I think the subject line says it pretty well. Obviously if you're living with folks, they know what you did. But outside of your immediate family, who have you told?

I'm in the supermega preliminary stages of a sleeve. I'm not sure how long the recovery period is yet. My husband will know but I'd rather never tell my parents (especially my mother) or my coworkers.

Where do you all stand on disclosure? Are you walking ads for the wonders of the surgery, or do you keep what you did to yourself? If you've spoken about it, who did you tell?

I have been very open with my surgery. Anyone that knows me knows I am pretty much an open book. LOL I feel like I might help someone make a decision to better their lives by example. But with that being said, it is like Each to their own. Share or not to share. So it is up to you, some peeps are pretty private while others are like me!! An open book. LOL

I have told anyone and everyone since the day I began the process.

Ditto.

I'm pretty private. I told those I have to tell. My adult kids and my teenage son..close family..1 friend and 1 coworker only out of necessity. Even now post surgery I don't look forward to the questions.

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I haven't spread the word around, a few coworkers know because they knew I went out for surgery and then saw me eating like a bird afterward. The way I see it, it's going to become impossible for people not to know, because it's about the only explanation for losing this much weight, this quickly. So while I'm not advertising, I'm also not lying about it if anyone asks.

I am a supervisor at work and have many people that count on me to be honest and up front with them at all times. I'm an open book, I didn't hold back. If they had questions I gave them honest answers. When they saw my leave on the schedule, wondered why I was doing a liquid diet, or any other "tell", I was honest with them. In my case it turned out to be the best thing I could have done. I am surrounded by an astonishing number of supportive people.

I have no shame in my decision so I don't feel like I need to hide it. My weight was going to kill me prematurely. I'll talk to any and everybody about it. I have co-workers and friends who have a few extra pounds, and while they are pursuing weight loss with other methods I will be right there cheering them on! I don't get down on anyone for bettering themselves no matter the method.

That said, this was a big decision to make and a drastic thing to put my body through. There were more than one conversation had with concerned friends or family. Once all my cards were on the table they all came to the same conclusion. I was making the best decision for me. Every time someone would question why I would do this to myself, or couldn't I just lose it on my own, I took that as an opportunity to revisit why I was going through with it. Explaining it and listening to the concerns from those that cared about me just ended up solidifying my decision.

I had thought about keeping it a secret then when someone noticed the weight loss saying I was on drugs. But decided against that... man I'm long winded tonight, sorry.

@@Mountaingal Man, it sounds like you need better friends! Well, I know we're all supporting you here and rooting for success instead of standing on the sidelines hoping you'll fail.

I am a supervisor at work and have many people that count on me to be honest and up front with them at all times. I'm an open book, I didn't hold back. If they had questions I gave them honest answers. When they saw my leave on the schedule, wondered why I was doing a liquid diet, or any other "tell", I was honest with them. In my case it turned out to be the best thing I could have done. I am surrounded by an astonishing number of supportive people.

I have no shame in my decision so I don't feel like I need to hide it. My weight was going to kill me prematurely. I'll talk to any and everybody about it. I have co-workers and friends who have a few extra pounds, and while they are pursuing weight loss with other methods I will be right there cheering them on! I don't get down on anyone for bettering themselves no matter the method.

That said, this was a big decision to make and a drastic thing to put my body through. There were more than one conversation had with concerned friends or family. Once all my cards were on the table they all came to the same conclusion. I was making the best decision for me. Every time someone would question why I would do this to myself, or couldn't I just lose it on my own, I took that as an opportunity to revisit why I was going through with it. Explaining it and listening to the concerns from those that cared about me just ended up solidifying my decision.

I had thought about keeping it a secret then when someone noticed the weight loss saying I was on drugs. But decided against that... man I'm long winded tonight, sorry.

Great post! I agree with you 100%.

I'm a very private person naturally, and have not told anyone. I want to see how long this can last.

One of two things will happen.

1. You lose all the weight and people think you had surgery or they think you have a disease like cancer
2. You get bored with surgery, eat the wrong foods and don't lose.

Everyone knew I had surgery and was wondering if I would gain all the weight back. It keeps me on my food plan, even nine years later.

Everyone knew I had surgery and was wondering if I would gain all the weight back. It keeps me on my food plan, even nine years later.

Ah yes, the spite approach. That'll totally be me, lol!

I've told friends, my band mates, my boss, and the co workers I am friends with know. A few of my regular customers I have told as well because they compliment me on my loss and that I am looking healthier each time they see me. I also told a waitress when I was away on vacation because she was worried I wasn't enjoying my dinner.

I've been so incredibly lucky because everyone has been super supportive, understanding, or genuinely curious about my journey. I haven't had anyone (except one friend I believe is a bit jealous) snark at me, and even that friend only does it once in a while. I think my journey is pointing out to her the reality of her life and choices, and showcasing the changes that she is unwilling to make at the moment. I don't take her snark to heart, but I also don't take it either and call her out on her jerkey behaviour when it emerges.

Edited November 4, 20169 yr by Megall9

@@jessgnc

4 friends that all live out of state, in 4 different states. That is it.

I work for myself so no co-workers to tell.

My family doesn't need to know.

I knew that this was the best decision because I didn't want to be that person that had WLS for the rest of my life. At a year post-op, I don't feel like a WLS patient. I feel pretty normal and I can eat pretty normal (proper portions not over eating), I would hate to be stuck with a label for the rest of my life for something that is extremely temporary.

No one, besides my medical team and you guys.

I think there is enough going on with these healthy lifestyle changes. I don't feel the need to explain/defend my choices to anyone. For the first time, I am putting myself and does it ever feel wonderful! We know in our hearts where we will find the love and support we need to get healthy. Those are the only people I am sharing with. (Also, ironically, all of the kind and thoughtful strangers on this forum! ) Thank you! ☺️

My family and anyone who asks

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