To Tell or Not To Tell

For some reason the LAP-BAND® brings out a lot of opinions when mentioned in conversation. For those of you with the band, you know that "to tell or not to tell" people was probably a decision that took some time. Well at least it did for me. I'm the type of person who's normally open when talking to friends and family, but my decision to be banded made me pause. I was very afraid to tell anyone because of fear of what they might say.

I told my husband right away when I was contemplating going to a seminar. After starting the process, I told a friend at work to see what her reaction would be. She's very frank and I wanted to get her honest opinion. It went well, but I was still afraid to tell anyone else. I definitely knew I didn't want to tell everyone. I was going to be very selective. There are some people at work that if they knew, that's all we would talk about, and I would be judged every time I put something in my mouth.

Shortly after I told my friend at work I told my mom. I wasn't sure how she would take it since my sister had this done last year and it is not working for her. (BTW She told everyone) I think she was shocked at first and I couldn't really read her thoughts, but I think she has warmed up and supports my decision. I will be telling my dad today since I'm going for surgery tomorrow morning and my mom's going to watch my son.

I will eventually have to tell more people, but I really don't want people to know now. I want to go through the surgery, start on my diet, and not have to worry about what people think of me. Once my diet is established and I think it feels right, I may tell more. But not now.

Unfortunately, sometimes the people you think will be the most supportive can be the most critical.