Telling people

Have you all had a hard time telling some people you are choosing this surgery? I have told a few select close friends and only some family. My biggest problem is people at work. I do not feel it is their business, but it will be obvious I am losing weight. I would like to hear how other people have handled this. Thank you

I decided not to tell people at work before my surgery I just don't want to deal with the negative right now I have enough on my mind. I decided that when it becomes obvious in my appearance I'll address it then, and I'm still not sure if I'll tell them.

I've told my family and in-laws and the moms in my mom's group. So far everyone has been supportive and understanding. Unfortunately I don't work outside the home and so I'm not in your situation. But I think you should only tell those you want to. There is no rule saying you have to tell them before the surgery and if afterwards you still don't feel its any of their business just tell them, "thank you for noticing, I've been working really hard at it". But I wish you the best of luck. I'm sure it's a difficult situation to be in. Joanne

Hello again, I have told quite a few people and pretty much everyone is supportive and my boss is super supportive. She said she wants me to feel healthier. The only restistance is from brother, he feels I am weak and shouldn't do the surgery. But I really don't care he doesn't live in my body and he'll get over it once he sees how I am after the surgery. It is your right not to tell anyone at work. Just tell them you are having gallbladder surgery. :-) Good Luck...Erin

I have been telling everyone... 1) I am so excited about it that I can't keep it to myself. 2) I am blessed with a very supportive group of coworkers and they have all been very exicted as I go through the process. 3) I've been looking at it as an educational opportunity for a lot of my family and friends who previously saw WLS as the 'easy way out' and have now learned from my experiences. I have definitely come across some folks who just don't get it. I found myself taking it personally when they were not appreciative/supportive of the process I was going through. But then I realized that the folks that did not appear supportive were folks that have no connection to obesity issues and don't understand being overwieight, let alone the concept of having WLS. So in that instance I just need to walk away from the situation knowing that they will be happy for me as I become healthier, even if they don't fully understand what I'm going through. Sue

I told people at my work that Im having the Lap Band and I have heard mostly negative comments. I was really suprised at the people at work that have obese related problems that are so against it. Maybe their in denial or they may not have insurance or the means to get the surgery themselves. They may not have researched it or they are just worried that something will go wrong. I finally decided not to talk about it anymore around the negative ones. My family supports me! My family is what matters the most. Im doing this for me and my family. This is my decision. So, when I hear those negative comments, I just politely say "Maybe its not for you, but this is what is best for me." I do not care if they know how I lost it, Im just glad I will lose it....My surgery is Dec.1st...and Im soooo excited!! Cindy S.

Hi - I've told all of my family, everyone at work, and I'm telling more and more friends. I work in a small non-profit and can't imagine not telling them. I've gotten nothing but support so far. I'm telling people because I want to have as much positive energy flowing my way during this process. I'm confident in this choice and I know it will greatly improve my life and that's what matters for me.

This is my second approval for WLS and the first time, I told no one and chickened out. This time I've told many people and they all have been very supportive. Also their positive comments have stenghtened my resolve to have the surgery, which by the way will occur on December 18, 2006. Bridget

Hockey mom!!!!! Tell everybody you know from here to egypt?!! This is something that is gonna change your life and you have the right to share it with the world... Once you have surgery they will have to talk about about how much weight you have losted and not how much you have gained.....Honey it's all about you now. And who knows you friends and employer at work might be your best system for support and if they are not??? Never at this point in your life carry negative baggage with you it could hinder your progress. Yell you sucess to the roof tops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I understand were your coming from, I am schedule for surgery on Dec 4 and I have only told a couple of close people from work. I guess it's because I don't think it's anyone's business but also I do need people talking about me or being negative towards me. It's my choice to have this surgery and it's going to be hard enough to handle learning to live life completely different so much so that I do not want or need to hear people making comments. I guess I feel that my office would not be supportive so I choose not to tell people. I don't know what I am going to say after the surgery because I will be losing so weight vs the little bits of weight I have been losing during my diet period. I don't know if I should just tell people or just say that I am losing weight naturally. Regina