To tell, or not to tell...

I'm scheduled for surgery 8/9 and am unsure how and who I want to share my news with.  I'm leery about telling most people at work because I'm only 1 of 4 "robust" people in an office of 80.  All the others are athletic, thin (some anorexic) or healthfully curvy.  I'm only close to 1 or 2 of the other women at the office, so I'm not sure how or if to share this info with anyone.  I had my lap band removed in October due to erosion and have had a few issues with nerve damage and gastroparesis since then, so saying that the surgery is to remove the damaged part of my stomach isn't wholly untrue.

I don't really have a problem telling family - at least direct family.  Not sure if I'll say anything during the holidays when I see a lot of extended family or not.  I'll probably play that by ear.  Some of my extended family can be very jealous and talk crap about others frequently, and I really don't want to have to deal with that.

I'd like to ask for advice on how to handle this, or ask that you share what you did and/or what your experience was.  I'm trying not to care so much about what others think of me, but it is difficult.  And, I am in a fairly notable position in a global corporation - daily exposure to company executives and I work directly with board members, so I want to be sure to give the right impression. I'm worried it could affect my credibility.  Is that stupid - to worry about that?

Any input is appreciated.  Thanks for taking the time :)

Sonja

I was always on a diet of some kind so nobody noticed anything different after my surgery.  After I lost all of my weight, I told people at work that I had had surgery.

Speaking for myself - I am keeping this procedure private.  I not owe people any explanation.  Sure people at one point will notice the weight loss - my answer will be I decided to follow a heathy lifestyle of exercising and eating properly. I already have my date and I got my medical note from the Hospital where I am getting my WLS.  The medical note states  a "medical procedure" nothing in reference to weight loss surgery.

Thanks - I agree about not owing an explanation to people.

I totally agree this is my life and whatever journey I am on is my journey and my choice to share whatever i choose to share. I am still in the pre-op stage and my husband asked me the other week if I was ashamed of this process lol I asked WHY should I be???? His response was " NO but you are not sharing it with anyone except Family". lol My reply was "is very personal and private and would he like me to share it further??? if yes than how about I share our sex life further other than my usual smile" hehehe lol he then said he got the drift and agrees lol      

this is your personal medical history. Do you share ALL your personal medical information with everyone at work?

Hollykim - That's a really good point actually. 

totally

I told everyone. When you lose this much weight, this fast, everyone assumes you had surgery. Trying yo hide it just gets people talking behind your back, and they think you've been lying.

I never had a problem or a negative reaction.

Ditto.  People have been very supportive.  I've never regretted telling everyone.