Is/Has anyone keeping surgery a secret?

[shoebie]

Is/has anyone keeping surgery a secret from work or friends? I know its important to have a support system and I do but I do not think this is something I want to share with everyone. A lot of people do not understand this is just a tool its not a magic fix, its not the easy way out, it's going to take so much work. I have people in my direct circle and their family members who have gone through various types of weight loss surgery and have heard so much negative feedback I do not want to nor do I think I should have to subject myself to that as least not right off the bat. My weight has varied so much in my life no one would think twice about it I have varied 80+ in less then a year etc. Any positive feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Denise*661]

The only persons that I have told are one brother one sister parents my oldest son and my husband. Hopefully it stays that way lol.

[Desire155]

I only told the close ppl at work and my family after I had surgery I told everyone I was determine to get surgery and just like you I did not want to hear the negative things some ppl have to say.. Im happy with my surgery and would do it again in a heart beat

[Ms. Jupiter]

I have lost 125 pounds, and only 7 people know that I have been sleeved. I had lost quite a bit before my procedure, and was sleeved in Oct.
Friends and co-workers ask about what I am doing, I tell them what I do, ( My exercise routines, new eating habits, as well as seeing a counselor who specializes in eating disorders.) That is all they need to know.
I did not and still do not feel like I need to tell anyone that I have had it done.
Although I truly admire everyone who is out there and up front with being sleeved That is nice to see that.
I am a pretty private person and it just feels too uncomfortable for me.

[shoebie]

Glad i'm not alone........ what did you guys tell the HR dept at work or did you just use vacation days?

[toutdesuite]

I'm not going to broadcast it but if anyone asks, I'll be honest about it. I told my boss I'm having surgery, period.

[sraebaer]

Same here. I didn't tell any co-workers at first, but now when they ask (4 months later) how I lost all the weight, I tell the truth.

[Momof3monsters]

I have only told the people closest to me. I figure if someone asks I will tell them but I don't really think everyone needs to know. I'm going with don't ask don't tell do what you are comfortable with.

[Shirleybird]

My husband and family Dr. are the only ones in the world that know. I told everyone i had some digestion problems and had to have surgery on my bowl. It has worked perfectly. I just don't want any bad comments or judgments. Good luck and I wish you well, Shirley

[kaygee]

The only ones that know aremy husband and best friend. I just told a few other people that I had a hernia repair. I did tell people about 6 weeks befoee surgery that I was seeing a nutritionist and that I was on a diet. I was on summer vacation and I work per diem so I didn't have to tell a HR. If you tell your HR, just ask them to be discreet. They should honor your request.

[jduford]

Everyone is different. I have not kept it a secret, but I am a horrible liar. I even feel guilt when I lie by omission. Good luck on your choice and your journey.

[DLove0328]

I'm just going to fill out the FMLA paperwork and let them know; if they ask, I'm having gastrointestinal surgery....that's all they need to know. Under the new HIPA law, they cannot ask you anything about your medical conditions.

[StacyD]

I told my family, co workers and boss. If anyone had any opinions they were respectful enough to not say it to me (cause I didn't ask for any lol)
I find it freeing - I am not a good secret keeper so for me there were to many balls in the air to keep it quiet. Good Luck to you!

[katesnana]

I have told everyone!! They've all seen m weight gain now I want them to see my weight loss. I'm hoping it may help someone else make the decision to change their life.
I understand ppl wanting to keep it quiet tho. I've received negative reviews but if I can help one person it'll be worth it.

[tinoch]

It is sort of an awkward conversation to have with people and it makes some people feel uncomfortable. They don't know what to say when you tell them. "......ahh you weren't that fat, why did you have surgery? " I have told my close friends and my immediate family but not my husband's family. His brother and wife we only see at Thanksgiving so I have several months before I have to deal with them but his parents are coming in a few weeks and I bet his mom will ask/notice because she has struggled with her weight her whoooooolllllleeeeeee life. But I didn't tell her because when my BF had lap-band a few years ago, she was so freaked out because she is very hippy/holistic.

My plan is to tell people I don't know as well only when they start asking about my weight loss.
We can also pretend like we are in the military: if they don't ask, don't tell.