Question:
For those who chose not to tell their work about WLS, what did you say?

I do not wish to tell my work about my having WLS because of all the prejuidice about it. But, I have not idea what TO tell them I'ving done that would require that much time of work.    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on March 8, 2001)

March 8, 2001
I chose not to tell my co workers for the very same reason. SInce I'm taking a 6 week leave, HR had to know and they are bound by confidentiality not to disclose the terms of my leave. Only that I'm under the care of a surgeon. Anyway, the day before my surgery, I went home early with very bad abdominal pain **wink, wink** then on Friday morning I had emergency gallbladdar surgery (again, **wink, wink***. Ulcer or hernia will work too. Many people may not agree on your decision for deceit but given my position with my firm, I understand your reason for secrecy. Good Luck to you... Adrienne 3 weeks post op and feeling wonderful!
   — corpdiva2006

March 8, 2001
I had my surgery LAP and was back at work after 2 1/2 weeks. I told them I had my gallbladder removed.
   — Anna B.

March 8, 2001
Dear Kimi: I am an RN and six days post-op. I chose not to tell my work "exactly" what I was having done, only having gallbladder removed, which was true. I did not want to hear everyone's medical opinion. Legally, your surgeon is only required to attest to the fact you are having surgery and on what date. I have tremendous support from the people who know and love me and that was all that mattered. Pat
   — PAT D.

March 8, 2001
Kimi - I too chose not to tell my fellow co-worker's. I had the lap procedure done, so I was back to work in 2 1/2 weeks. It took about 25-30 pounds for people to start noticing that I was losing weight. When they said something, I would respond "yeah, trying to lose a little" amd quickly change the subject. Once people noticed a lot of weight loss, they started asking "how?" I told them I changed my eating habits (not a lie), eating lots of protein and not eating sugars and fats (again, not a lie). Everyone seems happy with this response.
   — S L.

March 9, 2001
Hi, I am preop but told work that I am having gall bladder surgery, which is true, and also having a hernia repaired, which is also true. I will be out 6 weeks and my co-workers think it is because of gall bladder and hernia, so I should be fine. Also, I am always watching my weight, so when I really start to lose, they will just think there she goes again. I also belong to Weight Watchers, so they will assume that it is Weight Watchers. Someone once said to me that once you tell, you can't take it back, therefore, I am taking this advice. And, IF I am ever ready to tell, I will but on my terms. Good luck to you.
   — [Anonymous]

May 23, 2002
Well, I can tell you what I have done. My surgery is scheduled for July 22, 2002. My boss knew I was having another medical problem (may or may not be related to my MO). So I've told her I'm having surgery for this other problem. Simple as that. It worked out real well this way. But I know this isn't an option for some. My thing is, if you aren't comfortable, don't tell your boss. My other option would be to say I was having some "female" surgery done....well, that wouldn't help much if you're a male, now would it? Anyways, I had a hysterectomy Feb of last year, and a female problem is always pretty private, so I had that as a back up plan.
   — Sonja S.