How do I tell my family?

Hi everyone,

I'm new here but have been considering gastric bypass for several years and researching it for several months. Long story short, I know this is right for me. My family, I suspect, doesn't. That includes my sister.

About me: I'm 36 and live outside NYC.
About them: Sister is 33. Parents are "older than that."

My friends, therapist, coworkers, etc, they've all been amazing in discussing this, sharing opinions, really hearing me, getting excited for me, etc. To be honest, I care, but I don't care, if that makes sense. I'm not doing this for them.

But, I would love to have the support of my sister, Mom, and Dad. Anytime GB has been discussed in the past (for example, if we see a news story about it), my sister says "you are such not a candidate for that!" and so on.

How did you handle breaking the news to family? I have a few ideas about sitting them down, showing them the months of research, explaining the program I found at Danbury hospital to them, etc, and then just seeing what happens.

Is there a way to soften the news? To get them to understand how right this is for me? To reassure them that the dangers of being 234 pound FAR outweigh the dangers of having the surgery?

Thanks so much!

danielle

PS - I'm seeing them all week next week, starting on Saturday, so if you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them soon!

Danielle- Your family is worried and scared- and they should be - it's a serious surgery.  The question you have to ask yourself and them- is- 'What is the bigger risk- having the surgery, or waiting- and going down this road of obesity?.  I read an article recently- and PM me if you like- and I will try to find it for you- that showed a study that WLS isn't any more dangerous then having your gallbladder removed.   Pretty good odds in my book. 

How tall are you?  Did you check your BMI- what is it?  The last question is an important answer to have for your family. 

Explain to your family why you want this done- be honest and tell them you want their approval- but you have to do what is right for you.

Good luck,

Ron