Surgery Date set - need to tell people now...

Hi - 

Looking for advice / tips on telling people about my decision to have the surgery. I've been working so long to get to this point and now actually have a surgery date set. Now I need to tell work that I need 2 weeks off - but don't feel comfortable having everyone know my business.Weight has always been such an issue in my life- it's not something that I want to discuss with everyone. 

Help!

Hi Lisa,

When I had my surgery, I made the decision that I was going to do this on my terms and discuss this highly personal matter with whom I deemed should know. Work and the people i worked with were not on that list. 

I told my employer i was having surgery and needed the time off. Nobody had the balls to ask me outright what kind, because I was very vague and they got the message. Afterwards, someone finally asked me outright and my answer was, "why do you ask?". That put them on the defensive and I was able to ignore the rude question. I only took 4 days off, so I think most people assumed it was a minor thing. 

This is your journey and your life. You tell who you want to when you want to. I made the mistake of telling one person a month later because she was contemplating WLS. She then told EVERYONE I had the surgery. I wish now I hadn't told her. 

I no longer work at the toxic place i once worked. I know leaving there had a huge positive effect on my loss. Stress is not conducive to losing this weight. I learned that as I gained 100 pounds working there for 10 years. 

WLS, therapy and physical fitness are the cure for obesity.

I am so happy for you. Congrats on a surgery date.

Sharon

Congratulations on getting your date! My surgery is next week. I'm close with my boss, so I told her the specifics, but I'm telling everyone else that I'm having my gall bladder removed (which is true--they're taking that at the same time). I think it is fine to leave things at "medically necessary surgery." That covers you with FMLA and the rest is no one else's business! Good luck!