Finally approved but questions?

I have been working on getting approval since April 08 and today I finally got the news...that I have been approved. I am so thankful. But just so happens  I am out on my 3rd week of medical leave for a Lap Hysterectomy. I am hoping to return to work next week. I hope to also get my RNY surgery date soon. My question is does anyone know how long I need to wait between procedures? Also I work for a rather large corporation and do not want to announce to my peers why I have to be out again for another medical reason. How has everyone handled the work questions..? I know I have to take this time for myself regardless of my fear of work uncertainties ... any advise would be appreciated....JJ

First of all congratulations on being approved. It sounds like a long time coming. I cannot answer your questions and I ended up telling everyone here at work I was having it done. They have all been so supportive. Some have turned out to be my work out buddies. It wasn't my initial plan to let them know but I had some paper work faxed here and it had the Doctor's name and the name of the Bariactric service on the paper so... Anyway, good luck with it all and ask your surgeon about how soon after your other surgery it can be done. He/she will be the best one to advise you on that.

Hi Jojo,

Congratulatons on your approval. I would call your surgeon's office and let them know out your recovery from your surgery and I'm sure that they'll work with you and your other surgeon to ensure that your next surgery date will be schedule to ensure your optimal health. I have a friend who had gall bladder surgery in December and just had her RNY last week. So, I think she had about 6 wks between procedures, so that might give you some idea.

I think that the decision to share your personal medical issues is a very personal choice and there really are no right or wrong answers. I will say that most eventually do share and find that they have much more support than detractors. If you decide not share, you might to let them know that you are see a gastroenterologist to address some intestinal issues... my husband had a mild hernia and just told people that he didn't want to share with that he was having it repaired... which he was, but he just didn't add the information about the replumbing he was having done at the same time... At least that's how he started. Evenutally, he just let the cat out of the bag.

Wishing you all the best,

Thanks so much for the replies. I heard back from the Dr today that I need to wait at leat 12 weeks between procedures...On my other question I guess I will continue to debate how, and what to tell my co-workers. In the end I know I have to do what is best for me. Thanks again for sharing.

Jojo,
When I had surgery I decided not to tell people. I just told my boss and other co-workers who asked that I was having surgery - if they had asked what for, I would have told them, but since no one asked I didn't volunteer the info. Once I had the surgery I didn't care who knew, but I just didn't want to have to hear the talk (or be the subject of it) beforehand. I was out of work for 6 weeks and had lost over 50 pounds when I did go back to work, so at that point it was pretty obvious and I didn't have any problem talking about it. I was surprised how supportive everyone was, and has continued to be. Whatever you decide to tell or not tell your coworkers, make sure it is what you are comfortable with sharing.

Sarah

Thanks Sarah. Its hard to believe that I will not care about other people knowing..but based on the feedback I am getting I seems to be the concensous. By the way ..your before and after shots are amazing. Its so exciting to see how other people have changed in anticipation of what I can look forward to.