How did you tell co-workers? How did they react?

Now that my date is getting closer (3 weeks exactly!), I'm curious about how others told co-workers. I've told the 3 people I'm closest to on my shift and my supervisor, but that's all. I can't just imagine all the random drug tests I'll be getting once the weight starts dropping off since no one really knows! I'm hoping to avoid any negative gossip, but I know it's inevitable. Dispatchers and cops love good gossip. I'm just curious as to how you all handled telling coworkers and what kind of reactions you had.

Hey Brandi -

I feel your pain.  We have a saying, "Telegram, telephone, Teletrooper!!!"  Yes, gossip is RAMPANT at workplaces, unfortunately.  I told my two best friends at work AND my supervisor, and I only told her because I HAD to.  She chose to share it with other co-workers, and had I wanted to push the issue, she could've gotten into a lot of trouble as it's a HIPPA violation. 

Anyway, don't feel like you HAVE to share info - if you want to be selective about whom you tell, that's your right.  There were a couple of people who were downright ignorant with their questions, and to them, I said, "Why in the world would you ask me something like that?" which generally made them uncomfortable (and shut them up).  To others, you might want to say, "I've just been watching what I eat and exercising," which won't be a lie!!!!

Again, this is YOUR personal info - don't feel like ANYONE is entitled to it!!!  Except for us, of course!!  LOL!!!

HTH,

Tia

I told several people that I am close to. It was easier for me to discuss the closer I got to it and the more real it became. I work in a fairly small office and in many ways we are like family. So I did not have any concerns about people discussing it when I was out. I am so rarely out that it had to have come up. Everyone was very supportive! Once I was post op everyone was very encouraging and complimentary as the transformation took place. Bottom line - for me it was fine.

I recognize that each office is different. Just do what you are most comfortable doing and leave it at that.  it will all be fine!

I had a lot of questions as to what type of surgery I was having. Since I had only been at work for 8 months at this company prior to surgery, I just didn't feel that it is anyone's business what type of surgery I was having and did not feel the need to divulge personal information to them. Obviously I had to tell those who would be picking up the excess in my absence and my immediate supervisor that I would be going out on medical leave for a few weeks. 

When asked what type of surgery I was having, (some assumed immediately it was knee surgery due to the way I walked prior to the surgery) and I just smiled and said, "I'm getting my innards fixed". I thought that was a polite way of saying, "none of your business".

Since I've been back (mid November) I've had a few speculations and a few questions and I just tell people that I had a few things done to get healthier. I also speak of exercise and dieting when they inquire about my weight loss. I haven't had any negative reactions. Some of the positive reactions are a bit embarassing, I guess because I just wish people wouldn't even comment. I just want to do my job and blend in without a bunch of attention being paid to me.

That's my take on it, YMMV.

However you decide to handle it, good luck to you Brandi! We'll see you on the loser's bench in no time!

Ren

I work in a great agency, and the office I'm in is like family.  Plus we've had 3 other GB clients here that got started before me, so in a sense they broke the ice on the WLS, but I broke the ceiling by being the first one banded. 

So, it was fairly easy once you learned to ignore people's suggestions that you didn't need surgery that you should exercise more......or eat less.....

I personally choose to share with my immediate office and anyone else who asked.  I'm a meeting planner, so in preparing to be out for a month, everyone's first question was, "Ooh, are you going on vacation?  Someplace fun, I hope."  So, I just started saying that I would be out for weight loss surgery. 

Since I started at 410 lbs, there was no way on earth that I would be able to keep it a secret and it seemed silly, in my opinion, to do so.  Although it is a personal health decision, I considered like dying my hair blond - who wouldn't notice?  I felt like it would be more effort and energy to try to keep it from people than to just be open about it.  I'm happy that I did.  I've educated a few people along the way and helped a co-worker make the decision to have lap band surgery.  For those that didn't/don't understand and chose to gossip, or say that I took the easy way out by having surgery, etc, I could care less about their opinions. 

Just my $.02.  Best of luck as your surgery approaches! 

Like ms1poopie I told everyone I knew I was having the surgery. I did get some negative responses from mostly other people that were having weight issues themselves.  I chose not to dwell on those and just said it was something I am doing for myself. I had been fat long enough and I wanted some skinny time on this earth lol. Even now when people say things about my weight loss I do  tell them how I did it. I think maybe for awhile I thought it was an easy way out too. I now know different. I never understood why people like to keep it a secret. I felt proud of myself for having the courage to do something that would change my life in a positive way.

I work for a small company and we are almost like a family ( infact a few family members work here) so it was easy for me to tell them :  and I almost would have had too anyway - all the
preop test meant a lot of time away from work .  They have all been really supportive-
I could not have asked for more.    One coworker has on more then one occasion called
me out to her office to talk too truck drivers who have wives or girlfriends who had surgury
or are thinking about it .  Infact she asked me last week if it bothered me that she did it
I assured her it didn't.  If I can pay forward some of the support I have been given I am grateful
for the chance to do it. 

Unlike others I chose not to tell the people I work with because I didn't want to be the focus of questions and inquiry and redicule.  So far I have been successful.  Due to HIPPA I was able to go out and have surgery and not have to tell them why, when people would try to inquire I just would not acknowledge their questions and move on to something else.  I'm 3 months out and down 62 lbs, and nobody has asked me any questions or commented on my weightloss.   So in my mind I'm very happy with the decision I made not to share with people at work.

Hi Christy

Love your avatar you look great!!!

Hope to see you on Thursday at Support Group

 Terri