telling people

I am having my surgery on March 7. I have only told a few family members and one  friend at work. about me having the surgery.  I am wondering if  I should tell people at work  ( I am a teacher) or not.  I am not embarrassed about having it, but that is a lot of people to explain myself to. I just do not want to hear another person's comments regarding my decision.  I want to wait to tell everyone after my surgery and after I was feeling better or when they asked. Does anyone understand how I feel

First congratulations on your decision to have WLS. I was so excited that I told everyone but mine was lapband. GB gets a bad rap because the surgery itself. But it is a very successful surgery and actually done I think (dont quote me on this) more than lapband. I love my band and wouldnt trade it for the world but it was my choice and we are blessed to have so many choices. Now all that being said, I remember when I first told people..i am the type..some one will listen I will tell them about it LOL. But when I told people they would get it confused with all the other WLS and boy did I hear all the worse things that could happen. Then would have to explain my surgery and what it was about. So in your case I would only tell people I was comfortable telling. I would not tell anyone that usually has a negative attitude to things in general or doesnt like change.  But dont be surprised if there is not alot of people at work that know now since you told one person. It is hard to keep secrets in a work place..especially a school. good luck on your journey Phyllis

I'm a teacher too, and I didn't tell anyone but my Para-pro and my best friend......besides family. I was not embarrassed, I just wanted to be sure everything was a "go" before people knew. I also didn't want everyones oppinion......I did my homework..............I knew what I was getting into.I think you are being smart. I had my surgery Friday, 2/15, we had that day off and today, Monday. I plan to go back Wed., buut you have to listen to your body. Good luck! Stay in touch.

I chose to tell 2 co-workers, one of which I regret daily. Well, actually I didn't tell her, we have the same GYN and she's good friends with his nurse who blurbed it when I asked for a letter of support.  Anyway ... Other than the people in my support group and here on OH, i've received very few well wishes. Daily I hear: "OMG you're gonne be cut from boobs to belly button", "you're gonna have saggy skin", "this really will be work - no wonder so many people fail" from individuals who call themself my friend.  So, if I could take back telling certain people I would. It's private, presonal, emotional and it's gonna be work and you need the support from people *****ally care. You shouldn't have to explain yourself to anyone!  People who don't know what it like to be obese are stupid about WLS and if you really don't want to deal, then don't tell.  Just my opinion ..... 

2/19/08 Good morning Cat, I have experience the same, only thing is I did not tell peoplemany people. Mainly my mom and tow best friends. One is happy and supportive and the other is happy but scare for me. The other person I told was this minister that I work with and she is big and all is has to say is negative things about it, but at the sametime she aske me when is the surgery date. So I told her that I will not be discussing my personal business with her anymore and that it is better that way. So we keep it business and she is negative about that too. So this just tells me the kind of person she really is. Etoria

I was just having this same discussion on another board. I've told quite a few people actually I'll tell anyone except for my coworkers lol.  I feel there is a negative connotation where "its easy" or somehow diminishes the success with well "she had the surgery" so it somehow  takes away something. I would say tell those you need to and you don't even have to tell work what kind of surgery because of the HIPAA laws and those that are going to be support for you.  And tell everyone else as you feel comfortable but just remember that for every person you tell they have the opporunity to tell folks that ou don't want to know. Good luck!!!

Good morning all, please excuse all of my typo's from my comment yesterday. I was angry because it has been pass 30 days and I have not heard from my insurance company yet as to if I am approved yet. Hope everyone has a blessed day! Etoria

Hey there! Don't fear, it took around 5 to 6 weeks for my insurance company to respond back.  I completed everything required in November and they did not approve until December 31st.  Stay positive!

Thank you so much for your encouraging words. I really needed to hear them.

Everybodies business is noones businesss. I feel like it is noone business what you are about to do sometime people will hate even the ones you thinks will be for you will have negative things to say . Tell on a need to know bases your closest family some time will discourage you even afterwards honey do you. Is it a must that they know?