Bariatric surgery- how much do you share?

[Anonymous]

I’m having bariatric surgery early next year. People (friends, neighbors, colleagues) will obviously notice the weight loss. I may feel differently after the surgery, but as of now I don’t really want to tell non family members about it. So when people ask, how forthright do I need to be?

If you have BTDT, how did you handle this?

[Anonymous]

I have a couple of friends and some relatives who have had it. Some overshare (share EVERYTHING, way too much info), others share nothing, and most inbetween. You should share what you are comfortable sharing with whom you feel comfortable sharing.

[Anonymous]

I think if you do not say something, they will assume you are taking some of the new drugs. They may ask about them. So, be prepared for that.

Otherwise, you disclose what you want to disclose to whom you want to disclose and when you want.

[Anonymous]

"I've been working hard, thank you for noticing."

"I'm focusing on changing my eating and exercise habits."

[Anonymous]

I’ve lost a lot of weight this year and no one other than my closest friends has said anything.

[Anonymous]

Best is to just tell people and avoid the contortions.

[Anonymous]

You are not obligated to share any health info but there is nothing shameful about taking weight loss medications or undergoing bariatric surgery to address obesity — a chronic disease. What I would not do is tell people you lost weight solely through diet and exercise. Simply say it’s private.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think you need to tell them specifically, but if they make an inquiry, you can vague and say you have been taking steps to lose weight.

Many people won’t say anything, but everyone will be wondering if you’ve either had surgery or cancer. It isn’t in the realm of normal to lose 100 lbs in a year (or whatever the number it is usually drastic). People you don’t see often may not even recognize you. It makes it even more awkward to not even acknowledge something is very different