It has been over two years since I had my surgery and not one member of my family knows about the surgery except my husband. I always wonder if my family think I had surgery, or what...I don't see how they would find out. I don't feel I would get the support I need if they did find out, and I know I wouldn't have when I did have the surgery.

Anyone else in this situation?

I just emphasize to them 2 things: (1) it's not easy; I have done a complete lifestyle change and (2) that if I ever begin to gain weight, I will look into the LapBand surgery.

that is a REALLY good way to put it! i will totally think about that next time anything is said. but still just being my age and haveing friends that are my age (living where i live) i would get rude comments just because fashion and looks mean alot to ppl here so o well. im happy with who i am and the choices i have made. but i REALLY like those ideas. thank you!

Hi All. It's really nice that lots of you told your family. I told only my room-mate. I too talked up the whole 'healthy lifestyle/detox' thing for weeks before surgery. i dont plan to ever tell anyone else. Unless I get married or something!

keep up the good work everyone!

I live out of state from my family and I have not told them. I am going to see them on Saturday, but will not tell them. I have told a few friends of mine and actually I wish I hadn't told some of them. I don't want to talk about my eating/not eating all the time. I have three children ages 8-15 and I told them all what I was doing. They have been very supportive, even more so than my adult friends. My one child is chubby and I did worry about him, but so far I don't see any problems. When my brother came to town (13 days post op) I explained to my kids that I had choosen not to tell my brother and they thought it was strange, but I said it is a private issue for me and they were good. Now that I am recovered it is really a non issue and I don't think the topic will come up when I am visiting next week. I try not to draw attention to what I am eating.

SD - you and I must be the minority - I am proud that I took a stance in my life to correct a problem I could not control. I was not going to tell my kids until after it was done - but the surgery center called and told my daughter the time, date, place and how much money I should bring...I thought so much for privacy....

For the first time someone outside of my immediate family noticed the weight loss, and asked me how. I said I had talked to my doctor, (true) went to a local hospital that has an obesity sort of clinic (also true) and that the new way to eat is teeny tiny bites, making the meal last 20-30 minutes (true again) and that I even use a smaller plate and fork to make sure the bites are small (all true!) I mentioned I put the fork down between bites etc etc etc. Everything is true, and she sees me walking the dogs in the evening now since she lives next door, but I am not telling about the surgery. It's no one's business but mine. Even my mother doesn't know about it, she was told the same things I told the neighbor. She lives 4 hours away, so she hasn't seen me, but I'm preparing everyone for the difference in eating habits by telling them the exact thing I told my neighbor. yeah, there are lies by omission, but I really don't think not telling about surgery is lying. To each their own though, everyone must do what is right for them

I have told a couple family members and select friends, but not anyone at work. I feel they would use it against me. I don't have time for their negativity. This is a very special time for all of us. Good luck to all.