Telling People You Had WLS?

I voluntarily told the people closes to me so that they wouldn't think I was sick or worry about my sudden rapid weight loss.  Anyone else that asks, I just tell them flat out - WLS, Duodenal Switch.  People are going to talk no matter what, I'd rather have them talk the truth than to make up rumors that I'm sick or dying. 

Everyone who knows me already know to keep negative comments to themselves because I don't entertain negativity.  I hate lying!!!!  I knew that there was no way someone could ask me "how are you losing" and I respond by saying "just diet and exercise".  I just tell the truth, and there are people at work that are so impressed with my progress that they are now researching and/or going through the process themselves.

No one likes to deal with ridicule, but honestly we're mostly doing this for ourselves and those that depend on us to be healthy and alive!  Some people may not understand but you never know who may be inspired by you.

However, if you would rather not have people know at work - DO NOT tell ANYONE there!  If you tell just one person, you'll be surprise how the news travel even to people you don't even know. LOL!

 

I only told my immediate family and a couple friends. I was EXTREMELY upset when it was leaked at work. It's my business and not anybody else's. 

You can either tell them now or fend off the questions later. I just made sure to educate well as it was discussed so people didn't believe I had the RNY or some other surgery.

I told everyone, I was a revision from lap band to DS, I told them I was taking it out and doing a different procedure, but didn't really discuss which one, I got tired of explaining it.  Funny thing is, I was so open about it, even when I was agonizing over which option to go with, when I went in for my pre-op class one of my co-workers showed up!  Turned out she had been really listening to the pros and cons of all of my options as I made my decision and had decided to do the same one as me, but didn't tell a soul at the office, no one knew about her surgery until over a month later. 

The main reason I gave limited information to all but my immediate family is because they were scared.  I have a relative that had RNY and has had to go in for at least 3 operations since the original to fix what that guy did to her insides, and they couldn't help but worry about me.  Once I was OK and in recovery I told the rest of my family what I had done and they were supportive and relieved.

I told everyone.  They saw me put on the weight over the years and they are seeing me lose it (its not like I could hide either lol)   I am still struggling a bit with the fact that people will know how big I actually was but on the flip side, I have friends and co-workers who have asked me to take the time to speak of my experience with their daughter, sister, wife and so this is my way of paying it forward.

I've said it before - if it wasn't for this girl I met on holidays who was courageous enough to share her journey with me, I never would have learned of this miraculous tool.  If I can help even one person free themselves from the years of torture they would endure as an obese person then I am going to do it.

Cheers

I told family, friends, co-workers, my boss... I was very open. I knew when I started losing so drastically that people would wonder, and I knew from losing 250 lbs on my own back in 2003 that some people would get jealous and start thinking and saying I lost the weight in bad ways like drugs, starving myself, throwing up, etc..

I also let it be known this wasn't an easy way out, and that I already lost weight on my own,,, went from almost 400 lbs to 145 on my own... and gained back all but 60 lbs. I can lose,  its keeping it off when it gets hard..

 

Just my closest friends and family.  However, my department at work knew.  When I aw admitted to the hospital after surgery twice, everyone knew (even people I didn't know).  However, new people I meet will not be told.

I had no reason to be secretive. I let friends and family know and anyone who asked, I told. I especially didn't want people to think I was very ill with cancer or something. That is what a neighbor thought until I told her. I explained it as a surgery to aid in the resolution or improvement of diabetes that has the bonus of weight loss-which was my main reason for surgery.

THANKS Everyone!!!!  So many points of view have been helpful. 

I'm leaning towards telling my coworkers and friends.  They'll notice when I'm out of commission for a month or so and then come back and lose so much weight.

However, I'm leaning towards not telling my family.  Seriously.  They'll be judgmental ones.  LOL.  Pretty sure I can make up excuses and hide out from them for a while.

I have my initial appointment on this Thursday and am very excited.  My husband's coming with me since he'll have to help me in my journey afterwards.

Again, I do appreciate all of your input.

Kim

 

I told my immediate family and a few selected friends. Taint nobody else's bidness....!

I'm in the minority here.  I told my husband.  Just him.  When I had surgery, I told family that hubby and I were going away for a few days.  :)  I don't work outside the home and it has been very easy to tell friends that I'm doing low-carb, which is the truth.  My weight loss hasn't been fast, really, so no one is worried.

 

My main reason for not telling anyone is my daughters.  I want them to eat healthy because that's the right thing to do.  I don't want them to think they can "just go get surgery" if they gain weight.

 

A  friend had DS and I've heard people talk behind her back.  It's just ignorant chatter (did you know we can't eat carrots?!!) but it's annoying.

 

I made the right choice for me.  :)