Well done you. You are on the way to a healthier (and probably happier) life.
It is no one's business except yours. I too didn't tell many people and a year out they still don't know. I am half the size I was and I explained it by saying I was eating less and exercising more - both true. Some people have been concerned as they thought that perhaps I was ill. I have thanked them for their concern and have said that my weight loss was planned. No one really takes any notice now :-)
Sending you all good wishes for your recovery and new life.

Good for you!
Your life, your body, your health, your decision, nobodies business.
Exiting, isn't i?
Good luck to you!

Boy, you sure know how to keep a secret!
I told only three people and five years later, I think, only three people know how I was able to lose 63 lbs.
Congrats to you!

I told a few family and friends but now 4 yrs, 8mos. out when people ask I tell them I have 85% of my stomach remove they alway say, sorry I tell them I’m not. It the best decision I ever made.

I think this works either way, but having had strong willed family members totally understand why you would want to keep this a secret.

I have some very curious coworkers, and my wife encouraged me to tell them what I was doing. Surgery went good and I've had several people come to me privately asking about the procedure and how it has worked for me, as they consider if this something they'd like to consider. But I also had a couple of family members who really questioned my decision. However, they lived several hours away, so it was manageable.

My bariatric center posts everything on Facebook. We also have a private group, but they never use it. Seriously, do I want my hundreds of Facebook friends, mostly acquaintances, to know I had weight loss surgery? - no way! I am careful never to comment. I know they just want the advertising for their center, but they are not going to get it from me.

Here's the response I got when I asked why they don't use the private group:

Of course we respect everyone’s right to privacy, but we encourage our patients to take pride and joy in their success and to overcome the shame so many have carried with them for so long. And yes, we do want to spread the word about our services so that we can help more people achieve that same success.

The purpose of our public page is to increase awareness of bariatric surgery to the community and all or clinic has to offer. The public page is open for those who would like to share their experience/story to do so.

I also hid my surgery, well best I could. I shared only with my immediate family and a few close, lifelong friends.

Work was another story; I chose to have my surgery at the OR where I work. Finally around 4-months postop I "outed myself" on FB because people were noticing the difference in the few photos I had posted. Some private messaged me afraid I was ill

When I did let folks know on FB, I was blessed with all kinds of support; 83 people liked my post and 66 people commented - not one negative response or story about weight gain or lack of success. I got a little tired of "hiding" my success - I feel so good and my health is greatly improved - I want to shout it out from the mountain tops!!

The folks at my work from the OR staff & surgeons, to EVS workers, to Dietary staff who have seem my transformation before their eyes have been incredibly encouraging and supportive.


I totally get why people keep this personal, but I have also been pleasantly surprised by the support and not negativity that I have received.

All the best to you on your journey. It's important to handle it the way that is best for you.