How Did You Tell People?

[lbugher 41]

I really think I want to get the Lap Band because so many people have been successful and I'm having health issues related to my weight. But I'm nervous about how my SO will react. What did you say to yours? How did your family respond? I'm worried my SO will try to talk me out of it I don't know how much longer I can wait before I need to do something drastic. I keep gaining weight at a rate of about 2 pounds a month. It's been adding up over time and it seems like every year I need to buy bigger and bigger clothes. I wear a size 24 now and next up is a size 26. I can't keep doing this to myself. I really want all the support I can get but I'm worried I won't...

[Holly Dolly 575]

Mine was very excited for me. I announced it at Christmas dinner that my mom was giving me the best present ever. Why are you worried your SO wont support you? And if he wont support you for you taking control of your health, hmmmm? You have to do this for yourself, and that is what matters most.

[Ready2BFit 33]

My SO was extremely supportive and right now on his second month for the supervised weight lost program. Just let your SO know the importance of getting the procedure and how it will affect both of you. The only individuals I have told are two people at church, three sorority sisters, two people at work (boss and secretary) and of course my husband and mom. They are all very supportive and understand my reason for doing it. At the end of the day, I have stated to my husband that I will not post anything on Facebook or twitter but just allow people see my transformation. I actually have a friend who I think did the procedure but she won't say anything about it and that is fine because i see she is happy. Just tell those whom you truly want to know and will be supportive.

[yellowrose88 43]

My SO was very supportive and nervous at the beginning. Just be honest and let your SO know exactly what you are feeling.

[chrissylu 153]

My husband was and is very supportive. He was nervous at first, because its surgery, but after I explained how the surgery was being done and how the band would work, he calmed down. Now he makes sure I count my food chews! LOL. I've told anyone who would listen. It helps keep me accountable. God bless you on this journey!

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

When I was originally planning gastric bypass, my family was worried. My father tried very hard to talk me out of it.

When I canceled the gastric bypass appointment, they were all very relieved.

When I told them I was getting the Lap Band instead, and explained it was 100% reversible and didn't reroute any of my digestive system, they were very happy about my decision, including my very skeptical father who was so dead set against the gastric bypass.

I was banded on Jan. 6, 2012, and I've had such great luck with the band my mom is now seriously considering it as well.

I think being honest about the facts helps. It eases their mind to know you're doing anything irreversible to your body. Plus, pointing out the health benefits. I have Multiple Sclerosis, so I pointed out to my family a big part of why I was doing this was take control of the health issues I could to lessen the stress on my body and give me a better fighting chance against the MS.

Now, 2 months post surgery, I tell everyone. I don't hide it at all and so far have gotten but positive responses.

[armymom2012 51]

My husband was really supportive. I took a year to think about my options before going ahead and doing it, but honestly it was the best choice for me. Like you, I was gradually gaining by the month and it was affecting my health. The rest of my family was mixed and other than that I only told my son and his wife and my best friend, which she is in the process of getting it done herself. It always helps to have someone who knows what your dealing with. To this day those are really the only people who know and when others ask if I have lost weight, I just smile and know it's working. Good luck to you.

[lbugher 41]

Well, my partner is terrified of surgery and thus she might project the fear on me. One of her classmates died from general anesthesia (blood clot) so she's pretty much dead-set against elective surgery. It's not that she wouldn't be supportive of me losing weight - she's been encouraging me to do so for years since she knows my family history of breast cancer and heart disease. She will be worried about the anesthesia and me dying in the process. I was fine the first time I had surgery so I have no reason to believe this time will be different, and my surgeon told me about the safegards they take to make sure people don't die of blood clots (they use blood thinners). I guess I'm just going to have to do my best to explain the facts!

