I have read other post on this subject and there is always a mix, some who told no one, some that told a few and some that told everyone. I chose to tell no one, only my husband knows. Didn't tell my kids , my mom or any friends. I am not comfortable talking about what I consider private things with people. I know other people who had the surgery and have heard the comments like how they took the easy way. This is NOT easy and totally takes over your life , because it is your life. I didn't want to feel like I had to defend my decision to anyone. Why do people think that having the surgery is not ligitiment, thats it "cheating" ? If they discovered a single pill to kill cancer, if you took that pill instead of going thru cemo and radiation would they think that was cheating ? they finally found a medical way to help people who battle weight, people who have never had to fight the weight just will never understand how hard that fight is. Thanks for listening.

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 March 11, 201511 yr by VSGmary

ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1426041494.066725.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!

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 .

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?

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".

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!

@@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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

I tried to keep it a secret, but my mother and my husband both have big mouths!

What happened with your co-workers that makes you feel like you shouldn't have shared it with them?

A few people know. I wasn't comfortable telling everyone.

V

Glad I am not the only one. Told only my husband and the supervisor who had to approve my leave. Mostly because the dr's office is on the fmla form. Everyone else is aware I have been working on losing since last year.