People are starting to notice...

So what to tell co-workers has been an ongoing issue of mine, that I don’t necessarily work in a place with people who are positive, warm and fuzzy, contrastly they are rather negative, "gloom and doom" kind of folks (its a rewarding job, but terrible at the same time). My section of 9 women know that I went out on medical leave for an unknown surgery in December, but no one knows if I had a hysterectomy, gall bladder surgery, sex change, or what (LOL). Well anyway, the last two days my co-workers are really noticing my loss. Two have even said they can see a huge difference in my collar bone, neckline, and face. They are congratulating me which feels great! One of them even lingeringly asked, “Could you be losing weight because of the surgery…?" and I just grinned and didn’t say anything. I know, I know you are probably wondering “why not just tell them?" but honestly, I am here to do my job, not become the gastric bypass spokesmodel for an office of 300 women, two-thirds of which are obese and could [possibly qualify for surgery. I'm proud of my RNY, but I’d never get any work done with the barrage of questions. I wish I could tell my section in confidence that my information would not be shared, but I’ve already seen how information in this group gets spread to all of 300 in 24 hours, and I don’t care to be the focus of it.On a larger scale of my workplace, the building I work in hold about 600 employees. I worked in a different department 3 years ago and saw many of my old colleagues at a wellness fair that we had last week. That group of folks are all so positive, happy, glad to be at work, etc, that I can easily tell them (and have) about my surgery. When I told one of my former coworkers that insurance covered it 100% she was floored, but also asked a bunch of questions about the process, why I chose RNY, etc. For someone like her, I loved reaching out and offering my assistance. Is this wrong that I don’t want my business on the public broadcast system? I know that my section is either going to worry that I have cancer or a flesh eating disease in another month since my clothes are already falling off- so I guess I could just tell them and stop worrying about it… but I still fall back on the fact that this is my private health matter, not up for some "stranger’s" debate… UGH what do you think?

I think it is your personal choice and it is up to you to decide who you will and wil lnot tell.  I didn't tell my co-workers or my family only my parents and my husband.  I did not want to hear their opinions nor did I want to answer their never ending questions.  No people are not stupid and I'm sure they've figured out but it's my personal business and until I feel the need there won't be any information sharing from me.  Let them tal****il u confirm or deny then allthey are doing is just that talking.

 Gurl keep it to your self!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I had not told any of them people! I have become the poster child ,information post. If your tummy hurt go to Jervis office you know she has chicken broth "that's all she can eat" (Yes I actually herd the heffa say it) . I didn't even tell my Aunts' uncles, cousin but I was at work telling every damn body(so excited) and I wish I hadn't . Trust me I love every body (People Person I Am ) but I don't like rude ignorant people keep your NASTY comments to your self!  Can they stop you from losing any more.? "You don't need to be any smaller", "Your starting to look sick...I mean that in a nice way...WTF (mind you i'm 203lbs. still obese) "You know that she had WLS surgery "and the conversation in the room could be about someone else struggle with weight or not wanting to eat from the lunch truck and it goes back to me and my WLS. If I  could do it all over again I would not have told them $hiot. I guess this should have been my rant today...lol Sorry to go on to long in your post, but gurl think long and hard about. 

You know the e old saying don't let the left hand know what the right hand is doing.  It's a few family member I told and wish I haven't told as many as I did.  Yes a lot of people behind my 
as my sister if I was sick.   MAY STANDARD ANSWER IS I BEING EAT RIGHT. If so one is over weight I will talk to a stranger before I talk to someone that I know.  They just don't
keep water. And a debate my younger niece and sister wanted to debate on the surgery it was not up for debate.P.S. I know my niece have a talk with one of her high school teacher last year because of some of the things she saided.  When I decide to do any other corrective surgery she'll never know.  I feel great
I'm not where I wanted to be but I'm glad that I'm not where
I was.
GOOD LUCK ON WHAT YOU DECIDE

Everybody at my job thinks I had fibroids removed. Common surgery for black women, nobody even raises an eyebrow. They noticed immediately when I came back. My story is Atkins and excersing. That's the story and I'm sticking with it!

I said I had gallblader surgery, and now their noticing like you, I tell them I got on a protein diet becouse they see me drink my shakes, and also going to the gym that's it. I did tell a couple of close friends, but those who are not close to you won't care to ask nothing, that's what I think..

Thanks you guys! Your replies made me feel really good... and reassured me that those people don't deserve to hear anything about my personal business, so I'm going to stick with keeping it to myself.

This is a subject I can relate to so well.  Bottom line for me was I don't discuss other medical issues in details with anyone AND this is no different.   After almost seven years I still 'fluff' folks off.  It is my business.  There are constant advertisements (newspaper, billboards, group meetings, handouts, etc.) in my area and any questions people have, the info is easily accessible.  Best of luck to you.

Hi,

It's your business and you decide who/when to tell and or discuss. I understand that this is easier said than done, but after a while they will get used to the thinner you and get tired of speculating.

I'm having surgery in couple of days, because of my position at work everyone (and their brother) knows that I am having surgery and will be out for a while. They are all generally good folk so when they ask what I am having done, I say, 'this and that', if they push harder I ask if they really wany to know... then their eyes roll in " understanding" LOL! they all think I am having a hysterectomy! They have noticed my pre-op weight loss and I have been honestly saying low carb and exercise. We'll see what happens after surgery when I really start losing.

BTW my name is Enid, typically post on the DS board, hello all!.

Hi Enid.....I pray that your surgery is without complications and that the staff at the hospital be sensitive and alert to any needs you may have. I am having my revision to the DS on Thursday. I look forward to sharing with you my "switch sistah". The "dark side is calling. I had a VBG 20 years ago. I am so tired of my weight consuming my life. I am ready for life to consume me. Please add me as a friend. I do not see many African americans on the DS board.
Peace and blessings
Mz JoJo