What to say when I go back to work

Hi! I need suggestions. I have to start working again soon but the only thing turning me off from starting again is having to explain my absence to people who know me at the schools I sub at. It's a small town and I substitute at a certain school a lot (my childhood elementary school). Everyone there knows my mom and me. My mom has been working there and they've asked about me and since I didn't want anyone knowing I had gastric, I told her to tell them something else other than I had wls. So I guess she told them I had some sort of thyroid surgery? Well, I don't know what to say when I do go back. I don't want to really talk about it but I can't be rude and not answer if someone asked me why I had to have surgery. Does anyone out there have any suggestions as to what I could say? I know it's easier to tell the truth but something inside me doesn't want anyone to know other than my family and a couple of friends. Thanks for your ! Elisa

oops sorry for the mistakes...don't you hate how you miss them and once you post you can't go back and edit? OH well...

I didn't tell anyone at work what kind of surgery I had and if anyone asked directly, I simply said "it's personal"...most people did not ask

Thanks Gayle for the reply. I am hoping when I get back to work I won't be asked but we'll see. I have been getting some ideas of what I could say. Elisa

Elisa how are you? I go back to work on Tuesday, and I also work in the school system. Most of the teachers and my classroom students know the surgery I had. For me it was great telling them, I did not want to hide it from them. This was something I looked forward to doing and so life changing, I felt that since they are part of my life now they needed to know. And omg goodness the letters and cards I get from them this past month I've been home is amazing. You might have a great support system at work, like I do. Sorry to blab...hope this helps Toni

Toni, thanks for your response it helps a lot. I know how students can be so sweet and caring but it's not the kids that I worry about...It's the adults! Not everyone sees this surgery in a positive light and once they make up their minds--thats it. I just want to avoid having to answer millons of questions or have to put up with thoughtless remarks, ya' know? Btw, you should come here more often and post!! Elisa

hey elisa yes i totally understand about the adults, and not just even the ones from work. Everyone does give you there full opinion. I just say do whatever make you feel comfortable girl. And yes i need to come on this board more aften, lol i just realized it was here... Talk soon

Elisa, I also felt that I really wanted to keep this to myself. I wasn't ashamed or anything, but I felt it was a very private decision and I wanted only those I chose to tell to know. I think like others have said, some people have the complete wrong idea about WLS and there certainly are opinions about it! I had to tell my principal (or at least I felt I had to tell her) and asked her to keep it confidential. I was only out for 1 week but by the time I got back everyone in the office knew and so did most of the staff. I had to just let it go. If anyone asked me directly I just say that I had surgery and it was just one of those things that I'd been putting off for a long time and it was time to get it done. They never ask any further details. Of course, that might be because they got the scope in the grapevine. Anyway, it sounds like you have a good foundation laid, so if anyone asks just say it was one of those things that needed to be done and you are feeling fine now, thank you. Only the very pushiest will move beyond that and then you can play the "personal" card. Good luck getting back to work! Take it easy. Julie B

Julie, I feel the same way-this was a very private decision for me to make and I wanted to be the one to CHOOSE WHO to TELL. Except that didn't happen, I began by telling both my parents, my sister, 3 friends, and my in-laws. From that small group of people a couple of them told a few more people and before I knew it...ALL my family knew and even a few strangers. I hate that. Why do people feel the need to tell when it's not their place to tell, ya know? It's not easy for me to let go of something like this but I realize that there is a point where I'll just have to get over it. Plus, I dislike people talking about me... I know I sound silly but anyway...we'll see what happens. Thanks for your reply!! Elisa

I never really told anyone what kind of surgery I had to have. "Due to medical complications my Dr's have decided that I need to have surgery..." When I came back to work I just said, "I had intestinal surgery and am doing wonderful and thanks so much for asking!" When everyone saw that I was feeling better and happy they didn't ask anymore questions ! It was also a great reason for the change in my meals and eating habits.