Question:
Any of you work in healthcare have a hard time telling work?

I don't want to disclose exactly what I am having done to my work....but I am in healthcare and everyone has a clinical curiosity and we are all close and share an intrest. I have heard some people lie and say a "female surgery" or gall bladder removal. I hate lying under any circumstance....anyone out there been in this boat, if so what did you say? I should also mention that one reason I don't want to give details is that we are a really busy office and I think that if my supervisor knows it is "elective" she will try to get me to put it off when it is convenient to her needs.    — Sarah S. (posted on February 26, 2003)


February 26, 2003
Sarah~~I am in the healthcare field too. I know that a lot of peers have negative feelings about WLS. I just told others that had to know something.....that I was having abdominal surgery. I never said anything else and no one ever asked. I didn't even allow my husband to fill out the family medical leave forms because of my concern for privacy. He just took a week of sick time to be with me and that was it. The problem you will probably encounter in the near future is how to explain your weight loss. I am still struggling with that one but I usually just say that I changed my diet and I exercise regularly. People seem to be able to accept that. Best of luck. Wendi Open RNY 9/19/02 down 97lbs
   — lovemonterey

February 26, 2003
It is perfectly ok to say, "I'd rather not talk about it, I'm sure you understand" if asked. People get over it. They may come up with some interesting theories on their own, I actually found that kind of funny.
   — Amber L.

February 26, 2003
I also work in healthcare. But, I made sure everyone knew what I was having done. My theory is...the more people who know, the more support you have. I had a few negative reactions. I told them that I honored their opinion, but was doing what was best for me. For the most part, I had a lot of positive feedback. My boss was very supportive. That helped a lot.
   — Kim DeHart

February 26, 2003
I also work in the healthcare field. I think it is direspectful for a person to ask for details- no matter how close the friendship. I have told a few work people that I will be off for surgery and they did not ask me for details. My boss did not even ask for details- she just said that I could have the time for recovery after a surgical procedure. I take this as being respectful of my feelings and not as they do not care about me.Good luck- I am sure in time I will offer up the information I am sure I will be Post op though.
   — Jan S.

February 26, 2003
I am a medical surgical nurse, I have made it no secret in my workplace that I am having this surgery. This surgery I feel for most is not an elective surgery. The procedure is an excellent treatment for a serious diagnosis of Morbid Obesity. My suggestion is to research and gain as much knowlege as you can, and remind others(if you disclose your reason for sugery) that you are ensuring your future health. I would like to think that anyone in the healthcare field could respect you for that.
   — Traci O.

February 26, 2003
Sarah, I am a secretary in a busy doctors office. Personally, I made no secret about having this surgery. I didn't know how i would explain the rapid weight loss without everyone worrying about me. And I have received SOOOOOOOOO much support! But, on the flip side, telling is not for everyone. I respect your decision not to tell anyone. If people ask why you're going out for this extended time, just politely tell them you'd rather not talk about it. Don't mistake concern for nosiness. People are naturally going to worry about your rapid weight loss after. But, look at it this way, once you start losing, you may want to talk about it! It's hard to keep your enthusiasm to yourself when you see the pounds come off! I am 2 1/2 weeks post op and have lost 20 pounds already! Good luck.
   — RedHeadBeauty

February 27, 2003
Thanks for the answers, I do appreciate your input. You guys are the best!
   — Sarah S.

March 1, 2003
I told every body in the department I work In (90+ nurses) and have been fully open and honest about it. Almost everybody has been supportive, at least to my face. i am not stupid enough to think that among 90+ women that there is not catty gossip going on. Lately I have been just tired of it all and even tho I knoe they mean well the next person who says something like "I can't BELIEVE how much better you look" in a gushy tone that makes me want to ask how f-ing hideous did you think I was before. I thought I was pretty damn PHAT (pretty hot and tempting) before. I will not hurt my co workers, i will not hurt my co workers........
   — **willow**

March 1, 2003
I'm a home visiting nurse, I've made no secret of the surgery, my close co-workers known and I tell most other folks if they ask directly. I feel it causes more ackwardness in some cases not to tell..(eg co-workers saying things like "geez, is that all you're going to eat!" etc). All my co-workers in general have been supportive, if they disagree with my decision they are keeping it to themselves. Working in a health care setting, if you have a sudden, very dramatic weight loss, folks are going to come up with some interesting theories; pancreas cancer and HIV are two things people have asked me about...I just replied "nope, gastric bypass" and went on doing my job. Sometimes I amazed more folks who don't know don't guess. C'mon I lost 120 pounds in 6 months, ya think that's from Jenny Craig. Hang in there and good luck no matter what decision you make!
   — Kelli D.




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