Is/Has anyone keeping surgery a secret?

[ximmia]

My company insisted on FMLA paperwork being done for my recovery even though I was out of short-term disability. Big companies... sheesh

[Curlytop54]

I have told no one other than a few friends but no one at work other than saying that I am watching what I eat .... which I am and exercising. I didn't tell a lot of family until it was all done then I informed them. I had a friend who went thru it and my husband as my main support system and got me thru it.

[TXRN]

I have not told anyone I know. My family would not be supportive, I know this for a fact. They will try to talk me out of it, and tell me that I "don't need it." It's my life, my body, my decision.

I am considering surgery in March with Dr. Alamanza if I get my vacation time approved. I feel pretty scared about traveling on my own, well not scared, but know I will just feel "alone" during the entire time. I'm hoping I can meet someone who is in the same position for some support. I'm an RN and so used to supporting and helping others. I never really expect the same treatment, but for the surgery I feel like I'm going to need it.

[DLove0328]

I'm going for mine with Dr. A March 28th. Being on here has helped me tremendously! There are going to be negative story's just as there are good. I have only seen one negative ... and it has not changed my mind one bit! I am counting down everyday.

[ponyice]

At first I felt the same way, nobody's business. Now that I'm getting close to onederland people that haven't seen me want to know what I'm doing and I'm so happy with my progress I tell them the truth. Most of the time if its someone heavy they have been considering surgery options.

[bubblequeen]

I had decided that I would only tell my husband and a friend at work. It was just a personal thing that is meant for me, my health and a continued long life. Didn't want any negative or opinions. I figured it would be my success to celebrate since i'm doing all the work

[anonamus551]

I heard someone say before.... "You only share with people who've earned the right to know!" With that I only plan to tell my DH and maybe one of my friends. I'm iffy about her because she'd tell her family, as she has done in the past which is my place to do so and not hers. Honestly, I don't trust anyone else beyond my DH. I feel that my health just like my weight is my personal business. I don't report my finances, political views or TOM to all even if they ask, its my private personal business. (Many people don't and may never disclose weight, I feel they have every right to do so.)

You do whatever you wan't, it's your choice and your business. Your not obligated to anyone's 'opinion' of how you should, could or would handle your WL journey! I personally deal with very judge mental gossip loving people who think WLS is the easy way out.

[Sha]

I am almost 1 year post op and 4 lb away from my goal. It has been the most tremendous year and I am amazed at how much I have achieved. The only people I told about my surgery were my husband, and 2 very close friends (and their husbands). I have absolutely no regrets about not telling my parents, siblings, in laws and other close friends. When anyone asks how I lost my weight I tell them that I realized I could survive on a lot less food, cut down on carbs, and I got slightly obsessed with exercise- all completely true... and although I feel that had I told everyone what I really did, someone may be convinced that they too should have the surgery and change their life for the better, but at the same time, I have managed to influence so many friends,and colleagues, including my sister who would never have the surgery, to start on a diet and not give up... people look at me and think if she can do it, so can I- and they are being so successful on regular diets. I have no regrets in doing the surgery, and not telling anyone about it... but thats just me!
At the same time, obviously its good to be able to vent, so I speak to my husband and those close friends a lot about it, and my doctor,and use this forum to help me too. You have to make the decision and do what you feel will be best for you...

[Fantadiallo]

I really do not see the point in not being truthful about your weight loss journey, it may help other people who might want to go the same route... also people usually know that one has had the surgery either way you look at it. I know a few people who have lied up and down about just eating right and exercising, and everyone knows they had surgery at the end of the day.

[CookieHead]

There's a difference between not telling people about your medical surgery plan, and denying that you had a procedure done to aid your weight loss.
I can't imagine anyone would be rude enough to make a comment about someone's body or weight, but I believe this does happen.
My weight goes up and down a lot, and last year even though I was still big, people made comments to my face saying I lost weight or was getting "tiny" (hardly as I was size 6 or 4). Some people may feel differently, but outside of a weightloss group or this type of online board, I don't want people commenting on my body size, period.

[bgedang]

I took a Leave for 6 weeks.. as my surgery was the sleeve/gallbladder removal/hernia repair and I told them I was going in for gall bladder and hernia repair. I didn't mention the sleeve surgery, and in all honesty.. HR in the US isn't allowed to ask what the LOA is for, all they have to know is if it is medically related.

[HuskeRN]

I am just entering the era of considering WLS, and I will not tell anyone except my husband.

[BethJane]

READ THIS: it does not matter if you keep it private!!! I was in the hospital with something unrelated a few months back and I had a room full of visitors. In walk the doctor, and in less than a minute, before I knew it, he was reading off some check off chart and one of the items on the list was bariatric surgery, checked off.... he read my health charts as if nobody was around.....I about died. I cannot believe how stupid and careless one health professional can ruin your plans for privacy. Only my husband and I knew about the surgery and everyone thought I was on some amazing eating plan. made me feel like a liar. NObody has mentioned it to me but EVERYONE in my family - my in-laws - knows! and I have a big, gossipy family.

[alf07]

I only told my immediate family (husband, kids, parents & in-laws) before I did the surgery. Since the surgery I've told a few more but not everyone. If I'm asked I don't lie I just don't broadcast it to the world.

[CookieHead]

Of course, also not really a secret since we are posting to the internet