Keeping it a secret???

For me, things were different than most. We live in a small town of less than 10k, and I'm heavily involved in local business etc. As the past President of the Chamber of Commerce, and on the board for 4 years, I go everywhere and speak at most functions - and I do that locally as well as our local citys too. That means, that I've been in the "public eye" for quite awhile. Last Sat nite, was our Chamber Outstanding Business Awards gala, and as the past Pres, I was awarded the Chamber Gavel Award...and our Exec Dir (who nicely asked first) intro'd me with an explanation that I wasn't "the man I used to be" by a long shot as I'd lost 117 lbs and didn't I look swell! That got me a round of applause and that was nice. My wife even gave me a standing ovation and I had a few words about the Award itself and put in a plug on "the Chamber needs more volunteers" and that I wanted the 400+ members who were there to remember to "give back" something to the community themselves... And then I commented on my WLS. I said quite concisely that it is the best thing I've ever done for myself; that I expect to hit my goal of 180 lbs gone in about a year and that I felt younger, more energetic, could walk around the block 8 times (did that earlier that day too!) and that my wife "loved" the new, slimmer, younger "more virile" me! That got me a real chuckle from the crowd and a big scarlet blush from her! I'm happy - can you tell! And I'm not ashamed of what I've done, nor want to hide it either. I dont' walk around talking about it for the most part, but if anyone wants to chat, I do so. And that's how I look at this....it's my life and I'm living it freely! :thumbsup: Jim

Often the best lie is the truth.  Being evasive or mysterious generally creates far more interest in someting than being candid about reality.  This is especially true about something that generates a lot of interest, like rapid weight loss.

Sonny, I told all my friends and co-workers about my WLS shortly before the big day and I have never heard a negative comment.  Everyone has been very supportive.  When my weight loss first became noticeable I got a lot of compliments from everyone.  “Paul, you’re melting.”  They are all used to the new me now, so I don’t hear that much any more. Every once in a while a casual acquaintance will notice that I’ve lost weight and ask me how I did it.  I tell them that the key to losing weight is Diet Coke and cigarettes for breakfast.  I’ve had a few people believe me.

I am still pre-op but I don't hide my intentions from anyone. The way I see it is if people are asking about it they either are courious or are looking for info for themselves or a loved one. Might as well help make a decision. there is so much bad info out there about WLS the people who are successful need to shout it from the mountaintop to dalance the bad rep this surgery has. When I get the occassional, why not eat less and move your ass more, I respond with I have tried that for years and look where it has gotten me.

I told only a few people that I was having surgery at all...and except for my wife...i told them all I was having gall bladder surgery...(techinically i did have gall bladder surgery, they removed it during the DS).    I say it's your business, and if you want to tell people tell them, if not ...don't.  I didn't want to be the guinea pig ...having everyone asking me "how much weight did you lose now" ..and giving me their uneducated opinions about wls.  Scott

Sonny, no right or wrong, just go with your own feelings. for me, now way, i didn't tell anybody. you can count on one hand the people that know. for me, i think the best way to succeed at something is not to tell anyone. even your closest friends can sabatoge something for you. i just learned to keep things quite and this was a big thing so i kept it to myself. i don't trust anyone with that kind of info and i think it's personal. however, i have no problem with all the folks here who tell the world. i love reading their posts about it and how it helps others. i'm envious of that. i can open up about a lot of things to just this board but that's as far as i seem to be able to go. weird but true! i guess this is the only place i've ever felt safe enough to share things about me........Carbonblob

You don't owe an explanation to anyone, not even the wife. Common courtesy says you involve her, but you don't *HAVE* to. If you don't want your cow-orkers to know, then don't tell 'em. It's gastric surgery, not rocket science. Me? I told the boss and a few of the people I worked with the most before the fact, because taking 2 weeks out could impact my project schedule. When it was over, I was singing about it to anyone who'd listen.

i have been telling people but im stopping.  I have a BMI of 41 and change and im getting tired of people telling me im crazey and i dont need to do it.  im hearing "just exersize"  "you can do it on your own...this is so drastic"   i tired of it and having to explain my reasons  I know i can loose it on my own  ive done it before but i always end up right back where i am and worse.   I obviosly need a little help.  so,  no more telling.  im doing it for me and my wife and kids no more explanation need for me! adam

Are you saying you did WLS for 60 lbs?