I had the lapband in Mexico in 2003. I was very young. I'm now 35 and 3 weeks out to getting a revision to sleeve. When I originally got the band I told co workers and family and friends. My ex husbands family. That was a mistake. Even well intentioned family and friends treat you differently. Always watching what you are eating and making comments good or bad. Then comments when you lose the weight that it's not deserved because it was surgery not hard work.
Well it is still hard work. I lost a little over 100 lbs and kept it off since then including having 4 children during that time. In the last year my band has caused me a lot of problems and that is why I am doing the revision to the sleeve.
Im now remarried and have been for 8 years. Only my husband knows. His family and none of the new friends I have gained since being part of his life know. I learned my lesson. There have been a few people in our friend group that have gotten the surgery but they are both men and I find people to be less judgmental of men that get surgery. At times I wanted to talk to them about it but decided not to because I remember being treated poorly and once you say it you can't get it back.
I think it's a good idea to keep it to yourself and your very close trusted circle. Just because you go through enough having to deal with all the things you have to deal with being a surgery patient in the first place. Not to mention your life before surgery struggling with the weight. Why add to it and let others affect your confidence. When you're trying so hard to build confidence. It's nice to see a group like this where we are all in the same boat :-)