Have you noticed...

I have decided not to tell many people about my surgery. I have told a few people and I have been surprised to find out that the larger size people that I have told have been against it and have tried to change my mind, where as the thinner people I have told have cheered me on. Have you noticed this with your own WLS journey? 

As of right now, my husband and parents are the only ones that know of my entire family...

Have you told ALL your family members, siblings, Aunts, Uncles, Parents, etc? What were their reactions?

Thanks,

Everyone I know, knows. Everyone (with one exception) has been very supportive or silent. Now that I'm losing, more people that were silent are cheering me on.

The one non-supportive person is 30 lbs overweight. Makes a big deal out of telling me how she's going to lose weight by eating less and exercising, "unlike SOME people". LOL. Rolls right off my back... I made this decision to save my own life and those who don't support me can suck an egg.

Of course, I also have noticed that when I see other overweight people who know, they ask how much I've lost and then tell me they've lost 15lbs, or 20lbs, etc

Doesn't count when you gain it right back and it's the SAME 15lbs you're losing over and over again. I've been on THAT roller coaster myself!

Honestly, I have only told my CLOSE family.  I feel that this is MY business.  I made the decision to do this for ME, and I don't feel as if anyone else needs to know or voice their opinion as to why  I should/shouldn't do it. I am an adult, and it is my life, and my decision.   I have asked those who do know to respect my privacy regarding my WL surgery and not share the info with others.  The journey, diet and exercise, I will share, but not the fact that I had surgery.

My parents are no longer with us, but I do feel as if they would struggle with the surgery, but love the results.  I have struggled with weight since I had my 1st child...and I had 4 kids including twins.  And my 'babies' are now 18 and going to college this fall.  My husband, and children have been nothing but supportive.  I truly believe that it is the best thing I have EVER done for myself.

I believe that people mean well, but having WL surgery is not a cop out as some think, but it is the start on a journey to a healthier lifestyle.  It will never be easy, but the surgery just helps with making sure we can learn to make the right decisions to eating more healthy.....and that we get results for our choices.

Ok, ok, I am off my soap box. 

Susan C

Fellow mom of 4 including twins !! My oldest are 21 and 14 and my surprise twins are 2.5 lol. I told a friend that told everyone before I even knew it. I actually had a former coworker come to me at the isle of the grocery store and ask me how I was doing since my surgery.... I told my father and mother and my father put it on Facebook . I do NOT like people knowing about my personal life which of the reason I am the only person ( it seems ) that chooses NOT to even have a Facebook page. It's definitely a personal choice, I just don't want everyone and their brother to know about my personal struggles and journey, but I do tell my close friends and of course now several others know . 

I'm loud and proud with it.  Hadn't had any negative feedbac****il recently when a friend got pissed when I posted an article on Facebook about drinking sugary pop. Let it roll off my back because it's her issue,  not mine.  She's obese and has issues with drinking pop. 

I also am very selective who I share my journey with, to be honest I truly do not care to hear anyone's negative responses to the who what where when and how I choose to live my life. Simply put this is my choice and not theirs. When I 1st started to discuss WLS with my Hubby he was against it and as I further researched it educating us both he starting to get on board with me which was a blessing. I often amuse myself with the fact that people will always give you their unsolicited opinion lol. The average person does not truly understand this struggle, I have often heard just exercise and eat less lol DUH no kidding. If it were just that simple there would be no need for WLS. I have come to no longer feel shamed of my obesity. It is something I did not choose nor did I buy it ( well I kinda am cuz it does indeed cost quite a bit to maintain my current pounds :-)). my point being it is a serious medical condition that has been left untreated for many many years. If this was a Cancer people would be so much more empathetic and that is very sad because there are so many terrible illnesses that befall obesity that can be and are just as deadly as Cancer.   

Best of luck with your journey and always trust YOU and your choices.lol by NO means is this an easy way out no matter what anyone says.        

I have been very selective when choosing who to share with.  My family and close friends know about it and have been very supportive.  I have not felt comfortable sharing it with others.  It gets a little weird when people ask me what I am doing to lose weight.  I usually say I cut out sugar and most carbs and focus on protein.  This is true and usually satisfies the person asking about it.

I'm with you. I tell those I trust. Others who ask how I'm doing it, I just tell that I'm eating less and exercising more. Which is true!

This is one topic that is debated a lot here. I know I did not tell people right away about my surgery. I did tell people who I felt comfortable with. I didn't tell my parents till about 8 months after. I do not live near them. At the time it was the best choice for me. 

There are a lot of different reactions. It is really nice when someone has good things to say about WLS. Of course you will hear endlessly from people telling about peoples failures with it. 

I tell people all the time now if someone asks. I feel that I may help someone also I really don't care anymore. 

I think what ever feels right at time of telling someone. I feel that telling them it made me feel a monkey was off my back. 

You have to do what is right for you. 

My family knows that I am having wls and most are supportive, but my sister who has lost 70 pounds on her own, doesn't understand why im going to have wls when as she says if she can do it so can I.  She has not been overweight most of her life and hasn't tried the many diets, pills, shots, and weight loss groups that I have. Only to failed again and again, if I lost anything I always gain it back and then some.  I am already preparing myself for my surgery which is: July 27, 2016.  I've stopped drinking soda, coffee, and milk shakes.  I've started a journal recording what I eat.  I bought a timer so I can time my meals.  I joined this group, hopefully to get support and advice.  I know this is a lifetime journey and I'm ready for it.  My husband is even going to have wls, because of his heath issues.  We are going to do this together.