Question:
Helping hints for a good cover story?
I suspect that having your gall bladder out is a good cover story for those with no need to know the real type of surgery one is having. I'm especialy concerned about my colleagues at work who are too sharp for a flimsey yarn. Yet I have know idea about the events which lead up to a gallbladder removal, or whether it happens on the spur of the minute (as in a n emergency), or whether people plan them based on typical symptoms of some kind or what??? Any help here would be apreciated. — [Anonymous] (posted on May 21, 1999)
May 21, 1999
Well, I had my gallbladder out three years ago, and I wasn't sure
what was going on. I was waking up with sharp sharp pains in my mid
abdomen.
It kind of felt like I needed to use the bathroom, but I didn't. This went
on for
a couple of months before I finally called my Dr. Keep in mind, I am pre
op for this
WLS. My Dr. did the xrays and sure enough, I was loaded with stones. At
that
time I had lost 120lbs in a short amount of time, which is what caused the
stones.
But, back to your question, I am telling people at work that I am having
surgery to correct
some intestinal problems that I am having. This will answer there
questions when the weight
starts to drop off. I had my gallbladder out and gained even more weight,
all my 120 lbs back
plus more. So, I would suggest you tell them either or....but the
intestinal problems
is an easy cover for all...hope I helped a little, any other questions,
feel free to email me!!
[email protected]
— lee ann S.
May 21, 1999
I would think gallbladder would work ( BAD Pain in the upper right quadrant
is one symtom)...diverticulitis would too...they usually have to remove
part of the intestine if THAT gets bad enough...it's pretty painful
too..and can come on suddenly..like..overnite..<g>
— Deanna D.
May 21, 1999
I think you should shout it from the rooftops! Everyone should know about
this surgery and how it helps people. Aside from that gall bladder
symptoms include severe pain (attacks) and/or nausea/vomiting.
— Diane N.
May 21, 1999
Well, I had my gallbladder out. It was not an "emergency",
but I did have it out about 1-2 weeks after the final diagnosis.
Anyway, it would probably work for a cover story, but your recovery
from WLS will probably, from what I understand, be much longer.
When I had my gallbladder surgery there were 2 main things that were
on my side, one, I had it done laparoscopically, so my recovery time
was only about 4 days.
I have not yet had my WLS, but it is scheduled for June 16, in Foley, AL.
I just told my boss this: "I have to have some work done on my
insides. The
doctor will be doing some re-arraning." I didn't lie, she didn't ask
for a
diagnosis, and I told her I could be out from 6-8 weeks depending on my
recovery. Also, I don't think your employer is allowed to ask what type
of
surgery? I'm not sure.
I wish you the best. I am very anxious for my surgery. I'm dreaming
of being healthy and thinner in the years to come.
Good Luck!
Lauri
— Lauri B.
May 22, 1999
You could say you are having what they think is gallbladder problems but
they need to do a exploratory. This would be the reason for a big insicion.
I told everyone exactly what I was having done, but I respect your right
not to. It really is no one's busines but your own. Imagie that, to say
"I would rather not say why I am having surgery!"
— JAN C.
May 22, 1999
This one only works if you're a woman. I'm having a real hoot with it.
I'm a teacher so people are always asking me what I'm going to do this
summer and why I'm not teaching summer school this summer. My reply is,
"I'm having female surgery." Let me tell you, people run when
they hear that one. They don't want any details, they're sorry they know
that much. The discussion ends there. Hope it helps.
— emily I.
May 23, 1999
The gall bladder is the best story. It can be emergency or planned. Some
people suffer with gall stones for years. Also it is likely to be true
because most Dr.'s take it out during WLS because it will most likely go
bad after WLS. Also the incision is in the same place. GOOD LUCK!
— Donna D.
August 15, 1999
I, too, told people at work that I was having gallbladder problems, and
needed it removed - this was back in May '99.
It was very difficult to then say I was not having it done (due to my
insurance denial!) That sucked! Then when I got new insurance, I told them
that it was rescheduled for September 1st! No one really questioned me, I
just said insurance balking...I am having VBG, with GB and appendix
removal! Can't wait - anxious and nervous and excited! Good luck!!!
— [Anonymous]
August 15, 1999
Honesty is the best policy... This surgery is not something to be ashamed
of. If you start with one lie, they are going to snowball on you. First
an excuse like the gallbladder, then the questions begin about the great
amount of lost weight, what will you tell them then? Just be proud of
yourself for taking such a big step to a new life and stick with the
truth...
— Sarah D.
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