I am a firm believer that by not being open and honest, and instead hiding things (especially major life changes such as WLS), we only contribute to the unfortunate stigma associated with it. Every single person I have told has been incredibly supportive, and for that I am lucky. The more people who know, the greater the support system around me. Maybe it's because I am RN and have very personal conversations with complete strangers every day at work about their health and bodies, but I feel no shame at all in discussing the importance of this surgery for my health and saving my life. And if anyone has anything negative to say, it's no sweat off my back; it is more a reflection of them than of me! If we are not going to advocate for ourselves and educate the general public, then who is?