Question:
Getting ready to go in a few hours

Jan. 20 finally got here, along with bad weather. We had about 1/2 an inch of snow, which shuts down Charlotte. So, as long as the doctor and I both make it to the hospital, I'll be having my surgery this afternoon. My employer knows the type of surgery; my manager was very supportive. I have told my client company that I am having my gallbladder removed (which is also happening). Luckily our software ship schedule slipped by a month, so my date turned out to be pretty good after all. It's not going to impact the client as much as I thought. Anyway, one thing I did yesterday was to drastically change my hairstyle to a much shorter layered cut. It will help hide hair loss since it looks fuller, but it also gives me an out when the wrong people get nosy about my weight loss during leave. I'll just tell them it must be the new haircut. It has been fun to watch people's faces when I have told them about the RNY, though. It seems as though I'm being impolite by talking about my weight, although it is OK for people to make rude comments that I can hear. I also got the nerve to finally put my foot down about moving from my current assignment into something more challenging. Originally it was to have evolved into additional duties, which changed after mergers at both companies. My former manager had lied to me about the status in order to maintain his commissions on the account. He kept stringing me along for several months. Knowing that the surgery was on the way gave me the confidence to negotiate what I wanted and am truly qualified for. I told my new manager that the only objection I could see was that clients might react negatively to my weight, and I already had plans to resolve the issue. People deny that there is prejudice against the obese, or say that it is wrong, but a "professional" appearance for women still includes a certain sized figure in too many eyes. So, I'll be able to work from home for a couple of months, at least part of the time. That will help the wardrobe expenses during the period of most rapid weight loss.    — Joyce L. (posted on January 20, 2000)

January 19, 2000
Joyce, just loved what you shared with us. Good luck on your future, that self esteem is being bolstered already, that new confidence is creeping in. I will say a prayer for you to day. Let us know how you are doing.
   — C S.

January 20, 2000
Joyce, I didn't lose any hair because I followed all of my doctor's eating orders. I made sure protein was a huge part of my diet and that's what one dietician told me would help me to keep my hair. So good luck.
   — Jackie B.

January 20, 2000
Joyce, I want to wish you all the luck in the world. You will be in my thoughts and prayers today. Take care. If you want to email me, I am [email protected] your friend, Laura
   — Laura P.