Should I be open with friends and family about my weight loss plans, including surgery?

Deciding whether to share your weight loss plans with friends and family is a personal decision that ultimately depends on your individual circumstances and relationships. However, we generally recommend seeking support and encouragement from loved ones during this process.

There are a few reasons why it may be helpful to be open with friends and family about your weight loss plans:

• They can provide emotional support: Losing weight and undergoing surgery can be a challenging and emotional process. Sharing your plans with friends and family can allow them to offer emotional support and encouragement during this time.

• They can help you stay on track: Having the support of loved ones can help you stay motivated and accountable to your weight loss goals. They can also help you stay on track with your diet and exercise plan.

• They can provide practical support: Friends and family can also help with practical tasks, such as preparing meals or driving you to appointments.

Sharing with loved ones can be delicate, and it is important to consider the feelings and reactions of your loved ones before sharing your weight loss plans. It may help if you gather as much information as possible about bariatric surgery ahead of the conversation so that you can help address any concerns or misconceptions that those who are not as familiar with these procedures may hold. If you have concerns about how they may respond, it may be helpful to have a conversation with them to address any potential concerns or misunderstandings.

Ultimately, the decision to share your weight loss plans is a personal one and should be based on what you feel is best for you. While having the support of your community can be helpful to your journey, the presence of naysayers should not deter you from your decision to take ownership of your health. Commit to your decision, and you'll be glad you did!