There's a certain stigma about having WLS and while some of us are very private, others are just as open. I am of the latter group. I told my coworkers, my friends and my family about my decision to get the Lap Band and I don't regret it for a second. Yes of course, there were people who wanted to warn me of the dangers (how do you know if you don't know anyone who's had it done) but the flip side of that was that many of them were curious. They either didn't know much about the procedure or they thought about getting one or knew someone who was considering it.

Well, fast forward 2..4...6...8...10 months post-op and she's down 100 pounds. Those who were skeptical, became believers and those who were on the fence and had the means to get it done, got it done. So my openness became a blessing to 8 people, 5 of whom I've still never met (friends or family of someone I told).

I only posted this to help someone who can't decide if they want to reveal their WL secret or not. There's nothing wrong with having a procedure that will extend your life and give you more quality years. Being silent is okay, but openly discussing it is liberating and you could actually be helping someone and not even know it.

There's a certain stigma about having WLS and while some of us are very private, others are just as open. I am of the latter group. I told my coworkers, my friends and my family about my decision to get the Lap Band and I don't regret it for a second. Yes of course, there were people who wanted to warn me of the dangers (how do you know if you don't know anyone who's had it done) but the flip side of that was that many of them were curious. They either didn't know much about the procedure or they thought about getting one or knew someone who was considering it.

Well, fast forward 2..4...6...8...10 months post-op and she's down 100 pounds. Those who were skeptical, became believers and those who were on the fence and had the means to get it done, got it done. So my openness became a blessing to 8 people, 5 of whom I've still never met (friends or family of someone I told).

I only posted this to help someone who can't decide if they want to reveal their WL secret or not. There's nothing wrong with having a procedure that will extend your life and give you more quality years. Being silent is okay, but openly discussing it is liberating and you could actually be helping someone and not even know it.

I plan on telling it, I'm just going to wait until it's done. I don't want to hear NOTHING!!!! My mom knows, brother and 2 close friends. My date is Feb 20th....I'm soooooo nervous/excited at the same time.

Go UUUUUUUUU, congratulations!!!!!!!! On a job well done.

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I don't plan on telling anyone right away. I'm a fairly private person.

When they ask I won't lie. I'll tell them diet, exercise and weight loss surgery.

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I have not had surgery yet but I have been told it will be March 2017.I was kinda sitting on the fence told friends and family at first then as time has gone on I have started to tell more people as I am an honest person and did not want to lie to anyone what I was planning on doing.

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My op date is still to be confirmed

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I also told EVERYBODY....lol. First, until I came on this site, I didn't realize there was even a stigma to WLS. I always thought of those that did it as brave and bold. Second, I know I am a fast loser and being so short it shows quickly, I didn't want my friends to think I was sick. Third, The only person who wasn't on board was my brother so I just didn't talk to him until it was done!

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I only told a few people before the surgery. Close family members and supervisors at work that needed to know. Also a few friends who had experience with lap-band and were a great support for my decision. That was a year ago and I have lost 75 pounds. Now when people ask about the "secret" to my weight-loss, I almost always admit to having lap-band procedure. But if they don't ask about it, then I just thank them for the compliment and move on. So, I feel like I'm not hiding it, but I'm not broadcasting it either.