To tell or not to tell that is the ?

Hello everyone- I only told my immediate family about my surgery bc I didn't want to deal w/what they would say to me about it. Now I'm 3 months out and was wanting to tell a few, but I know if I do everyone will know. I start college the 29th and don't wanna stress about them knowing or judging me or not supporting me, hey for all I know some may and others won't. I'm sure a few won't! Maybe more! Debating. Any views? I'd love to hear them!! ~April~ Lap RNY May 13, 2005 231 / 181.5 / 120

How can you keep it quiet? If I'd lost what you have I be shouting from the rooftops!!!!!!!!! When they see how thin you are they'll ask, tell them then. Some will be negative but hey that's their problem!!!! Some will be VERY jealous.I know I am. one hundred and eleven pounds thinner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wowwwwwww! Take an empty water gun and go to the negative ones.Make sure it'doesn't look like a real gun. Make it a purple or hot pink one. Or just do it mentally, they wonder why you're smiling.......

Hey April, Unless you want everyone knowing your business, I would not tell a soul. But only because it is not any of their business. I've told a few family members & friends that will keep quiet, but that's it. No... I am not ashamed of the fact that I am going to be having WLS. I am ashamed that I let myself get to the point of needing it. I am a private person when it comes to certain things. And this is one of them. If by my telling would help someone else, I would tell it in a heart beat. But why tell people just so they will know ? BE YOURSELF !!! Don't worry about what others think of you for having WLS. It doesn't change who you are on the inside. If they don't like you because you had WLS, they are not worth having as friends anyway. Plus they probably wouldn't have liked you to begin with. They are too shallow to worry about. Just MHO, Tammy

I made the choice to tell the world. I didnt care who knew. However, now - when I am introduced to new people some of my 'friends' always throw in that I had gastric bypass. This makes my blood boil. When I meet new people I want them to see the new me and not have to pull out my fat picture at the request of my friends and families. I have actually had fights with them about this because it does embarass me and that is a part of my life that is in the past. Not that I am ashamed of it or anything -just see me for what I am now - not what I was then. Thats really a choice you have to make. I dont think anyone would judge you or not support you but if they are strangers to you - they really dont need to know unless you want them to.

Dear April; Boy do I know your prediciment. I decided to tell my boss that I am looking into it and hope to have surgery. Mainly due to my going to Jackson alot. It is hard for me because I am embaressed to be so big and need the surgery. I work with just or mostly guys. So I haven't told anyone except 2 very close friends that can keep a secret. My mom lives in Texas and I am not sure that i am even going to tell her. Stephanie

I tell EVERYBODY!!!! But then I have a big mouth!!! The greeter lady at Walmart told me she had been watching me and was afraid I had a great illness since I was "wasting away"! She was relieved to know that it was on purpose! I opt for telling, but I get LOTS of support.....nobody has given me any negatives about it. I feel like the more I tell about it, the more other folks that need the surgery will find out and get the same help. In other words, I advertise!!!!! Smoochies Arlies

Quenn Arlies, all I have to say is a big AMEN, but that is you and me. I've already gotten my sister looking at her insurance to see what it covers. Each person has to decide for themselves on what is confortable for them. Read Christine's note on what her friends do to her now(big mouths) when they introduce her to new people. If I had lost over 100 pounds Everyone would know it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!