Need help, what to tell my employer and co-workers?

I got a scheduled surgery and I want to let my co-workers know that I am doing this surgery and what it is, ...etc. Does anyone know what things to say and if there is a sample letter I can use/modify? I remember someone on-line had a letter on his website, I lost the bookmark to the page and now I can't find it. If you can help, that would be great!

Quite honestly, I can say from my personal experience with several recent health issues, it is simply best to say you need to be hospitalized for a short period of time and will also need some time off for recovery. People are very narrow minded in this day and age ( yes believe it or not) I recently had a co-worker have RNY and the things some of our co-workers said would leave me shaking my head at their incredible ignorance. I will say this there is a chapter in a book that does approach the subject about what to say to those overly curious idiots who want to make your business theirs. I will ask my co-worker the name of the book since I gave it to her. The chapter in the book dealt only with the truth about WLS and answered any questions for the uninformed. I will email you the name of the book as soon as I can, but my personal advice, don't ask don't tell would be my line of defense, otherwise those that suffer from cranial rectal syndrome will be all up in your face about what THEY think YOU should do. Been there done that!!! Jill

All my co-workers knew was that I needed to have surgery. They all thought it was shoulder surgery again. It wasn't until I'd lost 30 lbs that they noticed and I had to fess up. They are all very supportive now but I don't think they would have been before the surgery.

Here's the "other side of the coin" so to speak - - I told my boss and several co-workers that I was having WLS and eventually, when I came back from my surgery, everyone knew (we have 70+ employees). I work in a large private medical practice with more than 20 nurses, and not one person gave me negative opinions or feedback about WLS - - they were and still are totally supportive. Maybe I was just lucky, I don't know, but I'm glad I did not keep it a secret. I appreciate all the support of my co-workers and further in the future it will help me to know that they are watching me, LOL.

I told my boss, who was very supportive; and I told most of my coworkers beforehand (except for one woman who is extremely skinny and had made disparaging remarks about people who had WLS ... such as "why can't they just exercise and watch what they eat?" Sorry, but we all aren't born perfect skinny like you, dear.) Anyway, I received nothing but support from everyone I worked with, from the big boss on down to the people who sit next to me. Depends on how you want to do it. I told people in person. I don't know of any letter ... I think the personal touch is the best way. Eileen

Just about everyone knew in the district I work in. I let my principal at the MS know and he let the other principals in on it. After a week everyone knew about it and wished me luck. I was lucky in that regard. I have had very few strange remarks until I blew way past my goal and got to thin. Depending upon where/what your work is you will have different reactions. Tell them up front if you feel you are up to handling the barrage of questions. There will be plenty- good and bad. If not the maybe keep it low and let only your supervisor know on the QT. Tough decision. But you know the best way to go because you are in the middle. I wish you luck - you will figure it out. kp

I started a new job in a new area and I was terrified to ask for time off for my revision surgery but they understood because they all new that I was suffering in pain and were really supportive of if and just wanted me to get better. I was honest and told them the whole story and they supported me 100% Tricia

Personally, the day I found out was the happiest day of my life and I told every single person exactly what I was doing and they all are very supportive and happy for me, but you do have the right to your privacy in the matter as I am sure not all people conduct themselves in this way. Good luck to you! Julie

Working on the medical field, I was upfront with people. This was important to me in case something happened to me while at work afterward and im really glad i did as i passed out at work shortly after returning to work. People know what i had done and were able to support and help me accordingly. I am of the opinion that you need to consider telling people openly for safety purposes also. Good luck! Heather Merser pre-op wieght 316 lbs surrent weight 170 -146 lbs