my thoughts were seriously lady don't you think I have exhausted other options...Hind sight is 20/20. For others wondering my co-worker said "if you broke ur foot u would use crutches right, same thing with surgery" Sumtimes we all can use crutches : )

Hello! I've told my husband, my kids, a male friend, a female friend (which I later regretted because I think she'll be jealous after the weight loss) and my best friend (which supports me in every decision I make) oh and I've discussed it with my mom because she had it about 20 years ago so she keeps talking about how small I'll be if I lose 100 lbs. I don't plan on telling anyone else not even my sisters because I don't want them to tell other close family members. Oh and one girlfriend took me to the seminar with her but her insurance doesn't cover it so guess what now she doesn't want to hear about my journey. I've got 4 more months to go since my insurance had a 12 month requirement I had to meet and I must say I'm thankful for that because I needed to get educated and make some changes in my life.

I've only told the ppl that live within my household.. And my sister.. And my good friend

Dr. Byrnes and his team are # 1

I told my sister, my mom and my 2 close friend, and of course my husband. Everyone is very supportive with the exception of my mom. She knows someone who had it done and 'it didn't work' for her. Well I also know this person and she doesnt follow her post op diet do she gained a lot of weight back.

I have told my immediately family, four of my close friends, and two co-workers. When I first started this journey about six months ago, I was not sure I would tell anyone. Now, I decided I did not care who knows. I had some negative feedback from a family member but do not care. I have decided this is my decision, and mine alone. It is about time that I take care of myself and this is one giant leap at doing just that!

I've told my dad and my husband. The closest friend I told, we we are no longer friends. :•\

I'm not telling anyone else until this summer and after some weight has come off and I've gotten into a good routine with working out. I want only positive stuff, not the crazy unsupported stuff, I know I will deal better later with it after I've gotten into my new long term lifestyle!

I've told my dad and my husband. The closest friend I told' date=' we we are no longer friends. :•\

I'm not telling anyone else until this summer and after some weight has come off and I've gotten into a good routine with working out. I want only positive stuff, not the crazy unsupported stuff, I know I will deal better later with it after I've gotten into my new long term lifestyle![/quote']

I'm sorry you lost a friend...sometimes those closest to us don't know how to react- because of fear, jealousy, etc...you'll be surprised by being open, how many people sympathize with you or just cheer you on in general.

I've told my dad and my husband. The closest friend I told' date=' we we are no longer friends. :•\

I'm not telling anyone else until this summer and after some weight has come off and I've gotten into a good routine with working out. I want only positive stuff, not the crazy unsupported stuff, I know I will deal better later with it after I've gotten into my new long term lifestyle![/quote']

I'm sorry you lost a friend...sometimes those closest to us don't know how to react- because of fear, jealousy, etc...you'll be surprised by being open, how many people sympathize with you or just cheer you on in general. Everyone likes to be a part of someone's success. Hopefully your friend comes around!