Question:
Did you get a different reaction from prospective employers after WLS?

In the past 20 yrs. I've been an employed MO person and inspite of that I have worked for some national, and international companies. I don't have a good attendance record with most especially the last 2 companies I've worked for. In fact I was fired April, 2001 due to poor attendance (I was under Dr.s care co-morbid's) and still haven't found a job. I must confess though, that lately I haven't really been looking. I just can't take the rejection anymore. Question 1) After a couple of months after surgery has anyone experienced a different reaction from prospective employers? found it easier to get a job? Questions 2) How do I explain this to prosepective employer's my past attendance record? I'm an Administrative Assistant. I'm still pre-op (waiting on ins. App.) Thank you for your advice, you guys are the BEST!!!    — Brenda Kay U. (posted on April 22, 2002)

April 21, 2002
I have to say that yes, people react to me differently now. I guess I am more accepted and people don't think of me as lazy anymore (although I never was before). It's a preconcieved notion on the part of employers. Now, as for explaining to prespective employers, well, I would just tell them that you had a medical problem during that time that has since been taken care of. It's not something that you are happy you had to do, but was medically neccessary and the employer couldn't afford to do without your services. I sincerely think that most employers will accept that and not push you for more information. If so, you can tell them the truth. Then you can tell them that you are going to bring the same determination which you used to lose weight, to the prespective job. That should do the trick for you. Good luck to you. I have another suggestion for you which you didn't solicit. I would make an appointment with a counselor right after surgery to help with the self esteem problems. It's sooo worth the time and money to feel good about yourself as soon as you can. God bless and I hope that all goes well with you.
   — Barbara H.

April 21, 2002
I am employed with the same company both pre- and post-op. What I did experience was that although I physically weighed less, my opinions and suggested carried more weight. I was promoted and given much more responsibility than others in my classification. I have noticed that I am treated differently since I have lost over 100 pounds. It is depressing to think of how much more I could have accomplished professionally before the weight loss and that it has so much to do with stereotypes and perceptions. I think what I experienced was due in part to my enhanced self-esteem and in part to the age-old discrimination of those who are obese. Quite frankly, when applying for any new jobs, I would be as up-front as you can with the reason you were fired and what you have done (surgery) to improve your health and well-being. Good luck to you.
   — Melinda C.

April 22, 2002
Hi... I thought I might try to give you a couple of perspectives on this which might help. I have been MO my whole life and I really don't think in the grand scheme it ever got in my way professionally as I've held some terrific positions. When I left those jobs it was at my choice and only once not and even then it was because I had lost my own focus. But my background too is human resources having worked in this field for over 25 years. When I interview someone, of course what is sitting in front of me is focal and appearance, looks, etc. is considered but never without getting to know the person. The demeanor you reflect is what will get you hired. How you handle yourself, your level of confidence, your level of knowledge about the position you are vying for and how you talk in your interview. I have always preferred honestly. And if you were interviewing with me I would ask you about your work record but as a caution, your work record might not get you to the interview so you might consider addressing that in your initial cover letter. I would expect you to answer honestly and tell me why your attendance was an issue and what you have done to correct that. When you began to talk to family & friends about WLS you had to sell them as they were worried, terrified and unknowledgeable about it. Without becoming very detailed I would prefer you did the same in talking with me. What you have done by taking charge of a problem in your life and taking this courageous step is what I would want to see in an employee. A take charge fix it and lets move ahead person. You've demonstrated you can do that now my friend, its time for you to tackle the working world and do the same with them. If you are good at what you do, now barring the comorbid problems, you'll be good again. You've asked an excellent question and I think a lot of us go through that at some point in our lives. Dig in, be sure of what you want and now just go look for it! My best to you!
   — AJC750

April 22, 2002
Interviews are definitely better once you have lost some of the weight. Several years ago, I was considering a change from my last job. At the time, I weighed 340 pounds. I went out on a few interviews. These interviews went nowhere. In September,I was laid off from my job right before I had the surgery. I had a severance package, so I was able to wait a few months before looking for a new job. I now weigh 206 pounds, and although I am still heavy, I have more of a socially acceptable look. Well, my job interviews have gone beautifully. I will admit, part of it is me - my self confidence is a bit higher. But, it is also the way I have been trated this time. I have been received by all as a worthy candidate with a great deal to offer. I am starting a new job next week, one of five that I was offered! It will be a little tougher for you because you were dismissed from your last job, but you should be honest about it, as others have said. Just make sure that you make it clear that the problem has been resolved. You can't lie because I have found that all employers want recent business references. It is helpful if you have someone from your last company who would give you a good reference based on your abilities...it would show that attendance was a seperate issue from your work habits. Good luck!
   — Julie S.

April 22, 2002
I recently won an award that only 12 people per year get out of 3,800. My performance hasn't changed, only my employer's perspective. So yes, attitudes will change.
   — [Deactivated Member]