Did you tell others about WLS?

 My original plan was to only tell my parents, my fiance, and his mom.... Then my brother got worried about me (cuz I came home crying the day I was told I should think about having surgery(it was like wow had I let myself get that bad)) so I told my brother, and he told his girlfriend. The my mom decided to tell her mom and her sisters, and my dad close sisters, who told there other siblings. So I asked my mom to stop telling everyone. The my grandmother took it upon herself to tell everyone and by then everyone knew so now my WHOLE extended family knows, but it doesn't really bother me everyone has been really supportive and those who don't seem to be very supportive I just change the subject.

The only problem I seem to be having is my mother-in-law, every day she is like "you sure you don't wanna just stay on the optifast diet" and when I say I really want the surgery she makes this "eeeee" sound with this scared face 

I have really been overwhelmed with all the  support it's been GREAT!
 

 I told as many people as I needed to... meaning:

If there was a chance that I was going out with that person for an extended period of time like on a vacation and of for some reason I was unable to speak for myself they would have the knowledge that medical personel would need... This was my best friend...

I will also be telling my employer  when I am post op because they kinda needed to know for scheduling and to make sure they note in the schedule that I will need to have scheduled breaks so I can eat on schedule 

My children and my husband... my mom...  all know

NOT my sister... NOT my father.. cause they are the dark force in my life and go out of their way to make sure I feel like **** about myself as often as they can.. so they are on a need to know basis and they dont need to know

I told everyone...at work, family, friends, gym people.  I wanted as much support as I could, and I got it.  Also I didn't want people comparing themselves to me saying ...OMG why could she do it and I can't.  I couldn't do it on my own, so I got some help.

Lori

I was nervous to tell people at first because of my age to be honest. I know how people think, and judge. People think that because you are young and "healthy" you should be able to lose weight no problem. Obviously not the case for myself and many others.

I  ended up telling everyone in my life. It seemed a bit akward at first, but I've noticed the longer  the people in my life have known about it the more supportive they seem to be. I think for one because they see the difference it is already  making in my life and attitude and Im still Pre-Op.

You will know whats right for you .

Best of Luck,

Erin

I'm a private person, so kept it to my wife and children.

I'm not embarrassed, or concerned how people think, I don't care. This is about ME, not anyone else. My supportive family and I know what's going on, the rest of the world can do whatever they want. I want to be healthier. Yes they will see changes, and likely ask, and my response is - I'm looking after me. That's all they need to know.

If they are decent people, they will be ok with that, otherwise, I don't care what they think. I don't ask them about their birth control, or vasectomy or sex life, so, I don't expect people to but into what's going on with me.

I suspect some may be concerned that something is wrong, but that's where I plan to set them straight, and say that I'm focused on me, my health, and things couldn't be better.

Not sure if it's the right approach, but I really think it's a personal thing for me, and all they need to know is that I'm ok, and looking after my health. What would they think if we were able to fix this weight problem just by eating better - they would think for you - so how is this different?

Hope you understand my perspective, I'm a pretty private person...

John I totally understand your perspective.  There is no right or wrong answer to this question.  It's a personal decision every single time.  None of us are obligated to share anything with anyone really. 

While I choose to be open about this particular surgery with people who ASK ME, I am generally a private person as well.  I don't talk about some of the things you mentioned nor does my husband, so I sure understand what you mean there.

Hope you're feelin' good and getting your water in!

Cheryl

Hi Nathalie,

Here is how  I began 18 months ago...
I started out by just talking to my Husband and Sister and a few wls friends at the very start after I asked my Doc for the referral.   Then as things progressed and I was having more appointments and  going to more support meetings,  I then told my family and a few co-workers. ( my family all live away from me)

Now I am almost 1 week away and everyone knows in my family and circle of good friends.  When I told them, there was mix response but they have had time to warm up to the idea. I figure that most of the time these things take on a life of  their own, gossip is unavoidable in my situation, so I best start it with the truth before some rumor takes control.

After surgery I will be honest if they ask, I want to educate ppl so that we don't have to feel this tug and pull about changing our lives. But this is my choice. You need to do what you feel is comfortable.

I want to also sate that  I grew into this thought, as when I first started out I was telling NO one.... Now, I know this is best for me and my family. My life is great now.. it is going to be so much more when I can really participate in it!! You do what is best for you.  Best of luck!!

I have told all of my friends, family, and coworkers that I will be having this surgery because I just felt I had to - they've all seen my diet success and then fails and I feel excited about the new tool I'm going to get to help me along the way.

In the past when I was losing weight through diet and exercise people would tell me things like "you're such an inspiration" or "i wish i could be like you" and if that's what they're going to say this time I feel like it's important to be real with myself and with the people I love and care about.

That being said I have no plans to tell the extended circle of people I know such as neighbours, other parents at my sons school, etc.

I kept WLS to myself until I received my letter for orientation. I did tell just my BFF at the beginning. My hubby is a worrier and did not want him stressed for a year waiting. Since orientation I have told my boss and a few coworkers who are also nurses. Told my mother in law that I was having WLS only a month ago and did not talk about it too much to her as she is also a negative and anxious person.

All is good  and have surrounded myself with support.

Even my hubby is working with me in this journey and has lost 10lbs which is great as he is a a diabetic and has heart problems.