How did you decide who you were going to tell about your WLS? So far my husband knows (obviously), one of my best friends, and another really good friend. That's it. When I first made the decision to have the surgery I was sure I'd tell everyone, but now... I'm not sure. I keep going back and forth on who to tell. I have a couple friends locally that I'm considering telling since they'll know I'm having surgery (we're in a pagan group together so it's going to be obvious if I miss ritual for appointments and then for surgery) but I find I'm so nervous. I'll also be telling my birth mom since she also had WLS in the past and I know she'll be supportive. Not sure about my half-brother and half-sister though, though I believe at least my sister was supportive of my mom's surgery. So many factors to consider. Argh!

How did you decide?

I was sleeved on 4/13/16. I jumped through the many insurance hoops, medical tests, appointments, classes (Bariatric Program), etc. for 6 months before surgery without telling anyone except my very wonderful, supportive Husband. 1 week before surgery I shared with some close co-workers because I just felt like it is what it is. I didn't want to have to make up some story about why I was out. And if I died during surgery, I wanted to bequeath my stapler to the right person. It doesn't matter what we say or do, there are always people who will be judgmental and I am already judged by my weight anyway. Yes, I did get a few unexpected negative remarks and I chalked them up to ignorance. Not like I haven't had ignorant comments about how I should loose weight for the past 20 years. I know how much time and effort I put into researching and learning about this procedure. I was comfortable with MY decision. I read the scary complication blogs. I even made pros and cons lists. It was a no brainer. And I truly believe that anyone in my exact same situation, acting in the most rational way would make the exact same decision. So, for me, I had reached a point where I was comfortable with my decision. I also knew full well, that if I shared with one person that I should expect it would be shared with many others. Looking back, it seemed more of a burden for me to try to keep it a secret than to be honest.

I am now almost 3 months post op and 43 lbs down from my HW of 290. I am VERY comfortable with my decision. When some friends tell me I'll be so thin in a few months, I tell them that everyone is different and I really don't know where this will take me, but I don't expect that. Just better health and closer to normal is good by me. I do my best without obsessing, see my nutritionist to keep me on track and hope that my experience can help someone else.

In 2010 with my LapBand I didn't tell a soul. The day before my surgery I told my husband, only because I got cold feet about going to Mexico alone. It was getting too hard on the liquid phase with three teens in the house explaining why mom wasn't eating at the table with them so at about 3 weeks out I told my kids and then about 3 people over 6 years.

This time I shouted it from the roof top HEY LOOK AT ME, I AM GETTING SLEEVE SURGERY.

The reasons are: I hated keeping the "secret", I want the support and I want to share my accomplishments,

You are going to lose weight, people will ask. If you tell them the truth, you will get more questions and possibly some judgy comments. Be prepared with your responses. To me, it doesn't matter what anyone says, it is your body and life is too short to worry about other's thoughts..unless they are paying a bill

If you are close to your siblings, your birth mom; then tell them if you want. A person does not have to be supportive to know what is going on with you-but it helps.

The rest tell em you are eating 6 small meals, low carb, high Protein and you had hernia surgery-or not.

I am being cheeky

Personally it doesn't bother me to tell others. I told friends and family and they told others. Everyone was sincerely happy for me and offered me so much support. Its in my opinion, their encouragement and support made me work harder to meet goals. The truth shall set you free. It's completely up to you and what you are comfortable with. Best wishes.

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