Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

How many people kept Weight Loss Surgery a secret ?



Recommended Posts

i have not kept it a secret as such, as most ppl in my circle have known about my health problems for some time and while I only have told my family and close aunt/uncle and friends and colleagues (close) about my sleeve, it doesn't mean that if anyone should ask me or tell me that i'm looking great that I wont share this info. I am more than happy to advise them of what I have done as everyone knew I had the lapband and everyone knew that I had a terrible time with it for such a long time (4 years) - I had the revision done last year to sleeve.. and life is just so good!!

Edited by VSGmary

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

attachicon.gifImageUploadedByBariatricPal1426041494.066725.jpg. My before and after I still got a little more to lose but all and all down 125 since 2/12/14

Wow you have really shrunk, that little tattoo now covers your whole arm! :D

I've just got back to work and everyone knows. Talked to one friend last night and friends -of-friends know. Talked to my dad and divorced ex-relatives know. It doesn't take long for word to spread :lol:.

Got to hear of one persons comment and it was how just abouth how much it cost (mine was done for free by NHS, UK under national healthcare), so I doubt it was positive! This is someone I see about once every 4 years so who cares what other people think? B)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I kept it quiet at first.

After a while it becomes obvious that something is going on and you get tons of questions on how you are doing it. I usually just said "eating better, eating less" to the casual enquiries. If I felt like sharing, I might say more. I have only rarely been asked directly about surgery. In those cases I say, something along the lines of "well yeah, I thought that was obvious".

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I told my team at work, my family and close friends, stopping short of a Facebook announcement, lol. Here's the deal, I have a THICK SKIN. I don't much care what others think if they're not on my side in this battle for my health. I'm sure I have a few haters, but I've seen VERY LITTLE in the way of negativity around my decision to have surgery. I have GREAT FRIENDS. And maybe acquaintances are "afraid" of me. LOL. Anyway, how will we ever move past the stigma if we don't educate people? Being open has afforded me the privilege of being an example for others who are struggling and mentoring some of them through their decision to have the procedure and take control of their health. Having people know, keeps me on track because I'm an example to those who need it and I'll be damned if I'm gonna let a hater see me fail! THAT is simply not happening! Being fabulous is the BEST revenge!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@Focused1103

Maybe you could "test the waters" with this friend, before you tell him (her) to see how they respond. One suggestion would be to ask if they've noticed you've lost weight (they will, it's inevitable!), and tell them (which is true) that you're watching what you eat, and are exercising, to see how they respond to that. Then tell them what a challenge it has been for you to lose weight over the years, and sometimes it takes drastic measures to get the results you need. Then, depending on their response, you can determine how much more you want to reveal to them. Especially if they have or have not been supportive to your efforts to this point. The best part is, YOU get to decide whether to bestow upon them the HONOR of knowing the serious and devoted commitment you have to losing this unwanted weight! By then you will undoubtedly be so proud of your accomplishments, you may be just singing to the world about your surgery, because afterall, others may take the cue from you to have the surgery, which will help them also to get control over their weight! Good luck with your surgery!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I haven't told too many people. My husband had told everyone at work so I'm not sure why I don't go ahead. I may in a few weeks

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

i shared it with my co-workers, parents and very close friends. ironically, i have kept it from all other family and friends. looking back, i sorta wish i would have not told any co-workers either.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I go back to work tomorrow and have only lost 12 pounds so far, so it won't be terribly obvious at first. After this stall is over and the weight starts coming off again, I know I will get questions. I am a very private person and I really don't want to discuss it. I'm just going to tell people that I am moving a lot more and eating a lot less. More than that is just not their business.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I told my family,both sides, and my 3 colleagues- we're a little group, like family (closer than some of my dorky family, actually and together 23 years!) I told a lot of people about my band thinking it would add accountability. Sincce the band was a flop ive been more cautious this time with the sleeve. Those who do know are completely supportive. I've never heard a single negative comment - maybe I'm blissfully oblivious- and assume!ing I'm successful with the sleeve I won't have a problem telling other people. Down the line.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Only my immediate family, and no one else. None of their business. When they ask what I am doing I explain it's no carbs other than some fruit and veggies, no sugar, no soda diet or otherwise, lots of Water and more activity., which not for nothing it is. The sleeve keeps me from eating way too much, and also helps me get through stalls that otherwise would just lead me back to eating garbage and feeling like a failure. The sleeve supports the knowledge that a stall is only a stall, and not my body "telling" me to give up because I won't lose. I am beyond thrilled at the results!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have been pretty open. I have told family, co-workers, friends, work clients that I visit. I have only one person express concern. I understand where she is coming from. She unexpectedly lost her husband a couple of months before. She was concerned about the surgery risks. She also knew 2 people that ate around their by-passes. But she was the first to offer to go walking with me as part of my post-op exercise program.

Everybody else has been supportive.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      Just for fun last week, I ran two 5Ks in two days, something I would have never done in the past! Next goal is a 10K before the end of this month.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Teriesa

      Hi everyone, I wrote back in May about having no strength. I still get totally exhausted just walking from room to room, it’s so bad I’m using a walker with wheels of all things. I had the gastric sleeve Jan. 24th. I’m doing exactly what the programs says, except protein shakes. I have different meats and protein bars daily, including vitamins daily. I do drink my fluids as well.  I go in for IV hydration 4 days a week and feel ok just til evening.  So far as of Jan 1st I’ve dropped 76 lbs. I just want to enjoy the weight lose. Any suggestions or has anyone else gone thru this??  Doctor says just increase calorie intake, still the same. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Stone Art By SKL

      Decorative Wall Cladding & Panels | Stone Art By SKL
      Elevate your space with Stone Art By SKL's decorative wall claddings & panels. Explore premium designs for timeless elegance.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Losing my hair in clumps and still dealing with "stomach" issues from gallbladder removal surgery. On the positive side I'm doing better about meeting protein and water goals and taking my vitamins, so yay? 🤷‍♀️
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      · 1 reply
      1. BabySpoons

        Amazing! Congrats!!! Watch out for the sharks. 🦈

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×