LeonaCR, I the planning stages of surgery and during recovery my family was supportive. I also had co workers who had had a similar surgery and were very secretive re:their procedure. My DM(DearMom) had surgery by same surgeon 6 months before i did. I was her support and caregiver( was required then for extensive open surgeries.- no longer absolute necessity-depending on individual and procedure.)

The long and short of it is i was open about my surgery after i had it with select few outside my family, and it was not freely discussed with those who had no idea of seriousness or Obesity metabolics or other issues.. the skinny ppl just did not usually understand.

It is a private medical decision and what ever the amount of open-ness you choose, is right FOR YOU.

You should never have to feel compelled to lie.It's your body, your decision and your life. NO one else's business.This surgery gives you a tool to have control over an area of life, you have never had control over before.

Find answers to anticipated questions, so you do not need to lie.. a simple" i don't wish to discuss it right now" ,should be sufficient.that covers not with the one that asked , and also covers those you would like to talk to about it, but time is insufficient. Before surgery... " I have surgery scheduled and expect to be off work for 2 weeks..beginning...date_". is one way to handle it with an employer...

First Congratulations and stay hydrated! Yes I did tell, my mom was very concerned with in her mind great reason to be. But she did tell me before I was having it she was ok and happy for me. Those haters out there that Im sure we all have waiting to see if Im going to gain have had no comfort from me and wont! And that has given me much happiness! Do what's best for you.

Happy to hear you were approved! Is that just for the belly & thighs, or for the entire thing with breasts & arms, too?

I tried getting insurance to pay for a breast lift but they declined stating it was cosmetic, even though I had constant rashes.

Wow, I am so impressed. Good for you. You had to be at the forefront of weight loss surgery. What an inspiration to know that weight loss and, most importantly, maintenance is possible no matter what health issues you suffer from. You have been fighting the good fight my friend. I'm sure your health is much better than it would have been without the weight loss and maintenance. I hope a lot of people read your post. I think it would be just the encouragement someone needs to hear.

A a direct result of surgery, when the time came for me to step up and take care of my hubs and both my parents at the same time.. i was able to ..with minimal assistance.i could not have done that with a weight that would have been well north of 350 by then..( weight gains of 20 lb a year snowball in short order..).