Nervous about returning to work

Hi all, Tomorrow is my first day back to work. I will be 3 weeks post op tomorrow and down 20 lbs (60 total). I am not the type of person that likes alot of attention, I get embarrassed easily and I am worried about how I will handle people making a fuss. I know there is a drastic difference in how I look already and you would think I would be excited to show it off, but I am scared to death! Am I crazy? lol I have never been one to take a compliment gracefully, probably because I did not get them very often, but I am just a nervous wreck about going back. Any sugestions? Janet

In the beginning because we are not used to the compliments it is a little hard to accept. Just learn to say thank you and leave it at that until you become more comfortable with the compliments. You will get many many more in the coming months so you will eventually get used to the compliments from others. As your self image and your self confidence increases it is much easier to accept the compliments and actually learn to enjoy them. Best of luck to you on your journey ....it is absolutely a wonderful thing. Kel

It will become more and more easier....my friend who had it done last year even compliments herself now, which I find so inspirational and exciting! Wow 60lbs Janet that is SO amazing!!! Like Kelly said just say thank you and leave it at that, it will become easier. You'll be fine!!! -Hugs- Nicole

Nope, you are not crazy. I bet that after a few compliments you will have such an inner joy knowing you look amazing. It will start to hit you and you may even cry...you may laugh...but what ever you do...do not minimize it! You worked hard babe! Hold your head high and be proud!

Hi Janet. Well...I guess that you are going to have to learn to say a big,"THANK YOU." (and mean it) It is such a very hard thing to do and it will take lots of practice but you can fake it til you make it. You earned it - so try to be gracious. After the initial greetings just say,"Enough about me, what's been going on here?" You'll be fine. Good Luck and Take Care~~

Janet, I can really relate to what you are feeling. I do not like to be the center of attention either; but try to look at the "fuss" as a sort os blessing. When I returned to work, everyone was truly happy for me; and made a big fuss over how great I looked. I had to remember that these were the same people who shared in my pre op journey. They were there for me when I had to leave work early for MD appointments. They shared my joy and relief when my surgery was approved...I'm not saying I poured out my personal business to my co workers; but as you know, our pre op process was indeed a journey and those we work with were instrumental in making time away from the office easier. I am blessed to have such a supportive group. Enjoy this time. Your co workers witnessed your struggle with obesity; now allow them to share in youe triumph!!! I hope this helps. Barbara

This is part of your New Life, too! Run with it!!!!!! Best of luck!

How did it go Janet? Also, how did the Chili go down? Hugs, Amy

Hi Amy, The day went well. I had a red face for the majority of the day, but overall I handled it ok. The chili was absolutely fine. I added a tiny bit of fat free cheese to it and I tolerated it with no problem. It definitely ups my protein for the day. Around 1pm I started to fizzle out a little and by 4:30 I was ready for a nap. I also discovered that sitting in a chair all day does not help the muscle soreness in my stomach so I had to keep getting up and walking around. My boss took no pity on me....I returned to a full caseload and so the day went by quickly because I was busy. I am off to bed. I will talk to you soon. Thanks for being the caring person you are, Janet