First day back at work...

Today was my first day back at work. I was banded on June 20th and had an extra week off because of a chest infection. Since the day before surgery I have lost 23lbs so far...mostly it seems on my face, neck and of all places, my fingers lol. Anyway, only one person knew about my surgery and was sworn to secrecy. I was greeted with concerned comments like "are you ok? you've lost weight". My boss is dyinggggggggg to know why I was away for three weeks. He came into my office, closed the door (always signifies 'serious conversation') and asked me in a very very serious voice with accompanying facial features if I was really ok. Then it dawned on me that they probably think I have cancer or something so I told him I spent three weeks on a fat farm and I am following a stringent routine . I don't know how long I will be able to keep the secret. lol. I have a small workplace that has more than its fair share of very large people and revolves around food. When I feel comfortable enough maybe I will tell them or maybe not

I didn't tell anyone either! I didn't feel comfortable with it. I know it will be obvious, but I have too many mixed feelings about telling! I know this was the best thing for me. I don't want people to think I took 'the easy way out'. I also am afraid some might see this as a personal weakness on my part. Let's face it, people are snoopy! I know I can be. I agree that when I feel comfortable, I might tell them... BTW, I am out until the 26th...

My fav response is "Im on the Star Jones diet".... fat farm is a pretty good one too! Its really not everybodies business at work - but hey if it was me looking at you Id be nosey too!!! hahaha. I had used the excuse of my dad comming to visit for my surgery - I was only gone 4 days thou then it was back to work!! Only 2 people know at work (boss and co-worker) and I also work in a small office. Thankfully we are split across 2 halves of the building and I only sit with about 7 people. We all have cubes with high walls and I dont even see most of my co-workers everyday!! Ive had two people so far compliment me on how I look but I lost 40lbs before the surgery so theyve seen me working out for months (we have a gym at work). Good luck with everything!

I ended up telling people and they've all been very supportive. I was very concerned about how people might perceive the surgery and think poorly of me, but if anyone feels that way they've done a good job of keeping it to themselves. Congrats on being back at work everybody. Getting back into routines is so nice. Makes me feel normal again!

Probably the main reason I didn't say anything is because weight loss in the past has been frowned upon...not openly of course....but it seems that whenever anyone has started loosing weight someone will bring in yet more food. Cake, chocolate...or hey..lets all throw in for pizza for lunch everyone! I work in a stressful environment..an adult community mental health team... so there is usually some crisis happening and its aftermath is usually responded to by food. Another example of my workplace is our cooking group. The occupational therapist always has the clients cook really healthy food... then when they are gone brings out a tray of cookies for the staff!! So I just wanted to be sure of my routine and strong in my head space before I let the cat out of the bag

I say, good for you, Sharyn! I told two people, but only swore one of them to secrecy (wasn't thinking) and I have a feeling..... I work in a pre-dominantly female environment and I fished with a few co-workers to get their thoughts on it and was rewarded with a tirade of, work harder, eat less and it WILL happen!! Sooo... I'm keeping my mouth shut for now. Hopefully, it won't be a problem! I figured I'd just tell people that I'm eating really healthy because of my "illness" (they know I was in the hospital) and have cut out sugar, yaddy, yadda and hoping that's enough! You have every right and perfectly good reason to keep it quite! I hope it works out for both of us! (((HUGS))) Tin K