Question:
Trouble with employers over WLS?

Anyone else have trouble with employers? I decided to be very upfront with my surgery in the hopes that I could help someone else that has a weight issue. Now, I am regretting telling the truth at work. I explained that I need this surgery because of high blood pressure, pain in joints and lower back, and asthma. Problem is my boss is very insecure and very overweight. People have told me that they think she views me as a threat because I could do her job better than she can. I have always gone out of my way not to be a threat. I work 24 hours a week and fill in extra as needed. The problem is she has been very cold about me leaving (for 3 weeks open RNY) and she has dropped me to 16 hrs a week when I return. I calmly talked to her about it and she said it was too bad, MAYBE she could find and extra midnight shift (12a-8a) I work the 4p-12a. I am so hurt by this and there seems to be no getting through to her. Should I just expect to go job hunting post-op??    — Aimee P. (posted on December 21, 2001)

December 20, 2001
Wow, I am so sorry you have to go through this. Before you hunt for another job, can you go over her head? This is illegal, you cannot be discriminated against because you are going tobe out for surgery. You were not legally obligated to tell them what kind of surgery you had, and I bet if you hadn't the reaction would have been different! I would talk to her boss or someone in HR about this, as it is clearly discrimination. If you point this out, they will probably back down, as like most companies these days they will b scared of litigation. Nobody should have to go through this. Fight for yourself! Good luck! Let us know how things go!
   — [Anonymous]

December 20, 2001
I agree word for word with the last poster.
   — [Anonymous]

December 20, 2001
I would have surgery, and while your recoverng talk to her boss. Morbid Obesity is a disease, and falls under discrimination laws. Politely point this out to them. DONT fret this problem pre op!!! You cant fix everything at once, better to concentrate on surgery and recovery, and let tomorrows problems wait to then.
   — bob-haller

December 21, 2001
If I were you, I would have my surgery and concentrate on my recuperation and tackle the job situation later. In light of what you are saying, it sounds like your boss is jealous and fears that you'll not only upstage her in the professional arena, but soon you'll upstage her in appearance. This is quite common with many of our fat friends. I've essentially lost my two dearest (fat) friends because I dared go from a sizem 30 to a size 16. Even the nurse (fat) in my pcp's office makes snide, catty remarks when I go in. You can't change such attitudes.
   — [Anonymous]

December 21, 2001
Hi! I also had problems with my boss relating to my WLS. I told the big mouth that I would be needing a month off because of surgery. And what do you know...she couldn't keep her big mouth shut and she told just about everyone in our VERY LARGE office. I had people coming up to me saying "I hear you're going to get skinny on us!" She wasn't supportive at all, and even told people she wishes I'd make a better decision for myself. She is also struggling with her weight, but I don't think she'd meet the guidelines for WLS, she's not that heavy. ANYWAY, a month after I returned from my time off, I quit and started a new job. I didn't need the stress of her and her 20 questions she always came up with. I'm so much happier after I left, and I get TONS of support with the new people I work with. When you're newly post-op, you really need to take care of yourself, and not get stressed out over people like that. Myself, I couldn't PROVE that her actions were because of me being overweight. There were many other issues in my circumstance as well. I also didn't have the courage to go to the director of human relations. I just found it easier to find a new job! I wish you all the luck in the world! I know how much of a struggle this must be for you! Good luck!
   — [Anonymous]

December 21, 2001
Thanks to everyone for your posts!! Really good advice from all of you. With just 7 days until surgery I think I will put it into God's hands until I feel better. I am kind of going through a grief process and stuck between anger and hurt right now. So, I will try to clear my mind and focus on surgery and recovery. God bless you all, everyone is so wonderful on this site!!
   — Aimee P.