Question:
What and how did you tell your employer? Their reactions?

   — Sandra S. (posted on April 10, 2002)

April 10, 2002
Well, my supervisor is a registered dietitian who used to oversee patients that had WLS over 20 years ago. When I told her about my decision, she was more than supportive and offered any assistance she could with helping me to make my food choices after the surgery. Also, I had warned her that I would probably need about a month off of work but she said "No way! You need to be off for at least 7-8 weeks so you can heal properly!" Fine by me! :-) I wasn't going to tell anyone about it, but I've decided that I want to be honest if anyone asks me about it so that perhaps I can educate people on WLS and erase some of the bad stigma that comes along with it.
   — Renae

April 10, 2002
I started a new job on March 18th, and told my boss on my eighth day there about the surgery. I told them that I had been working on this since January, and had hoped to have it done before getting a job, but oh well. I asked them to be up front with me if this surgery date (May 13th) would be at a bad time for them. I wanted to let them know how important it is to me, but at the same time, acknowledge their position and possible problems getting my work done without me. The conversation itself was scary, but I showed them that I was trying my best to take their felling into consideration too. I can tell you that they shocked me with their support!! They were absolutely wonderful!! I was so surprised at how nice they were - and they didn't even know me! (Only 8 days on the job!) I guess my advice is to be honest, and tell them as far ahead as possible so that they can work around it . Good Luck!
   — Lauren C.

April 10, 2002
I told my manager and co-supervisors as soon as I decided to have the surgery. This was in Jan 2001. By the time I got through the office visits, testing done and insurance approval and actually had the surgery it was Dec,2001. I did not hide from anyone what I was having. I got great support from all my co-workers, family and friends except for one friend who seemed to be disinterested. I really believe you should tell as many as you feel comfortable with, it really helps you when all the people that are around you support your efforts. For the ones that don't, you really don't need them as friends. GOOD LUCK!!
   — mc H.

April 10, 2002
I don't plan on telling my boss or co-workers anything. All they will know is that I'm out on approved FMLA medical leave. Only some anonymous person in my HR dept has to know the details, thank God. Fortunately, I work with all men, so if anyone dares to ask, I'm just going to answer "female problems". That always stops a guy cold! :-)
   — Angie M.

April 10, 2002
I had to tell the people I work with, I work in the hospital I am having the surgery done at and news travels fast. For the most part people have been very supportive, A bunch of the girls started Weight Watchers today. (I think trying to get a head start on me) I was happy because they will all want to be out walking and being active at lunch now and I will have someone to keep me company when I go walk after surgery. I guess it all depends on your work environment. I work with mostly woman and a lot of them are overweight, no obese just overweight. We have a very sedentary job and they have all been so supportive and all can't wait to see the results of the surgery. Good Luck to you whatever your decision is...
   — Dawn L.

December 22, 2002
I work at a small bank (3 ppl on staff) I told my boss the whole story, who was very supportive. I did not want the main office to know much about it, just the ones who had to approve my time off of work (i only took 2 1/2 weeks off, my choice). My boss has been great, she said when I got back "let me know if you need me to get you anything, move anything, etc" She and my co-worker have been nothing but supportive.
   — Candy J.