back to the real world

hey guys well it's back to work tomorrow -- i'm actually looking forward to it how many more episodes of 'who the baby daddy' can i watch?? i love walking the malls, but i have no money to buy anything -- i miss my guys at work (i work with adults with MR/Autism) and i want to save my last 3 vacation days lol it's only for 2 weeks and then i have another week off -- we get the week of xmas off for the holidays -- a couple of concerns -- i better not pass gas while i have someone in a restraint and it's not gas -- that is first!!!!! trying to get in my fluids -- if i have water with me it better be in my pocket or else it might end up in someone elses mouth lol how do you answer some questions?? you healed in 2 weeks???? isn't that soon??? why did you take the easy way out?? i would never do that!! you will never eat normal again!! that is what i can think of at the moment -- only cuz i went to work on friday to drop off my 'you can return' note and someone passed these comments/questions -- me and my attitude just looked at the person and said 'all will be fine' thanks roberta i had most of my stomach stapled off -- maybe they can find a surgery that will staple off the part of their brain that doesn't work

Hi Roberta: Good luck on your first day back. It amazes me sometimes how people who work in Social Services can be so insensitive ( I have worked in that field for 15 years). Of course you will be fine, you survived surgery. You took a very brave step in your battle with obesity. Those who have no concept of this surgery do think that it is the easy way out, they don't stop to think of the preperation that goes into this surgery. If I had to go see one more specialist I think I would have screamed. In about a month or so from now, when that weight loss really starts to show, see what their reactions will been then. I give you a great deal of credit to return to work after only two weeks. Best wishes to you. On a thought I have found that on those gassy days, if I can't hang out with the dog (always good to blame Ralphie) I would just warn people that you have gas and you KNOW how to use it. Good luck. Jeanne

oh that would be toooooo funny!!! i have gas ***** -- now back off -- i know how to use it love it

Hi Roberta! I too could have gone back after 2 weeks but I went back after 2 1/2, I was so bored at home and couldn't wait to get back...I had no trouble. I told very few people at work about what kind of surgery I had and so I didn't have those questions asked of me. If people say they would never do that, just reply that it's a personal choice and not for everyone. It's not the easy way out either, it's a "tool" and you have a lot of work that goes with the tool. You are still healing too! Remember you can't lift anything over 15 lbs so you are still in the healing phase! Good luck!

I must be weird...it'd take me a long time to get bored not working. I do miss the social interaction, though...and I'm glad you're glad to be going back. It's weird-at my job people don't ask me stupid questions...they ask everyone BUT me, which I think is even more stupid. People think it's an intrusion to ask so they'll talk about it when I'm not around. Sometimes I think that's worse than asking me a stupid question because then they don't get the facts. People ask questions like that because they don't understand...and it's sad, really, because I think it'd be nice if people understood enough to know how to be supportive and understanding. On the brighter side...if these people are with you in the room when 'gas happens' you can blame THEM! Hee hee hee. Have a great first day back!! Sandi

Roberta, I always hated "I would never do that" and by the way, the biggest I would never do that person did it....after seeing my success.... maybe the person who thinks you're coming back too soon only has experience with open surgeries. My sister just had gynecological surgery that was open and couldn't go back to work for 8 weeks.... I have read your posts in the past, I think you are confident and sure of your decision. I think when people are critical, its because that's their nature...they are critical people...in some cases, when the person has a weight problem they haven't had success with dealing with, they are uncomfortable with the fact that you have taken control....You are strong...You just have to stand firm and say this is my decision and I am happy with it. Good luck, Kelly

Unfortunately you'll know who will really care for you, who DOESN'T ask you stupid questions. "Why did you take the easy way out?" (gee, is this easy) "You will never eat normal again" (thank the lord) It's one thing to ask, "Hey, how are you feeling?" But you will get the people who just don't know what to say....those people should keep quiet. ~Amy 242/135/goal

Oh Roberta, You had to go show off on the website, didn't you!!! Just kidding! I'm very jealous at how good you looked when we got together last week and how you moved like you didn't just have your insides re-routed! I certainly didn't move like that until about 4 weeks out, that's for sure! You look great and are an inspiration - had I seen your success before I had surgery, you would have been such a great incentive. Keep on trucking! ps - when are we going shopping again!!