First, I want to say I am good with being banded and I have no problem sharing my story but I would like to know if there is a simple way to let people who really are not close firends about my surgery. I would rather just answer than be whispered about. I am a teacher so I know when I lose weight I will be asked. I got banded yesterday during break. I go back to work next Monday. A few people at my work already know so it will be a matter of time before it gets around. I know the food police and weight patrol are out there so any positive advice?

Why is it necessary to tell anyone? Just wondering? They're youre co-workers... it's not like you're going to go over the PA system and make an announcement.. "YES ONE AND ALL...I"VE OFFICIALLY BEEN BANDED AND WILL BE LOSING WEIGHT, UNLIKE SLIDY MC SLIDSTER, OVER HERE...."

If you're asked you can tell but if you're not, who cares give them something to talk about!

Weight at our work seems to be a big deal but then again weight is a big deal. I know most will be supportive I just need to ignore the rest.

yes you do.. I taught for 3 years (where I gained most of my weight) and weight was always a big deal, any time you get that much estrogen together the comparisons and weight talk and who's doing what is bound to be a topic of discussion as we pass around that donut box or cookie tray or brownie platter..need I say more? lol...

But I just view this like any other medical procedure.. I wouldn't go to work and announce hey I'm currently treating my yeast infection... or high blood pressure or anything else...so there's no need to make an announcement about my surgery for the treatment of my obesity.. see what I mean?

I am at 12 days B4 I get banded 1/12/10. and I have decided that I am going to tell people that I just made one last FINAL New Years resolution to GET HEALTHY and that is what I will be doing! Getting off all the meds and losing weight, Why can't you tell them that too? If they ask that is. I agree there really is no need to "announce" it, but if they ask... since we are so close to the holiday that everyone always makes the weight loss resolution... I figure I'm going with it again! Good Luck!

I am 10 weeks post op today and down 36 pounds. I have only told 3 people at work and these are the 3 people I really care about and consider my friends (my tier 1 co-workers) Unfortunately, now people are noticing the drastic change. And people are asking questions. I am facing the challenge of the the tier 2 co-workers. You know the ones, the ones you like, you would have a drink with after work, you might share some stuff, but they just don't quite make the tier 1 cut.

Of course they are asking, what are you doing to lose the weight. Everyone wants to know the magic pill. Well basically I tell them I am working closely with my nutristionist and doctor...eating a lot of protein, eliminating bread, reducing sugar intake and cutting back drastically on my portions. ALL very true. Do I feel guilty with some of them...YES. But when they bridge the gap to Tier 1 co-workers, I'll tell them. Otherwise, not really their business.

I have been banded since 3/23/09 and my band is the best choice I have made for my self in years and when I was banded and since then I have told EVERYONE that asks proudly. The reason why for me is I encourage anyone wanting the same help I needed to look into it and if I can give someone the encouragement that they need then so be it. I was not ashamed of it and my coworkers were and are so proud of me and encourage me. You may be shocked to see the support you could get even from ones that do not really know you. Just my side:)

I've only been banded about 2 1/2 weeks but came out to my co-workers as soon as I got my surgery date. I've now got patients (I'm a physician assistant) noticing that I've lost weight and asking questions and made the decision this week to just tell whoever asked...I have several (MANY) patient who would benefit from the lap band and decided that maybe I can be a role model and encourage them to do what they need to (and have had 2 of them schedule appointments with my surgeon this week!). I figure if I can give someone hope or encouragement it's worth blabbing about it! Whatever decision you make is the right one for you, don't fret about it too much!

WARNING: This is going to come across a lot worse than I mean it to.

People that are not close to you probably could care less about your surgery one way or the other.

Don't fret it and be yourself.