Telling People You Had WLS?

Can anyone share whether they chose to tell everyone, just a few close friends and family or just your spouse that you had WLS? Why did you choose that? Do you wish you had done it a different way?

Thanks. In trying to decide which to do.

I was very open about what I was doing.  I'd taken a good 6 months to research and decide, so I was very confident about my decision.  I encountered a couple of nay-sayers, but overall, was overwhelmed by the level of support, especially at work in a male-dominated environment.  They cheered me all the way down.

Now, one thing I can offer is if you choose to keep it a secret - especially at work -- tell absolutely NOBODY about it.  If you tell only a couple of people, you need to keep in mind that they have one or two that they tell things in confidence, and that person has one or two, and so on.  Before you know it, the whole group knows on the sly and you've lost your integrity in the workplace...plus...the truth is so much easier to keep track of anyway.

Just my immediate family and my best friend. I chose to not discuss the surgery with others while on my journey, we live in a very small rural community, and I do not like the thought of being watched or questioned...

Personally, I wanted to keep it within the immediate family that I had the surgery. On the other hand, my wife tells almost anyone we speak to about how I had WLS.

Just immediate family. Will not tell people at work. Will talk to strangers and friends not associated with people at work in any way.  

--gina

Hi,

I only told family before I had the surgery. I didn't want to hear others peoples opinions on what I was doing to myself. :) Since I've had surgery if someone asks me I tell them and answer any questions about it. Best of luck.

 

Trish

Well my idea was only tell a select amount of people. Problem is that I work at a hospital and either people would suspect I had gastric bypass or they would think I was dying. I wanted to wait until I got back to work (8 days post op so not back to work yet) but my BFF had other ideas. Last week she went and told everyone which at first made me unhappy. But now I really don't care. She claimed she wanted to "control the gossip" which sort of makes sense. I guess initially I had a weight loss requirement of 25lbs for the sugery. I know I would not lose that weight so I didn't say anything for fear of failure. I think also because when I did tell close friends I got "you're beautiful the way you are" & " can't you cut your portion sizes?" That BS was so annoying that I didn't want to hear it! So I decided to keep it very limited. Like I said, now my business is out there so there is no sense in being upset longer.

I chose to tell people because the rapid weight loss is so great they will know anyway or question "did she??" I would rather be upfront with everyone rather than have talk behind my back. After a year they forget about it anyway and only know you as a thinner person so it all works out in the end.

There will always be negative people who will talk no matter what..

I chose to just tell my closest family and friends. Mainly cuz not ony this is a private journey but also did not want to deal with those that think I took the easy way out. The DS is the best thing that has happened to me. I'm starting to feel better physically and mentally. It's been a life changer to me and I recommend 100%.... so when they ask...educate. Best of luck!

I only told a handful of people (had a VSG - hoping to get the DS soon).  I did not want to hear a bunch of opinions from other people - pro or con - and likely uneducated.  I don't like to argue, and didn't want to have to "defend" myself and my decision.  I really believe telling or not telling is a personal thing - it's up to you.  Some tell, some don't.  Just do what is right for you!