What Did You Tell Your Friends?

[mesaucedo 207]

I was really nervous at first and wanted to keep my decision to myself. I didn't want to be judged. But as it got closer and closer I started telling more. Now people can't get me to shut up about it!

I did encounter a few negative people and decided I was ok with that. I know most of their negative comments came out of concern.

I now tell everyone. My coworkers, classmates, random hobos on the street.......

[100%Sleeved 148]

Initially I wasn't going to tell anyone anything, even my own mother. I have a friend who went to Mexico, got banded and then sent an email blast to everyone telling them she was ok and about her surgery. I thought to myself wow this is wierd and I called her and asked if she really meant to do that and she said yes of course. I asked why would you tell everyone? Do you not feel ashamed? She said no, by doing this I can save a life or help someone. I thought to myself huh well I won't be telling everyone. I had a change of heart and told only friends who are morbidly obese. One friend who is over 400lbs is being banded next month because she does not have the sleeve coverage and another friend is being sleeved on the 20th of this month. Here's what I'm getting to, my friend called me and said I really thank God for you because before you called me, I was lying on the couch dying. If you never would have told me what you did, I would have had no hope. You see her mom had just passed away 5 months ago due to diabetes from being overweight. She was still mourning when I called her to tell her about wls. In this case I don't mind telling others what I did but to the skinny folks I just let them wonder lol. You really have to do what feel confortable for you. For me I see this as an opportunity to save lives. I also have another friend going through the process right now.

[Lyra 43]

I've told my friends, family, and some coworkers. Like many of the above, I'm a private person who prefers to show a cheerful face to the world rather than what I really think and feel. Of course, this came back to bite my on the butt when many of my friends didn't realize I was so unhappy. Thus, they didn't understand the surgery. It's hard for me to be open about my emotions without joking around, but the conversations I've had with them has caused us to be closer in some ways than we were before. Before I told anyone I had a prioritized list of those who I was willing to really talk about this with. Example: I'm willing to open up to my concerned best friends, but could care less if a coworker doesn't agree with me. This has happened and I just walked away in the middle of their conversation when they wouldn't take my polite subject changes. You do not have to justify yourselves to others, and by simply walking away you are not going to be starting on argument.

Good luck!

[Lissa 2,631]

I'd shout it from the rooftops if I could. No problem telling anyone and everyone about this surgery. Nay sayers, which there are not many of, get "I was literally dying. This surgery saved my life!"

[gmanbat 5,889]

I tell people, my wife doesn't, (she had roux n y). When people see you who haven't seen you for a few months they usually say, "Man, you've lost weight!" Followed by a blank stare that says, "What did you do?"

I tell them the truth, wife hedges a bit. But I am ornery enough to use this operation to test people's character and understanding. I like to see their reaction and the struggle they have getting their head around the idea. Some think such a thing is out of character for me, they didn't know me as well as they thought. Some fight through things they have heard about it. But then some are excited and want to know more about it for themselves or someone they know.

[KatieOkieDokie 171]

I haven't had the surgery yet, and I'm at the beginning process I guess you could say.I have pretty much kept it private that I'm working toward getting the surgery, and my main reason is because I fear it not happening, or not getting approved and I don't want to have to tell people that things fell through. Those I have told have ALL been super supportive, and understanding!

However, I have started a Youtube channel where I plan on starting to blog, or as I call it Vblog, and I would like to discuss WLS in my journals! SO I'll probably start telling more people soon!

[Shells 40]

I told my co workers I had hernia surgery which is true. Didn't wanna say gallbladder just in case it needs to be removed later from an emergency. Came back this week and they noticed the weight loss and complimented me but I have a feeling I will be losing friends from this WL journey. Whatever, if you liked me before because I was heavier and view me as a threat now, then they should be scared and walk away.

I'm really happy for those who express themselves and tell others- they can save lives and get others to be healthy. As for me, I chose not to tell anyone, for me this is personal and private. In total my mom, dad, brother, cousin, grandma, aunt, best friend and ex know which helps tremendously! I have my group to talk to who are always willing to help and are very supportive and caring.

I go to WLS group meetings twice a month and by being able to talk about my VSG with them and that's enough for me.This is how I feel now, I might change my mind later who knows.