Peoples expectations....

So I am going back to work tonight,  3 weeks out from surgery.  I am almost 20 pounds lighter then the last time my coworkers saw me... however....  I have received a few texts and such asking how I am healing, feeling... etc....etc... and a few people have said "Can't wait to see the new you!"  I feel like I am going to disappoint.  I know they are all on my side.  They are very supportive, and I am most likely over reacting... I guess I am just feeling the return to work blues.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Barb

I totally understand where you are coming from.  And sometimes, I felt like I would disappointment them if I gained 5 pounds, told them I skipped a workout that day, etc.  I know they all mean well and want me to succeed and love and care for me.    Sometimes you may feel like they are scrutinizing everything from what you eat to what you are wearing.  Just know that they all mean well.
You are not overreacting, you just care for them just as much as they care for you.

Take care and I'm sure you'll surprise them with the weight lost already!
20 pounds is awesome!
Jan

When you go back to work set the ground rules for discussing your band, food, or weight loss...a one off conversation with each person just letting them know what the boundaries are will go a long way towards you having a much more comfortable work environment.  Your supervisor should know what boundaries you set as well in case your wishes aren't honored.  I would not have told anyone at work what type of surgery I was having until I knew how it would go post op....it is none of their business, honestly and you have a right to privacy.
I have a "friend" who lives with one of my best friends (her SIL) who every time she sees me feels she must give me some sort of a review as to the weight lost since our last visit...makes me crazy.  I told her finally, that it was really slow and she wouldn't be able to tell unless we went 3 months without seeing each other.  Shut the Bi**h up for sure!

20 pounds in 3 weeks is terrific! Go into work with your head held high. You should be very proud of yourself. I am sure your coworkers will notice the weight loss. Enjoy the compliments you are sure to get.

I so know how you feel! I am almost  2 weeks out and am down 17 pounds (I lost 9 pounds the week before the surgery).  I did not want any "food police" or people asking how much weight I had lost, I felt it was none of their business.  For that reason, I only told my 3 sisters I was even having the surgery.  I didn't even tell my dad, or a single friend or neighbor.  No on on my husband's side knows either.  I will probably tell people eventually, but not now.

Your coworkers will notice the 20 pounds and will be thrilled for you! Congrats on your weight loss, it seems so surreal, doesn't it?

CONGRATS on the 20 lbs Barb!!!!   Be proud of that!!

There will always be people who are going to judge, and have their opinions... just remember why you did this...

and remember that you did this for YOU!

Take Care!

Oh dear, do I know how you feel! When I came back to work it's like the whole office thought I would be skinny! One lady asked me every single day how much weigh I had lost. She eventually gave up on that when the numbers weren't massively huge. Did she think I was going to come in every day and tell her I lost 5lbs from the day before?

You've done terrific with you 20lb loss. Just keep hanging in there and don't worry too much about others -- I think mostly they are excited for us and want to cheer us on.

This is why I told very few that I work with. As time has passed I have told more as inquiries have been made. As I have reached the 100lb mark and begun wearing clothes that fit more notice and ask me what I'm doing.

congrats barb you have done great. Boy can I relate I had surgery in in the same OR that I work in every one was great but after a while I got so tired of people asking me daily how much weight I had lost it took about a year before they stopped asking . Try to be patient with them I am sure you will not disappoint them.

Hi Barb,
Congrats on your 20 pounds!  Wow, that's a lot of weight already.
Before my surgery I posted a letter to the staff I work with, in our break room. I'm a RN.  I basically  explained how the band worked and that it would be a slow process and not to expect me to be losing weight as a bypass. 

Some people have posted that when questioned about the amount, they might respond that the weight loss is going as expected and that their surgeon is happy with their progress.  You don't have to give a daily amount. 

I remember the return to work blues.  The time will go by fast and soon having the band will just be a part of life.  It is so worth the effort.

Take care,
Kristi