Did you tell anyone you were having surgery?

[Barbee 1]

I'm 66 and I've told everyone on my Facebook, and in the real world... I think of it differently. My outlook is ok, you have a problem. Everyone has some problem, but you are going the full limit to solve yours, which in my eyes makes you the best person. Most people respond in awe that you could be so strong a person to make such a move to make yourself a better person.

However, there is nothing wrong with those of you who chose to keep it secret... that's just part of who you are and you know you are making yourself the best that you can be. Perhaps age has something to do with my attitude. I've noticed myself becoming more and more bold each day. I love it.

[kcarny 0]

I only told my boyfriend, our immediate families, my boss, and 2 people in my office. I'm a pretty private person and I really don't want people asking me questions about it. I also think when people know about it, they're going to be paying more attention to my body and weight. I don't want that at all.

[dm5201 1]

I have told a co-worker that I am close to and my spouse. I may not tell our adult children.

I have not had surgery yet, but have been approved, and no surgery date has been set.

I look at it being no one else's business...

[Amaris 0]

I don't have a surgery date, but I have found this discussion to be VERY helpful. I have not told very many people at all, but have been considering telling a few more. I'm a fairly open person, in general, so not telling is kind of awkward for me. Usually, I shout everything from my blog or my Facebook page!

Everyone I've told has been very supportive; for that I'm deeply appreciative. My reasons for not telling are a like most of yours -- I don't people to be hyper aware of my body, my weight, or what I eat. I don't want to hear that they don't support or agree with my decision. I don't want to be scrutinized.

I will have to lose about 40 pounds before anyone will even start to notice that I've lost weight, so I figure that gives me a little time to decide what to say and who to tell.

Thanks so much to everyone for their openness in sharing their own situation. So much to think about!

[rocketray 0]

I only told one person at work who I trust and who I know cares about me. My husband, son and another friend also know. I work at a school and everyone talks about everyone so I didn't want my personal choices out there. I feel good with that decision and that's all that really matters, isn't it!

[RedSoxGirl 0]

I was banded on July 1st, so I'm still pretty new with this.

• Who did you guys tell?
  

I told my supervisor (who I am close with) since I needed the time off of work. I told one other person at work who is like a mother to me. I also told my mom, best friend, and another close friend. But that was it.

• What are your regrets about not telling?
  

People were concerned about me when I shared I was going in for surgery. I felt badly because I didn't share, but I am glad I kept it limited.

It's also tricky since not many people know that I had this procedure, so it's hard to find support.

• What are your regrets about telling?
  

I don't have any. But I was really intentional about who I would tell. My theory was that I can't unring the bell, so I wanted to be intentional about it.

• What's the purpose of telling?
  

I needed to tell my supervisor for the time off. My mom was involved in the beginning. I couldn't not tell my best friend (although I waited until a week before surgery). I wanted to include my other close friend who has sometimes felt left out of things. I kind of got guilted into telling the other person at work - but it wasn't a bad thing.

• Should I wait for results then tell?
  

That would be up to you!

• Are you able to eat in front of people without having to explain your eating habits? What do you say to explain them?
  

This has been tricky. I've tried to replace activities where I would eat with others with healthier habits (going for a walk, going to the library, taking the dog out, etc.). I think it'll get a lot easier once I'm able to eat food again. I usually just say that I'm not hungry, just ate, etc.

Good luck!!! I hope this helps you a little bit!