[GirlieGirl723 2]

My SO honestly does not know. I told he back on oct I was very interested and he was against it. I am 100% ready and can't wait. Me and him not not married, we have been together for 8 years and have a son together. I wish I could have told him now, but I'm being banded on4/5 and don't want any negative vibes.. My entire family knows, some of them don't understand why I'm getting it but they are not being negative about it. I want to stay positive and happy about my new journey to come

[Dzire 0]

I wonder how you tell people at work ? Do you tell at all or you keep it to yourself ? We are a small team at work (less then 10) so I don't know if I should tell them. I know I will have to tell my boss, but what about my coworkers ?

[pink dahlia 2,513]

do your homework before you tell anyone, then if they come at you with a negative comment or reason, you can CALMLY back up your reasons. i was gaing weight steadaly too, tried weight watchers, didnt wor etc..... yada yada.......so after 2 relatives had the band last june, i started researching it. once i had all the info, i attended the surgeons seminar and then the local support group. when i was approved sometime later, only then did i let my family and co workers know. i have had 100 % support and some normal healthy questions about why and how it works, but nothing really negative. and if they do say something negative usually its because they have no knowledge of what its like to be overweight etc. it ain't pretty, but thats life!im down 26 lbs in 3 months and just hit"onederland - 199 lbs !!!) this morning ! Go get banded already ! BEST DECISION EVER !! good luck !!

[Banded in Bear Lake 8]

My husband is very supportive but he is also nervous at times when I do not feel well or after an adjustment. But overall he is great...

[Dzire 0]

do your homework before you tell anyone, then if they come at you with a negative comment or reason, you can CALMLY back up your reasons. i was gaing weight steadaly too, tried weight watchers, didnt wor etc..... yada yada.......so after 2 relatives had the band last june, i started researching it. once i had all the info, i attended the surgeons seminar and then the local support group. when i was approved sometime later, only then did i let my family and co workers know. i have had 100 % support and some normal healthy questions about why and how it works, but nothing really negative. and if they do say something negative usually its because they have no knowledge of what its like to be overweight etc. it ain't pretty, but thats life!im down 26 lbs in 3 months and just hit"onederland - 199 lbs !!!) this morning ! Go get banded already ! BEST DECISION EVER !! good luck !!

I Think I feellike telling them. After 15 years working together I feel I want to share this with them. The best is telling them not to give me any negatives thoughs about it no ? I'm on the waiting list (one year max) and the surgeon told me that if he ever have a cancellating, he might call me. So it may be shorter then 1 year...

[lbugher 41]

I wonder how you tell people at work ? Do you tell at all or you keep it to yourself ? We are a small team at work (less then 10) so I don't know if I should tell them. I know I will have to tell my boss, but what about my coworkers ?

I'm going to tell my boss but I don't know if I'm going to disclose all that information to my co-workers. You don't have to tell anyone what you're doing with your body, though! HIPPA protects you from that. All you have to do is say "I'm having surgery but it's a private matter so I'll need to have a week off for recovery." Let them make what they will of that. Could be for reproductive reasons, weight related reasons, something to do with your bowel functions... there are a number of reasons to have surgery and many of them could be perceived as uncomfortable to discuss. Obviously people will question you about your weight loss, at which point you can simply answer "I'm eating less and exercising more." It's true, right? That's how this is supposed to work Your secret can be safe.

I just want to tell my partner because I'll need her support through this. She knows I don't like being heavy, and I mentioned before that I might eventually resort to surgery if my health is in danger.

[Short and Chunky 230]

The process takes a long time..why not go ahead and start moving through and then when it is time for the surgery tell your SO. My husband (41 years married) was not in favor of the surgery, he did not see the need...I did...120 pounds over weight, High BP and Diabetes on the way..Well, I want to live to play with my Grandchildren so I did it and did not tell him until I was almost through with the process. He is now one of my biggest cheeleaders and helps me when I get a bit down (no more chicken wings, fried fish, pizza - you know, the good stuff). Good Luck on your journey and whatever you decide - your health comes first and we are always on line when you need to vent...Would I do this again ? YOU BET !!!!!

Melinda in Florida