What do You Tell People About Surgery?

I'm hoping to have a revision done this year.  When I had a VBG done in 2001 I told everyone that I was having Gallbladder surgery.  Part of me thought it was no ones business and part of me felt embarrassed that I had let myself get so fat that I needed surgery to fix it.  Not sure what I'm going to tell people this time.  I'm still feeling like I don't want anyone to know.  What have you told friends and coworkers?

when I was considering what to tell people and was discussing it with my teenage daughter I told her I didn't want people judging me for having the surgery.  She looks at me and immediately says "they're going to judge you anyway Dad!".  She is correct, so anyone who has asked I tell them.  I have had a couple of raised eyebrows and I imagine have been a subject of a bit of gossip but I am feeling great, down over 100 pounds and life is good!  What makes you most comfortable is what I would say you should do.  

Here is my mess.  I told people that I had the galbladder surgery because I was under the impression they were going to take it when they did my RNY.

They didn't.

Now I am going to get it out on Feb 25 and what do I tell everyone ?? hahhaha

So just be careful.  You could always say it's a girly surgery.  People usually back off when they hear that.  That's going to be my excuse this time :)

dna Just had a mental picture of an all female surgical crew all in pink scrubs, a male orderly walks in and they all yell GET OUT... I mean its girly right?!  

I don't tell them. I've only told close friends and family. I don't like people finding out because they think it's the "easy way out".

That's what I was thinking.  Like they'll be saying "If she stopped stuffing her face, she wouldn't be fat".  It's a tough one.  What did you end up telling coworkers?

Exactly. But people have always said that about me. Even though I ate healthier and worked out more than all my skinny friends and family members, I was always judged by others.

I didn't tell my coworkers anything. I told my manager for HR purposes, but that's it. They were told I had surgery (which enraged me) but they didn't know what kind, and when I was asked how it went when I returned, I said "fine". I'm sure they figured it out though as I started losing it.

I totally understand how your feeling, I told very few people as well.  As Ian said, you need to do what is comfortable for you.

People know I am on a very restricted diet, some know  I had some kind of bowel surgery but that's it, and it was never questioned.  Over time I may feel like l want them to know, but I will decide when and who I tell. I appreciate this forum so much, as I can just be myself on here to share  and listen to other people's experience.  Good luck with what ever you decide to do! 

I agree about how supportive everyone is here.  I'm loving it.  I'm sure I'll be hanging around here for years to come.  I have my orientation on the 21st.  So excited to have my journey beginning and hopefully a surgery date in the very near future.

That's wonderful!  Good luck on your orientation and keep us posted!!