Question:
What and how did you tell your employer? Their reactions?
— Sandra S. (posted on April 10, 2002)
April 10, 2002
Well, my supervisor is a registered dietitian who used to oversee patients
that had WLS over 20 years ago. When I told her about my decision, she was
more than supportive and offered any assistance she could with helping me
to make my food choices after the surgery. Also, I had warned her that I
would probably need about a month off of work but she said "No way!
You need to be off for at least 7-8 weeks so you can heal properly!"
Fine by me! :-) I wasn't going to tell anyone about it, but I've decided
that I want to be honest if anyone asks me about it so that perhaps I can
educate people on WLS and erase some of the bad stigma that comes along
with it.
— Renae
April 10, 2002
I started a new job on March 18th, and told my boss on my eighth day there
about the surgery. I told them that I had been working on this since
January, and had hoped to have it done before getting a job, but oh well. I
asked them to be up front with me if this surgery date (May 13th) would be
at a bad time for them. I wanted to let them know how important it is to
me, but at the same time, acknowledge their position and possible problems
getting my work done without me. The conversation itself was scary, but I
showed them that I was trying my best to take their felling into
consideration too. I can tell you that they shocked me with their support!!
They were absolutely wonderful!! I was so surprised at how nice they were -
and they didn't even know me! (Only 8 days on the job!) I guess my advice
is to be honest, and tell them as far ahead as possible so that they can
work around it . Good Luck!
— Lauren C.
April 10, 2002
I told my manager and co-supervisors as soon as I decided to have the
surgery. This was in Jan 2001. By the time I got through the office visits,
testing done and insurance approval and actually had the surgery it was
Dec,2001.
I did not hide from anyone what I was having. I got great support from all
my co-workers, family and friends except for one friend who seemed to be
disinterested. I really believe you should tell as many as you feel
comfortable with, it really helps you when all the people that are around
you support your efforts. For the ones that don't, you really don't need
them as friends. GOOD LUCK!!
— mc H.
April 10, 2002
I don't plan on telling my boss or co-workers anything. All they will know
is that I'm out on approved FMLA medical leave. Only some anonymous person
in my HR dept has to know the details, thank God. Fortunately, I work with
all men, so if anyone dares to ask, I'm just going to answer "female
problems". That always stops a guy cold! :-)
— Angie M.
April 10, 2002
I had to tell the people I work with, I work in the hospital I am having
the surgery done at and news travels fast. For the most part people have
been very supportive, A bunch of the girls started Weight Watchers today.
(I think trying to get a head start on me) I was happy because they will
all want to be out walking and being active at lunch now and I will have
someone to keep me company when I go walk after surgery. I guess it all
depends on your work environment. I work with mostly woman and a lot of
them are overweight, no obese just overweight. We have a very sedentary
job and they have all been so supportive and all can't wait to see the
results of the surgery. Good Luck to you whatever your decision is...
— Dawn L.
December 22, 2002
I work at a small bank (3 ppl on staff) I told my boss the whole story, who
was very supportive. I did not want the main office to know much about it,
just the ones who had to approve my time off of work (i only took 2 1/2
weeks off, my choice). My boss has been great, she said when I got back
"let me know if you need me to get you anything, move anything,
etc" She and my co-worker have been nothing but supportive.
— Candy J.
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