Did you tell anyone?

I haven't even gone to my seminar yet, but I already have my mind made up that I'm getting this done...even if I have to self-pay. The only person that knows so far is my husband, and he is completely supportive. I'm really worried though that my mom and my brother won't be so supportive. Both of them are kind of unpredictable when it comes to big news so I don't really even know how to approach it.
So my question is this: How long did you wait to tell people that you were having your surgery, and how did they react? Any advice for springing the big news?

Thanks!

I have the same kind of family and you know what I just sent an email and told them the news and also told them unless they had something supportive to say then I would appreciate them keeping their opinions to themselves & that this journey was about me and my future and the betterment of my quality of life for me and my family. Hope that helps =)

It took a year from when my PCP suggested the surgery 'til I made up my mind and then got a date. In fact, it took me a few weeks to even discuss the subject with my husband. I told a few people that I was considering the surgery and would update them when I made a decision. You think it is hard to tell a parent; try telling your grown children.

When I had a surgery date I told everyone that mattered with a mass email. I explained how I had researched and prepared for this moment and referred them to a couple of places if they had questions. I told them specific ways that they could support me in my journey and that if they couldn't manage that not to discuss the subject with me. I told a few people at work because I didn't want a lot of conjecture and wondering. For me it always seems to work better to get my story out rather than wait for someone else to make it up.

This approach doesn't work for everyone, but it is the same approach I've used all of my life. My mother told me after I was grown that I never asked permission to do anything; I just told her my plans in a matter of fact way and she couldn't find a way to say no.

Some people prefer to not tell anyone. Figure out what makes you comfortable. I've been pleasantly surprised by how well most people reacted to the news.

Thanks everyone! I think I'm going to be completely honest and up front about it...that way I can get all of the possible anger about it out of the way.

Well I just thought the easiest way to get it out in the open was start sharing every step of the way with anyone possible. I posted stuff on my Facebook account. I just thought it would be easier than people not knowing. So far so good though, 45 lbs down in a few weeks, and I could care less what anyone thinks. Thats the way you got to be. You are doing this so you dont have an early trip to the grave. Nobody else's opionion really matters when it comes to your health. Good luck! 

I called and told my mom after the surgery.  It was hard cause she is super unpredictable.  She was...I guess a bit upset at first.  But she seemed to "get over it" and has been supportive.  How can she freak out too bad when I called right out of surgery LOL

I had lapband 6 years ago and told only immediate family and two close friends. Even when i lost a lot of weight I never told I had WLS. It's nobody's business and no one ever asked point blank. My weight loss was slow enought that people didn't suspect, I guess.

Anyway, here I am again. Having a revision to sleeve. A lot has changed but even less people know about this surgery. If I tell more family and close friend it will post surgery.

I don't feel I have any reason to share it with the world. Some people do, other's don't. There is not right or wrong answer, just what works for you.

I have told quite a few people at work. It's a small department so I figured everyone would figure it out anyway. Everyone was really supportive and some people are interested in possibly getting it done depending on how I do. I don't have a date yet but can't wait.

When I made the final preparations for getting surgery I emailed all of my siblings (4 of them).  One was excited for me, one indicated that she was not happy about it, but if that's what I wanted to do, she was happy for me.  2 totally ignored what I told them and haven't ever mentioned it.

I told many people at work.  I've worked there 23 years and know so many.  Those that I didn't tell before hand have asked me about it after the gossip mill made it's rounds or they noticed the weight loss.  All have reacted favorably and are very happy for me.  Even the ones that would "NEVER DO THAT" no matter how badly they need it.

I told EVERYONE.  I stood up and announced it at my church (which is a big church) and i also announced it at my Fraternal organization.

That way, I could not screw up and not do this thing right.  I would have had to move out of town, if I hadn't followed the rules.  You see, there is a real method to being so open and public.

Besides, everyone will figure out that you are not just on a "diet".  So, why lie (even by omission), just get it out in the open.