Like many things, it's each to their own. I told few people in advance cos I didn't want their opinions or to have to allay their fears when I was dealing with my own.

Post op, it was only when I had lost a fair chunk of weight that people starting commenting. At that point I started to tell everyone and anyone who'd listen, lol!!! I have shocked myself at how open I have been but I am very happy explaining it. The majority get why I had the surgery; most are blown away by me being "brave" doing it and at the results. No judgement.

But as I say, there's no right or wrong way. I wasn't ashamed when I didn't tell, it was right for me then, in the way that it is right for me now to tell all....

Good luck, bet you look fab in the photo shoot with the new look :-)))))

I told the world also and anyone who asks. As I've lost more and more weight I have gotten more and more comments so I don't tell everyone right away. If they probe me and want to more about my journey, then I let them in on my secret...which is no secret.

I guess I feel as if having surgery is just part of who I am and part of my life. I am not ashamed of having surgery or I wouldn't have gotten it done in the first place. I think those feelings of negativity or even trying to hide something so big in my life is such a burden. I don't need anything else weighing me down...I've got myself to do that!

Telling everyone was part of letting go for me. It was freeing I guess. I didn't have this secret to hide. I didn't have to wonder if people were going to find out or figure it out. It was relief for me and freedom to walk my journey the way I wanted to walk it.

As for those people with negative or judgemental comments, I try to educate them. If they don't listen, then I don't listen. We have a choice as to whom we let into our heart. I don't have the room or the energy for people who try to bring me down.

What a fantastic approach and such a positive outcome for you. Like Indigo, I do believe it is a personal choice on how to approach telling people and who to tell. This is personal medical information so it has a right to be kept private. Saying that, I have read so many positive stories about people who share with everyone. You are now taking that a step beyond and leading by example in an area of the country that seems to have less exposure. Bravo! Congrats on your success to date and I wish you the best on your continued journey!

We all just go with our gut feeling and do what feels right for us. My sleeve mentor took your approach and told/tells everyone, while I have told only family and the absolute closest people. Of course, once you've told one person, you've really told 10 others. lol

Your approach is what works for you, so it's definitely not "too open". I think the billboard thing is cool. Congrats.