Advice

[sarahreynolds]

Just scheduled my surgery date, December 16 I would like to hear your advice on how to share my decision with family, coworkers, etc. Not a fan of putting my business out there but do feel that there are some (brother, secretary, supervisor) that I should share my decision with. I'm not ashamed of my decision, more concerned about their reaction...thoughts, words of advice.

[amycontest]

I think who or what you tell is up to you. So far my husband knows, my mom knows, and my surgeon knows. I told my supervisor at work that I needed to have surgery, and would be out from x to x days for recovery. She asked if I was ok and I said, "I think everything will be fine, but thanks for asking." It's your protected health information. I didn't want to tell either.

Do you have enough support around you to help after the surgery?

[Sarasjourney]

Tell what you have to, to those you think will react the best. And by best I mean calmly and rationally. You know these people. If they're judgmental or just otherwise iffy about personal information just disclose you're having surgery and you've been placed on a strict Doctor-supervised diet for an unforeseen amount of time to go along with it. It is best to have as much support as you can get, but again that's based completely on the personalities of the people in your life. I hope there are at least some you can trust who won't judge you or blabbermouth it to everyone and their dog.

[Joe Poppa]

It's up to you. I told everyone. I didn't want people to think I had a disease since I was obese for so many years and now am losing weight at an accelerated rate. You don't owe the world an explanation.

People who judge you negatively or say you are "taking the easy way out" (see my post link below) did you a favor, you now know you should distance yourself a little from them until they are more supportive.

"THE EASY WAY OUT"
(click on the above active link)

[Tropical angel]

Hi Sarah, I did by respect share it with my supervisor (very supportive), two secretary of my unit. As per my family side, my mother, my uncle , two cousins who are nurses (who knows my struggles) . My whole family deal with cholesterol, diabetie ect..., as per my friends just to two closest friends and my son. I am not ashamed of this surgery since I AM SAVING MY LIFE and do not care what others thinks . However if someone asks and knows she or he is dealing with weight issues , i`ll tell about it but not either going everywhere talking about it. So at the end, it is up to you to tell.

[korilu]

We are being sleeved on the same day!

I have been open with family and friends, even writing about pursuing WLS on my blog. I would say this, from my recent experience: it can shake you up when people ask questions like, "Is it really safe?" or "How are you going to live with a stomach that small?" While I don't regret my decision to share, as I believe people praying for me and sending good energy will only be good for me, I have had to steel myself, and continually check in at places like this, where I can have those positive, "this is a great choice" feelings support my own research and decision.

Good luck!

[missemily516]

I chose to tell everyone, even strangers (LOL). I am the type of person that likes to talk to others, and I like to share my journey. I have had a few people make comments that I felt sensitive about, but for the most part everyone is positive. I am happy with my results so far, and want to let other people know that it is possible to be successful and healthy.

[Heather1979]

Whoever you tell be positive when you tell them and believe what you say and tell them if they don't have anything positive to say about it then you would rather not hear what they have to say. This worked for me because you don't want negativity at this stage and unfortunately you will come across jealous people or people who don't know enough that will say stupid things .

[crcindy]

I am having surgery on the 16th too! I told a few people at work, and a couple of close friends, who I knew would be supportive. I also told my immediate family (parents, husband, children, and sister), as well as an uncle. I agree with the posts above suggesting telling people who will respond positively. I think that's what you- and we need, is positive and encouraging words. Good luck!