People feeling deceived

It makes total sense, and this is one of the nagging thoughts that I have too.  Even though I know it's completely my choice whether or not to tell people, I don't want to inadvertently hurt or upset someone.  Especially when I can avoid it.  

I generally did not tell people. A few friends and my family were told.  At the time I was a supervisor and did not feel the need to share.  Since then I have changed jobs and people that I meet only know me this way.  I don't feel I need to tell them.  I would tell someone the truth if asked if I had surgery.  I am a private person and just don't feel the need to share this.

Nancy

PS - Good for you - I liked your facebook note.

Please share with us the reactions you get from people on and off of Facebook once they read your post. At some point I might do the same thing you did and just put it out there.

Just my opinion, but whether you tell or who you tell should be at your comfort level. How is having surgery any different then say doing Weigh****chers, jenny Craig, Slim fast or whatever? They are all essentially tools that if following a plan aid in some degree of weight loss. The surgery is just a tool--YOU put in the effort. Good luck, enjoy your success and a big, fat raspberry blown to those who can't see the bigger picture. (or in most of our cases a technically smaller picture. lol)

Well it's been 2 hours and I've gotten 40 likes and 14 really positive comments, even one from my friend who is a psychologist who congratulated me because he's worked with people who have had WLS and knows how much hard work it is.  No negative comments or private messages on the topic.  

So I'd say it's a success so far.  But only 2 hours has passed!

I think you are very brave for posting what you did on FB. You did what was right for you. I am a private person and I didn't really want a lot of people to know, just because it is my private business, but, hey, my mom was my cheerleader and told most everyone! I do think it is so strange that WLS is one of the few medical procedures that people seem to be "judged" for having to lose weight and be healthier, but when someone loses a leg to Type II diabetes, or has to have knee replacements because of weight, nobody thinks a thing......weird to me.

Gwen, I know this is something you have been struggling with for some time.  I'm sure you feel some relief making the decision and moving forward.  I think you have to do what makes you happy...period.  Don't care what other people think, this is your life.  I don't plan to say anything on facebook by way of an "announcement" but if people ask me, I have already decided that I will not lie about it.  If I had heart problems and needed heart surgery I would not be ashamed of it.  If I needed to have a kidney removed, I would not be ashamed of it.  I refuse to be ashamed or hide the fact that I did something to better my health and life.  With that said, I don't plan to advertise what I have done, but I'm not hiding anything. My immediate family know and my coworkers.  I work in a small office and it felt right to share with them.  It will be apparent soon to everyone as the weight continues to drop off.  My work includes me working with a large group of people outside my office as well.  If they ask,  I will be honest and move the conversation along.   Best wishes with continued success.  You are doing great!

Serious HUGE relief.  I was driving myself insane trying to decide what to do.  Ugh!

I just wanted to say YAY GWEN!!! Good for you girl. I know you've been struggling with this and I'm really pleased you made a decision. I hope it eases your mind. 

Please do let us know what sorts of reactions you get. I would venture to say 99% will be positive, and a few will be ass-backwards compliments. It's all good. Let it roll off your back sweets! 

I think you worded it perfectly. Job well done! 

I think we were both complimenting each other's wording of things at the same time.  :D  Thank you very much.  So far, 2 hours in, it has all been super positive and I feel a HUGE sense of relief.  Even if the responses had all been negative, I'd still be happy just to have gotten it over with, heh.