I've seen a lot of posts on here about how to tell friends, family, co-workers, etc. about getting bariatric surgery, and most of the replies recommend being open, which I think is great, however none of the posters I've seen have been in my age range and I worry about getting different reactions since I have younger/more immature friends. I'm 18 years old, and am scheduled to be getting the sleeve in around three months, a bit after I get out of my freshman year of college. I'm pretty short (5'3) so any weight loss I experience tends to become visible very quickly. But I am terrified to tell my friends, all of whom are very thin and tend to be judgmental towards fat people (while constantly assuring me--at 5'3 and 220 lbs-- that I'm "not fat"), and I really don't want to tell them. I'm excited to get the surgery and change my life, but just keep wishing that I had oblivious friends (I don't). I will have a couple of months after the surgery before I see most of my college friends when school resumes, since I live far away from them. Advice?

Hi! I am 21 years old and am having surgery in less then 2 weeks I told my closest friend and haven't and probably won't tell anymore. I am telling them I am going on a dr suprivised metabolic diet. Which isn't a total lie. I am in the same boat that mine are skinny and don't understand. I hope all goes well!

Lynnlee

Don't tell them. If someone asks later, just say you went on a high protein, low carb diet. It's no ones business but yours.

Im 21 & I was sleeved march 24th. I told my closest girlfriends and my family. I went out for the first time and was asked soooo many questions. Meanwhile while I wasn't out with my friends everyone was asking where I was. So when I went out people were saying you lost weight blah blah I just told them I've been working out, watching what I'm eating & no drinking (why I haven't been out with friends to the bar) everyone understood and believed me. It's no ones business!!! I just think if I gradually show my face out people will think it's happening naturally with a diet & exercise!