Hello, all! First post. I have decided to have a sleeve gastrectomy, and I've told my parents, brother, and a few very close friends. (Of course, my spouse knows too!) Should I tell more people to help build my support network, or would that invite criticism from people who will just say I need more diet and exercise?

Who did you tell before the surgery? Why did you decide to tell them, and what kind of reactions did you get?

Edited April 26, 20179 yr by Arthur Dent

I think what your saying definitely is a real valid point. But I think as know I'm not scheduled until July I'm not comfortable telling anyone except my close knit family. I'll see how I feel after words. But know that you mentioned that not to keep it a secret that's definitely something to think about I'll have to see how I feel. I have a really opinionated family very overwhelming they are. But I love what you said.

It really depends on whether you think the people will be supportive. I told my husband, my two teen daughters and two very close friends. I didn't tell my mother. I didn't tell my sister. I told work I was having a surgical procedure and would be out for about a week. I knew that my mother would be outright hostile. I was worried my sister would be a nervous nelly about the surgery. My mom died 6 weeks after surgery and never knew. Still haven't told my sister. Didn't tell work because its none of their business. That's why I have sick time. Besides, I'm a desk jockey and went back to work six days after my surgery.
My hospital offered three differently timed support groups. I'm part of a Facebook private group for people who had surgery in the same month and participate here. Obviously, I've told all my doctors, but that doesn't count.
Only you can decide if people are going to be supportive. I have struggled with my weight for many years and did not feel the need to share this journey with anyone other than my immediate family and two very close friends.

How did you explan the weight loss after wards?

I've only told my bf , ex husband and a very close friend. I do not want to tell my parents- they are both health nuts and I know they will disapprove.

I've told several people, I am not ashamed because I know this is right for me, if they don't approve... oh well.

I just tell them "So long, and thanks for all the fish!"

On 4/26/2017 at 11:30 PM, hardwork&dedication said:

I only told my husband and 1 coworker but today that co-worker let it slip to another coworker so now I think...probably everyone at work will find out. NOT very happy about that.

Same thing happened to me at work...my dumbass boss let it slip. They have no idea what kind of surgery but I didn't want anyone knowing and now everyone knows at work! Trusting people are hard to find these days apparently ...what a shame! Sorry to hear! Keep your head up!

Same thing happened to me at work...my dumbass boss let it slip. They have no idea what kind of surgery but I didn't want anyone knowing and now everyone knows at work! Trusting people are hard to find these days apparently ...what a shame! Sorry to hear! Keep your head up!

I can relate, I'm thinking my boss has had loose lips as well! I informed her and told her I wasn't telling anyone else. On Friday there was a conversation at the station about someone having a gastric sleeve and losing 100 pounds. Also there was another conversation about someone losing weight on weight watcher. It could be a coincidence but I doubt it...my boss has loose lips! [emoji35]

4 hours ago, Berry78 said:

I just tell them "So long, and thanks for all the fish!"

Will I be able to drink Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters after the surgery?

6 hours ago, Arthur Dent said:

Will I be able to drink Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters after the surgery?

Yes, if you wait at least 6 months, and then drink...very...carefully.

Hi, I have not told a lot of people. My spouse, my closest friends (3 people) and some coworkers. I haven't told my family because I had mentioned I wanted surgery before and they were completely un-supportive of the idea. I did tell my dad but that is because he had a sleeve as well and I look to him for support. As other's have mentioned, mentioning you're getting surgery typically results in a lot of people suddenly criticizing you because your exercise and dieting isn't enough.

I decided to only tell my husband and my adult children. I am taking two weeks off from work and not telling anyone. I am a very private person so I really don't think anyone will ask.

Besides my wife, I've only told my boss so far - at the beginning of the process I felt it best to give him a heads up as to why I would be running out of the office for appointments frequently and needing to take recovery time off. I just wrapped up my pre-op visits and have submitted to insurance, so I plan on telling my immediate family once I am approved and scheduled. I'll tackle any other discussions with co-workers & friends after the fact; hopefully a while down the road I'll just have to explain to them why I look so damn good.

I'm in the process and I have only told my husband and one very close co-worker friend. I feel its no ones business especially during this long 6 month stage. maybe I'll feel different after surgery, who knows. I just don't need everyone's 2 cents, pity or judgement. I have thought long and hard about this surgery. I'm tired of failing. I'm tired of hating looking in the mirror. I'm tired of clothing that I cant wear. I can go on and on. this is for me.... and my family. not them.

I've told my mother, father, partner, and one or two people outside of that. Made the mistake of telling an acquaintance and she tried to talk me out of it. Be careful! lol

I've told my husband and children, that's it. My siblings, my parents, my inlaws, my work, my friends-- none of them know. I'll have to tell work when I get my surgery date but I haven't decided if I'll be specific about my surgery or not. I guess I'll see when the time comes.

My mom is a worrier, my sister is a negative nelly with never a positive thing to say, and my friends all have that one friend who has gained it allll back. Don't wanna hear it.