To Vlog Or Not?

[Sannah 258]

Hello,

I am choosing to not tell people outside of my family about seeking and hopefully get my sleeve. However, I have done a ton of research and one of the tools I have used to Youtube. I have loved watching peoples videos, especially people who stick to vlogging for a considerable amount of time.

I want to vlog my experiences as a form of accountability and meeting others who have or are looking to walk in my shoes. However, I am not sure this is so smart since I would like to keep the surgery personal. I feel choosing to vlog would mean immediate exposure (to those whom I do not wish to share with). But what are the odds of people looking me up or evening knowing what key words to use on Yputube. I do not enjoy writing/typing and I do not want to blog.

What is your opinion? What would you do? Too risky?

Thanks for sharing!

Sannah

[runner 53]

I didn't even tell my family so I understand the privacy thing.mibjust made my first video tonight, I think it will help me and be great to go back and watch. I didn't use my real name and you can also pick who views it. I think it's a good thing

[chad2rad 491]

The world wide web is exactly that.... Open to all. I would be concerned your family could hear it second hand.

Consider all your reasons for not telling, versus sharing.

I did not start telling until I was comfortable in my decision and could stand by it. But, I still have not told my folks. Just wife, kids and few friends. I have to be 100 % invested before I tell the parents. They are over 1,000 miles away, so far it has been okay just to plan this with my immediate family.

This is your life. No shame, just choices.

My pastor says to choose well and then once you have chosen, manage those decisions... No need to start over.

Chad

[chad2rad 491]

Hmmm, may be using an alias would work. But in the end it is still you.

Abstinence is the only sure way of knowing.... No surprise babies. There are many great birth controls but only one is 100%.

Just depends what you want to risk. Obviously, u are the only one who can answer that one for you.

[Sannah 258]

I didn't even tell my family so I understand the privacy thing.mibjust made my first video tonight' date=' I think it will help me and be great to go back and watch. I didn't use my real name and you can also pick who views it. <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> I think it's a good thing[/quote']

Hello!!

Thanks for the feedback. I was completely unaware that I could pick who views your material. This is surely a nice feature. Congrats on your first video!! I am sure that feels great!!

Sannah

[Sannah 258]

The world wide web is exactly that.... Open to all. I would be concerned your family could hear it second hand.

Consider all your reasons for not telling' date=' versus sharing.

I did not start telling until I was comfortable in my decision and could stand by it. But, I still have not told my folks. Just wife, kids and few friends. I have to be 100 % invested before I tell the parents. They are over 1,000 miles away, so far it has been okay just to plan this with my immediate family.

This is your life. No shame, just choices.

My pastor says to choose well and then once you have chosen, manage those decisions... No need to start over.

Chad[/quote']

Hey Chad2rad,

I appreciate you sharing your opinion. I flip flop day to day about vlogging my journey.

I have watched some real dedicated vloggers when I was researching lap band. I am talking about 2-3 years of vlogging Since I decided the sleeve is for me I have watched videos, but I would be hard pressed to find a sleeve vlogger that lasted this long. If I vlog I want to be very dedicated and honest. Like you said, "manage my decisions."

Thank you for giving me another view to think about.

Sannah!!!

[Sannah 258]

Hmmm' date=' may be using an alias would work. But in the end it is still you.

Abstinence is the only sure way of knowing.... No surprise babies. There are many great birth controls but only one is 100%.

Just depends what you want to risk. Obviously, u are the only one who can answer that one for you.[/quote']

Yes. I will ultimately decide what is good for me. I think it's important to consider this topic from many angles!! I am thankful for the message board!!!

[Pre-OpLoser619 36]

The other option would be to record them but maybe hold off on posting them until you are sure you want it out there...

[Sannah 258]

The other option would be to record them but maybe hold off on posting them until you are sure you want it out there...

Hi!!

I like your idea. That would feel satisfying!!! Are you blogging/vloggin or the alike?

[chad2rad 491]

Hey Chad2rad' date='

I appreciate you sharing your opinion. I flip flop day to day about vlogging my journey.

I have watched some real dedicated vloggers when I was researching lap band. I am talking about 2-3 years of vlogging Since I decided the sleeve is for me I have watched videos, but I would be hard pressed to find a sleeve vlogger that lasted this long. If I vlog I want to be very dedicated and honest. Like you said, "manage my decisions."

Thank you for giving me another view to think about.

Sannah!!![/quote']

Thanks, wish u the best. We are in this together.

[Pre-OpLoser619 36]

Hi!!

I like your idea. That would feel satisfying!!! Are you blogging/vloggin or the alike?

I have definitely tossed the idea around. I too like the accountability as well as possibly being to help someone else with their decision, experience, etc. I've told my mom and dad, my husband, but not really anyone else, although my friends and family on Facebook know that I have been dieting and I've been sharing my losses with them... So I just might start recording soon (pre-op diet) and post them after I have it.

[Gastricsleeve4me 186]

Hey there. I told very few people (and no family yet). I'm two mos post op and have posts nearly 30 videos under my alias, gastricsleeve4me

I can't possibly imagine how anyone I know would find the videos. I use a separate email address as my account that no one knows and nothing about my YouTube channel is associated with me or my name. The only way someone could stumble upon it is if they were considering the surgery and found it...in which case I'd be happy to discuss with them.

Create a new email that's just for your sleeve journey, and pick a YouTube name. I wouldn't worry about it one bit beyond that.

[ShapeShifter 64]

There is at least one sleeve vlogger I've followed on youtube who is three and a half years out, and she was very helpful in my decision. You can find her under AmySDMom on Youtube.

It does seem that lots of folks out there are using an alias, and it would be difficult to find someone you know unless you know what to search for.

All the best to you on your journey!

[Lissa_S 787]

I have started recording my thoughts but am not sure if I will ever post them either. I would definitely be using an alias as I want to keep it a bit anonymous but I too have found that the long term vlog's on youtube have been wonderful. I would also like to be a part of that for someone else but am nervous. For now, I am recording them for me and I will make a decision about uploading a little later. Good luck with your decision!

[Sannah 258]

I have started recording my thoughts but am not sure if I will ever post them either. I would definitely be using an alias as I want to keep it a bit anonymous but I too have found that the long term vlog's on youtube have been wonderful. I would also like to be a part of that for someone else but am nervous. For now' date=' I am recording them for me and I will make a decision about uploading a little later. Good luck with your decision![/quote']

Good Morning Lila S!!

Yes, this is s tough one. I sure appreciate your opinion. Has getting your thoughts out felt good?

I have my pre op appointments (4 of them) very soon. So my process is in the works, but I do have some time to think about this.

Thank you for sharing with me!

Sannah