Work questions

Hi all, sorry to be such a pest on here! I am wondering if you would all be willing to share what you did about work (if you do so outside the home). Did you tell coworkers about your WLS? How much time did you take off? If you didn't tell coworkers, did you tell your boss, and if so, how did you go about it? I am at a point where it is really too soon to worry about it, but I am thinking about it anyway! I am thinking I *may* tell some of my coworkers, but probably only my closest friends at work. Or I might not tell anyone. I'm also thinking it might just be easier to tell my boss what I'm doing. He's a nice guy and all, but I don't know what his reaction might be. I'm concerned that if I ask off two weeks and then have a complication it would be easier if he just knew. Also, I'm thinking if I request sick leave and put down I am having surgery, he's gonna ask what is up out of concern. Just curious what everyone else has done. May cross post this to the lightweights board. Thanks!! Kim :-)

Hi there! I took a week and a half off from work (Lap RNY) and was glad to go back to work honestly. I am a teacher so it is not physically demanding, and I jobshare so it is only every other day. I did not tell my principal about what kind of surgery I was having, but I did confide in a few close co-workers. I just don't feel like it is anyone else's business, but now people have started noticing the weight loss, I kind of wish I had said something. I just say that I am working with my doctor and a nutritionist and am following a high-protein diet, with no sugar. Not a lie, but not really truthful either, ya know? Belle

I work in an office where everyone knows everything about everyone so keeping a secret was not going to happen. I told everyone what I was doing. I couldn't see the point in trying to be secretive. It was no secret that I was obese. My boss was very cooperative and supportive. I officially took off one week and worked from home via the computer for two more weeks. It worked out great. By the way, I have only gotten positive comments from my co-workers both before and since the surgery. Blessings, Annette

Kim, I'm a lab-rat myself so I'm on my feet alot and some of my work does require lifting and straining when setting up the instrumentation. I ended up taking 5 weeks off...and needed every single day. No complications (at that point), just too sore and energy drained to do the type of job I have. I had planned on taking 4 weeks off. I did tell my supervisor and the people I directly work with. Afterall, they are the ones that had to pick up the slack while I was gone. None of them minded. Everyone else in our department, I just let them find out by word of mouth. I haven't ran accross anyone here that wasn't supportive of my decision. It's a terrific bunch of people! They have been right there for me through-out all my complications as well. Sherri

I had Lap Band, and since I own my own business my husband & I are the only ones who knew about the surgery. I only missed 1 1/2 days of work, since I primarily do only registration desk work it was no problem when I returned to work. None of the employees knew that I had surgery, I felt it was none of their business. Hope

Kim I just have to jump in here and give a male perspective. Before my surgery I was working for my local church. I told everybody I had come in contact with what I planned to do and told them all when I got approved. I was so glad that I had finally decided to do something about my 450 lbs of weight that wanted to share my joy. In response I received so much encourgement, prayers, and overall support to help me start and continue thru my journey. I certainly was not ashamed to tell the world that I was having WLS. I knew there might be some who were uneducated regarding WLS and took the time to educate them. I only had one person that was opposed to this surgery and he was a Dr with the VA who was involved with a Weight Management program I had been thru at the time. Six months later I was invited to speak to the Vets in that program and I'll tell you I changed the opinion of that Dr. The problem was that he never really understood WLS as a viable option to someone like myself. I am glad that I told folks around me. If I had not told them and saw me dwindling down 200 lbs. the following 15 months they would have been worried that I was dieing of cancer or some horrible desease. I am still telling folks that I meet today that I had WLS and what wonderful results I have made. This is only my story and each individual must decide whether they want to step forward and tell the world they are doing something positive about there weight or play hide the ball. By telling them about my WLS they understood why I did not eat like they saw me before. Like at Church folks would not understand why I did not have two, three, four or more donuts during fellowship time. When we had social events they would always have something I could enjoy with them. Best wishes on your decession to have WLS. It is a great life 200 + pounds lighter. Dan

Kim I opted not to tell anyone. I kept my surgery very private. I have 5 bosses at work and told only 1 (the female.) She has been completely positive as her sister had RNY years ago. I took 3 weeks off of work. I told my male bosses I was having female surgery. That certainly stopped them from asking anymore No one at my work knows but my one boss and I am totally OK with it. Now almost 7 months later and 80+ lbs gone people are noticing. When people ask if I am losing weight I just reply with "I'm sure trying!" If more detailed questions come about, I just say I am on a high protein diet and have given up sugar. No one really questions me. The three weeks was plenty of time and I was ready to go back when I did. Whatever you chose to do GOOD LUCK! You won't regret it!! Sam