I'm pre-band, but I am hoping I'll have my surgery before Thanksgiving (I'll know next week). I have told DH, my mom, and my BFF. I don't intend to tell anyone else for the time being, if ever.

For anyone else who also didn't tell many people, did you tell people you had some type of surgery? How did you deal with the time off of work? Of meals with friends/family? I know my boss would let me rearrange my days off for the rest of the year without many questions, but should I say I'm having hiatal hernia surgery? MIL will definitely be suspicious at Thanksgiving dinner. Just not sure what I should say/do!

Amy

I started hiding it from everyone and then I decided to tell the world and I have to be honest it was liberating. People were so supportive and excited for me and it helped me to get more excited for the surgery. It really expanded my support group and has made the process better.

This is nothing to be ashamed of, they should be proud and excited for you... I heard a lot of my friends, who would never have said a word about my weight tell me how glad they were that I was doing this and how proud they were of me, it's really meant a lot.

good luck in whatever you do

I did the same thing...did not tell many people at all during the "planning" stages....but a week before and after...who cares! I tell anyone on a need to know basis....if we are going out for dinner...I think my companions should know so they don't think something is wrong because I am eating odd...they would figure it out anyway.

I could give a toot what others think...it is your body...and I could care less who knows now. In someway..you may be opening the door to discussion for someone else who may need a little help too.

Good Luck!

Hello all :sad:

There are only a hand full of people that know and my kids aren't amung them. I feel like it is yours to tell if you want. My parents, husband, brother, best friends and a band buddy know about mine. My inlaws don't know and there are ways around having to tell them just to eat in front of them. My husband is awesome and helps a lot, he now eats slower so I don't look so out of place . I kind of spin things back on them lol. Like "You do know what a serving looks like right?" I want to be healthier and not live exessively anymore. I eat in the 20 minute frame everyone is supposed to eat in and I take half or more(usually more) of my food for lunch at home. It isn't a big deal for me anyway. I am sure it is liberating to tell people but I don't want to. I don't really have any reason to. I didn't and still don't want it to be the "hot topic" at every get together.

All in all it is your choice, you can always tell later. There is good advice and experience here from everyone, that is the awesome thing about this site:thumbup:

I have told absolutely no one but DH, and he’s sworn to secrecy. I told my boss that I was going to have a “female” procedure because I had to have a D&C 18 months ago so I knew he would buy me having to have it done again. I do wish that I had said it was a hernia surgery though, because that wouldn’t have been a lie and it would have made sense that I’d need a little more time off than with the D&C.

I had surgery on Wednesday and came back to work on Friday. I think a hernia surgery could have bought me that extra day pretty easily.

As far as eating in front of people, I haven’t had any problem with that yet. I realized that people don’t really pay too much attention to how much you are eating as long as you are chewing in front of them they seem to be satisfied. If anyone would ask why I’m not eating a lot I’d say that I’m trying to be healthier with my nutrition, but honestly nobody has even noticed.

Depending on your surgery date, you may still be on liquids during Thanksgiving. That would be difficult to cover up if you are all sitting around a table. If you have your meal more casually, you could get some food on your plate and walk around with it pushing the food around with your fork. I think you’ll be surprised how nobody notices if you don’t call attention to it.

I told everyone except close family and friends that I was having my hiatal hernia repaired. Who you tell and when you tell is a very personal decision. GOOD LUCK!

~Lupe~

I LOVE your quote:tt1:!!! I couldn't say it any better. Awesome, thanks for that :sad:

I did not tell many people at all however those I told are incredible with their support. I did not want people looking too closely at me wondering why I have not lost more weight etc.

The only people (other than on this website) that know I have the band are my mom, dad, and husband. When I had to take time off work I told people that I was getting my hiatel hernia reparied.

I don't eat out or at home with friends often so it has not been an issue as far as other people noticing. I think in the end you will be happier if you dont etll anyone. I dont ever plan to

During the planning stages and even right after surgery I only had a handfull of family and friends that knew. I know who I want to tell and who I don't.

I started school and told the whole class, it feels good to not have to hide anything.

There are still people I don't want to know, and they dont need to know so they wont. :sad:

Who cares what other people think, this is for you and only you.

I don't need to explain to people how I lost this weight, they can kiss my rapidly decreasing butt!

I told the people I work with but not my parents/sibblings. I wish I hadn't told the people I work with because I feel like they are watching my every step when I eat something. But on the plus side, they have been very supportive. I've lost 30 lbs and so far my parents haven't even noticed. I figure if they notice I'm eating less over the holidays I'll just say I'm trying to diet. Everyone is used to hearing that from me anyways.

I've only told a select few. No one at my job knows. I took a week off and said I was having work done on my house. It's true...my body is my temple. LOL It's been alittle challenging eating lunch with co-workers. Getting stuck or sliming.... So, you have to be careful what you choose to eat especially infront of ppl who don't know. Other than that, if anyone says anything about what or how I'm eating, I just say, I'm trying to eat healthy or on a diet. If anyone asks how/why I'm losing so much weight I tell them I'm working out like a mad woman. Which is TRUE. I've been exercising 5-6 days a week for over 6 mos. Really, my weightloss has been so slow (about a lb a week) that hardly anyone's notice but, I'm not shy about letting my friends and co-workers know how much I'm working out. I think my medical history is PRIVATE and I want to keep it that way.