People at work knew because I was out for awhile, but I don't usually tell people I meet now. Some of my close friends know. You don't have to tell anyone if you don't want to- it is really no one's business.

I have been very open at work and among my friends. They all saw how hard I was working in preparation for the surgery and I hope to be a good example to remove some of the stigma from the surgery. I have had a number of people come to me and talk about relatives who have gone through the process (both successfully and less so) and I like to believe that I helped them understand all that goes into it even if they haven't had that kind of conversation with their relative.

I didn't get much negative response at all. So many more are happy that I took this step for myself. I had many people tell me that they had become worried about me as my weight kept climbing.

Rob

About 1 week prior to surgery I posted it on my FB page. I wanted everyone to know what I was doing and why. I have also been very open since surgery. When people ask me about my weight loss I tell them I had surgery and now am working out. I am happy to say I have not had any negative responses from anyone. I agree with Rob, I feel like being open about it helps to reduce the stigma of WLS.

I am very open about it. I told my friends, my family, my coworkers. Everyone was really great and so happy for me that I was going to be taking control of my health. I really didn't get any negativity, just questions out of curiosity. I don't tell everyone I meet now that I had surgery right off the bat or anything, but if weight loss or surgery does come up in conversation, I will talk about my experience. The only time it's awkward for me to talk about it is when I am dating someone new. It isn't "if" I am going to tell them, but "when". That usually sorts itself out. I also agree with Rob and Lori that being open about it helps reduce the stigma attached to WLS. Everyone is different though, I believe everyone should only share on a level that they are comfortable with.

I have had a number of people who I know only through seeing them weekly at Mass ask about my weight loss. I am probably 50/50 in terms of going into surgery details. One of these folks asked me if I would be willing to talk with her sister who is considering the surgery and I was happy to share story with her and her husband, who were looking into it together.

I felt a direct benefit to my openness, as I was able to talk with someone who was looking for help but didn't know anyone to talk with.

Rob

Right now I'm private about it with much of the world, but by no means is it a secret. My family, and my best friends know that I was going to do it/have had it done. I'm not advertising that I did it, but I also won't lie if asked directly how I've lost 45lbs in 2 months. And I'm sure at some point it will become common knowledge, but like with when my DH and I were going through infertility treatments, we only shared with those we knew would be supportive in the beginning. We didn't need anyone bringing any negativity into something that was so emotionally charged and hard while we were in the trenches of it. Now that our girls are here and it is behind us, we find it much easier to talk about and share our story than it was 6 years ago. I'm finding my VSG journey to be very much the same- I'm willing to share far more now that it is done and I'm being successful.

I only told mom, sister, my kids and of course my husband! But I'm sure my big mouth mom and sister prob told a few people they know with the "don't tell her I told you"!! Lol. But no one else, it's just not their business!

I told my family friends and close coworkers beforehand. After, I decided to share whenever it was relevant, (when discussing health and fitness, weight loss, etc). I don't much care for the opinions of others if they're not on my side in this battle for my health, BUT being open helps me stay on track, (they will NOT see me fail) and has given me countless opportunities to mentor others and be a living example of the benefits of WLS. I've had VERY few negative conversations and as I said, I don't take other people's opinions personally on the subject. They can't possible understand if they haven't lived in my skin (for some, 50 extra pounds is debilitating... I lost close to 100 depending on the day) and they won't be any less ignorant if someone doesn't step up and talk about it with them.

Initially I told my family and close friends. I know that my co workers knew why I was off work, but had little comment. But lately I have been getting a lot of comments, compliments and second looks. Sometimes people don't know me. It is obvious that I have changed radically and mostly women ask what I have done. If I don't feel like sharing, I say that I have a new lifestyle now, eating and exercising differently. All true. If I feel close enough to the person, or know they have struggled with their weight like I did, I tell them I had surgery. I have had very little negative comment. I had to tell one women it was my body and my decision and I was very happy with my new lifestyle. I have had a couple women "friends" who are so jealous that they no longer talk to me much or include me in social activities. It is their problem, not mine. I actually feel sorry that they are so unhappy with themselves and am glad to know that they are not true friends. This has been a great opportunity to get healthy and feel great. That is enough for me.

I hate talking about this, with the exception of those who have experienced this. I told my family AFTER I had it done. Then after losing 80 pounds, many people commented and were concerned that I was sick. When questioned head on, I tell people "a little bit of surgery and a lot of hard work." and I try to leave it at that. I mind that family and friends have this barometer when they see me; "Is she up?" "How does she look?" "You've lost weight." It's always been about the weight with me and I'm hoping I can sustain this weight loss and enjoy my success and not gain the weight back for once.