Has any kept surgery a secret

[SCHERYL]

I'm with American I told my family and coworkers because I had to take vacation days, but I tried not to tell alot of people before the surgery because I was going to Mexico and I did not want to hear negativity and freak myself out even more. After surgery my mouth just rambles. Hehe. My name is Scheryl and my surgery was October 7th and I've lost 50 pounds. (Acting like part of wls meetings)

[Miss Thang]

I told my mum and sister and have had negative comments, the silent treatment, snide comments etc. I told my best friend and she was the one who has encouraged me and supported me all the way. She came to my appointment when I got given my surgery date and has already booked leave to come with me on DDay. Since their reaction I've decided not to tell my family until a week beforehand and that's only because I need them to keep my kids for me. I've told my boss but not gonna give him my actual date as he has a yappy mouth and I don't like people in my business. I plan to take annual leave and return to work as though nothing has changed, lol

[Lisa73me]

I have told everyone! I'm an open book about just about everything though. I have had the people warn me that it could be dangerous and to be careful. I've heard horror stories and all that, but I found horror stories on my own with my research. But statistically speaking, it's very safe, even in Mexico where I'm going. I made my decision and my fiance and kids are supportive. I know I'm taking a risk, but I'm taking a risk everyday that I wake up being 100 plus pounds overweight and feeling helpless to do anything about it. I have done the diets and lost weight, I gained it back. Even though I lost weight, I was still like 40 pounds overweight. I need some help, I'm an addictions counselor, I know I have a slight addiction to food. But I think my biggest problem is portion control. I think of this like getting sober, if you want to to work and you are ready, then it will work. I'm ready, I'm going to do the surgery and I'm going to be successful and it doesn't matter if negative people want to judge me, they don't have any power over me. I have the power and I refuse to let anyone take that away from me. I'm changing my life for me... BTW, it's ok to take care of yourself first, if you don't take some pleasures and do things just for you, you don't have anything to give to your loved ones for long. You can't give away what you don't have, self care is a good thing... I'm taking care of me, so I can take better care of my family and friends...

[Cyndy-loo]

Well said and a sure sign of health, total health. Physically, emotionally and cognitively.

[pamela joy]

I"m retired and didn't tell only family and best friend. It up to you if tell anyone. but they will notice after a few week something is up. If someone tells me I look like I lose weight I just say thank you, if they ask how I just say cut back on junk food lol. it has worked so far and I was 237 and have lost 63 lbs since may. Good Luck!

[sraebaer]

I wouldn't tell anyone. I only told a few very close friends, one of which ended up "blabbing" my secret. Not that I care anymore at 3 years out, now people knowing keeps me accountable. I don't want to be the person who lost all their weight and gained it back to be the topic of everyone's gossip. But that first year, no one needs to know.

Hubby wants me to take our daughter's family wedding photo off the wall because I was huge. But no, it was her wedding, that is still me, and it motivates me not to go back to looking like that. My students love looking at me in older yearbooks, and say, "Mrs. B, that is NOT YOU!"

[Lisa73me]

I wouldn't tell anyone. I only told a few very close friends, one of which ended up "blabbing" my secret. Not that I care anymore at 3 years out, now people knowing keeps me accountable. I don't want to be the person who lost all their weight and gained it back to be the topic of everyone's gossip. But that first year, no one needs to know.

Hubby wants me to take our daughter's family wedding photo off the wall because I was huge. But no, it was her wedding, that is still me, and it motivates me not to go back to looking like that. My students love looking at me in older yearbooks, and say, "Mrs. B, that is NOT YOU!"

I think I'm going to put a before and after picture of myself on my refrigerator, that's a great idea!

[TarotAces]

I've noticed that those who decide not to tell others they had surgery have the most success with saying they are on a "Ketogenic diet" and exercise plan. People believe the low carb/high protein/no sugar plus exercise plan 'excuse' for having lost soo much weight soo quickly.

Just my 2 cents.

[Ellamax]

Just had surgery november 30th and I'm keeping it a secret only 3 people know I don't want to here negative comments and there opinions I did it for me !!!and yes I'm gonna use the no carb high protein diet excuse that I tried many times but could not loose the weight it will work this time !

[Susiq]

I am so glad you posted this. I do not plan on telling anyone if I decided to go thru with getting a sleeve. other than my husband. My boss at work will need to know but I can trust her to keep the detials of my time off to herself. We will see how I feel down the road.

[Aiken Yankee]

I had several "detractors" before surgery. The usual " I know a person who had a friend who's sister-in-law . . bkah, blah, blah". No real facts about pros or cons - just negative hearsay.

After surgery, I told a larger number of people. Heard no negative comments. Most told me about someone they knew personally who had WLS - and was now "a totally changed person." Comments like - "Best thing they could have ever done. "Congratulations!" etc.

As your weight starts to come off, you will hear more and more positive comments. Enjoy the ride. It will be a little bit bumpy for the first few weeks. Just take it slow on your return to solid foods.

Been there - done that - is what this forum is all about!

[luckygirl]

Good for you! I did the same and its been the best decision by far

[luckygirl]

Took a week off didn't even tell my boss,she coul'nt be trusted to keep a secret. I'm so glad I kept it to myself. Just hate negativity! !!

[lottie]

I am wishing I had kept the whole thing quiet like you have all have done...I've told my immediate family why I would not be home for Christmas... I'm getting a lot of panicked phone calls asking me not to go through with the surgery... it is not making a difficult decision any easier. I'm scheduled for surgery in 2 weeks. Has anyone else experienced this?

[luckygirl]

Lottie
I know the whole idea of surgery is frightening.I had surgery in Mexico. Its been 6 months and my life is perfectly normal now.Surgery is always scary but having kidney stones ablated was by far much worse. Put yourself first! When the negativity starts quietly dismiss the discussion and say "my doctor and I have discussed it"and this topic is off limits". I have a twin sister I didn't even share with.It was my birthday present to ME!
I feel blessed to have gotten a second chance,a redue on my life.No one notices how much less I eat,the weight loss has been very slow so very few people have commeted on that either.Believe it or not people are so busy with their own lives I'm not on anyones radar. I chose not to share because I did'nt want nay-sayers or jealousy to ruin my journey. Best decision Ever! You'll be amazed how quickly you'll bounce back.
The hardest part for me was the total exhaustion that hit on the second week.I guess my calories were so low while I was on liquids. The very best of wishes to you.2017 will be a fabulous year for you Make the surgery all about getting healthy and don't let anyone rain on your parade. This is no majic bullet as I'm sure you've read.It's a tool and you will have to earn that weight loss!