I was open about it. I told my family, friends, and coworkers. I only had one person respond with judgment, but he wasn't someone I was close to and his opinion had no influence on me. I am glad I told people because everyone was so supportive and excited for me, and that meant so much to me. People might surprise you and not be judgmental at all. I also feel that the more open we are about surgery, the more informed people will be and maybe that will help do away with the stigma that's attached to surgery. All that said, you should do whatever makes you comfortable. This process brings on a whirlwind of changes and emotions, and maybe for you, telling people about your surgery will add additional stress, which you don't need. There is no right or wrong here, go with what you feel :-)

I take the approach that I don't broadcast it, but I don't lie if anyone asks how I lost the weight. I tell them I had gastric sleeve surgery which helped me kickstart a lifestyle change that involves healthy eating and an active lifestyle. Facebook friends are not terribly judgmental if they find out because I've actively logged all of my exercise with apps that autopost there (MapMyFitness, C25K, C210K, gym check-ins, etc.) so that minimizes the chances of anyone who finds out accusing me of taking the easy way out. (Seriously. Come back to me with that stuff when YOUR butt is running 5Ks regularly.) Honestly, I expected the people at the gym to be the ones to give me blowback and/or judgment and I'm happy to say it was ME who was wrong/judgmental. They are all so supportive and happy I found a way to become a healthier person.

I've only had two people in over a year with an openly negative response. One person snottily told me that it's OK for SOME people, but it just wasn't right for her. I didn't have a problem with the message; just the way she delivered it. Apparently, what's right for her is to continue hitting her head against a brick wall and weigh more than she did when she told me that a year ago. The other person made a comment about another coworker who lost a lot of weight recently saying, "And he did it the REAL way," as he cut looks toward me. Whatever, buddy. I'm down 112 lbs. and my health screens have my doc turning cartwheels. Meanwhile, he just had to have a liver transplant because of the way he treats his body. So basically, I take the mentality of, "Living well is the best revenge," with anyone who tries to throw that stuff up in my face.

Meh. Before, I only told about 20 people what I was doing. I didn't want to listen to other people's judgment...good, bad, indifferent. I wanted to make sure I was doing this for me, and didn't want anyone's influence. I didn't even tell those 20 people until I had the insurance approval.

Now. It depends. I have told many more people, but there are still some I don't say anything to. It's not everyone's business. Depending on my mood or their mood I may or may not tell about the surgery. There are several people that get, "I'm on a medically managed program." It's not a lie, and I don't feel bad.

I have a few cousins that or overly judgmental, and don't want to hear their opinions, so they all got that.

Most of the people at the gym know. Which is weird, but eh. I was talking to my trainer recently about aligning my macros and not doing too much cardio when an instructor butt in. And so it began...my trainer made the mistake of saying I understood nutrition and the importance of protein. B*tch had the nerve to respond with, "If you eat hot dogs all day you'll get protein." I responded honestly, "I haven't had a hot dog in years." Needless to say, she didn't get an explanation of surgery nor medically managed, nor squat.

So yeah, I feel people out and depending on my mood...I really don't want to be arrested. *wink*

I told close friends and family when I started my 6 month prep. I outed myself on fb when I started my 2 week prep and the support was completely overwhelming! I have people checking in on me al the time which makes me feel good and helps with accountability:)

I was backwards. I was totally open at work, but VERY secretive with my family. I really struggle with openness in general. I'm typically a pretty guarded person. Through my journey, I'm really pushing myself to open up and accept others' praise and excitement. Oddly, I'm finding that a lot of people that I talk to have someone in their lives that have also had the surgery. I think seeing me go through each step and stumble along the way helps them to understand what their loved ones went through as well.

I also started a blog where I write very honest emotions and challenges every week. This is helping with my vulnerability and I ended up with a giant and amazing support group through this process!!! I'm a manager at work, and I was scared when some of the employees started reading my blog...I'm sooooo honest in there! Now, over 50 of them read it and I get hugs and high fives ob the production floor! You are more than welcome to read it...maybe it'll help. My entry before surgery details who and how I told people.

www.butyouhavesuchaprettyface.com

I was completely open about it. I even blog about my progress and post it as a public post on FB. This entire process is stigmatized and I wanted to help people learn about it and hopefully patients will then feel like they can talk about their struggles and journey. That support is so important after surgery.

amandacanales wrote: »

I don't normally openly share private medical information and I didn't feel the need to treat this any differently.

I spoke about it to those that are closest to me and headed off "busybodies" asking about my weight loss with a response of "eating less and moving more"; which is the truth.

A few months out from surgery I found my comfort zone with people and shared more openly with a wider circle. I've had nothing but support from those that matter.

This^

Have kept it fairly quiet myself - telling a few close friends and our grown daughters because of so many judging and calling it the "easy way out". Little do they not that this is NOT easy and takes work!!

Unbeknownst to me, my husband was telling all of his coworkers (in particularly a couple who he dislikes because they are busybodies and started coming home with advise from them. I was appalled since he is so private and I let him know that I am not comfortable being around them because they knew more about me than my own mom!

Finally told my mom and she has been supportive. I've lost 30 lbs since January (lapband was 1/7) and those who know tell me how "skinny" I am and I just have to laugh because I have another 75 lbs to go but my close friends are very supportive.