Did you tell others about WLS?

I pretty much talked everyone's ear off about it pre-surgery.  Surprisingly, I got lots of support from people, especially co-workers (well they are all social workers so its not a wonder).  My mother was the only one who was negative about it...but I think that stems from her own fears, and worrying about the welfare of her own child.  I found talking with people about it helped me work through my thoughts and my own fears about the surgery...and helped me to put it into perspective. 

This question will be asked of you when you go for your first appointment with the Social worker.  She didn't probe any further when I told her I had told everyone about it. 

I have also talked about it nonstop since deciding to have the surgery, with whoever will listen!  I think it is because I hadn't even considered the surgery until my doctor recommended it in April, so I really knew nothing about it.  I have been researching nonstop since then and I am always eager to share all of my new knowledge.

I have had a few negative reactions (or some not really negative, but not overly supportive), but by far the reactions have been very positive.  And the ones that are negative are met with statistics and research that shows how beneficial this surgery is!

I am keeping it from a few people intentionally...like my 92 year old grandpa (no need to make him worry until much closer to surgery date) and a few others that I just don't want the judgements from until it is over and done with, but I am quite confident in my decision to go ahead with wls and I am happy to talk about it with anyone.

Tracy

and this is why I LOVE this OH Forum...lol...love that everyone shares...what they went through...how they do things, THEIR way!!!

In all replies, I am very similar to you jcasb5...I'm more private....not embarassed, or concerned how/what people think. For some reason I needed to hear everyone's opinion and as I read I realized what I was really looking for: if people ask and your response is - I'm looking after me!!!! It was my ah-ah moment that this is what I was looking to hear without realizing I was looking for that......If all that make sense...lol

Thank you so much everyone, I really appreciate every single one of you that shared, I enjoyed reading!!!

Nathalie

P.S. Jcasb5? I see you are only a few days out, how has it been so far? Hope everything is well

I spoke to my husband when it was first suggested to me. Other than that, I told my sister-in-law (and neighbour), my parents, my son (although he doesn't quite understand the process), a foremer coworker/friend who is in the "system" too, and the principal and vice-principal of the school I work at. Once I actually get a surgery date, I may tell other coworkers. I'm not sure yet. WHEN I get surgery (thinking positive that I'll be approved) I'll probably tell people as the weight loss becomes obvious and the questions start coming in, especially at work at lunch time. My main reason is that I don't want to tell people, and then get denied for whatever reason.

 I am almost 2 years out and have told my hubby, kids, the nurse at work and two friends (who I can trust), thats it thats all.  Neither of my parents, my sisters or anyone else knows.  I am a private person as well and didn't want to have to explain myself.  I have no regrets.

I tell pretty much everyone and all the feedback I've gotten has been positive.

It's funny though, the only "strange" feedback I've gotten has been from Surgeon's.  A Neurosurgeon Resident and recently the General Surgeon I met with regarding my Gall bladder removal.  

When I told them I had RNY, both of them asked "WHY?".  Ummmm because I was morbidly obese before!  LOL

 This is my first post since joining this group.  I had RnY surgery last week and have absolutely no regrets.  Like many of you, I chose to tell only those who needed to know.  Most have been very supportive (genuine friends and family), a few concerned about the surgery and it's effects on me (perhaps due to their own fear of surgery but still supportive), and some who feigned approval but wondered why I just wasn't exercising more and eating less (clueless skinny people...).

I chose to tell these people for two reasons. Either they had to know (obvious weight loss that will generate questions) and to encourage me to succeed by knowing that they know.   Really, at the end of the day, it really is none of anyone's business but mine.

I think this is something that we all struggle with.  Before the surgery, I told a few close friends and 3 people at work.  My boss was aware I was going to many medical appointments and I did tell her that I needed time off for surgery.  She was very concerned that something was very wrong with me but I assured her things would be much better after the surgery. 

Fast forward to returning to work...I really struggled with whether to tell or not.  I am very much a "tell it like it is" kind of girl, but this one was tough.  Some people didn't recognize me I had lost so much weight.  I thought of the "Eating right and exercising" thing, but would feel like a fraud...and as someone who has struggled with their weight for 20 years, I didn't think that was fair.  So...I decided to tell anyone who asked.  And I am so glad I did.  There is so much mis-information out there and very few people actually understand or know anything about the surgery. 

If I can help just one person to get healthy, then I have paid it forward.  I wish that I had known about this surgery years ago.  I have received nothing but positive feedback.  I was very afraid people would judge...saying I had taken the easy way out etc...especially the skinny *****es LOL

What does make me laugh though is the people who know people or whatever who have had the surgery and they will watch me eat and say things like "That is good that you put your fork down between bites"...or "I see you really chew your food alot"...

Good Luck in however you choose to deal with it!