pp11150330

I had chosen to not tell my co workers about my surgery, however, I did tell my immediate supervisors. I had surgery in mid-September and have gotten the feeling now that people know about it. Yesterday, four people came up to me at work and asked how I lost so much weight. Now, I have lost about 20 pounds since surgery so it's possible that they were genuinely asking. However, some things that were said made me feel that they were asking to see if I would tell the truth. One person said "how come you didn't say anything? I was waiting for you to tell me." If it's discovered that one of my supervisors disclosed to the rest of the staff about my surgery, what are my options? I don't believe that it is right for people to be discussing my medical issues. I already have felt alienated and an outsider at my job for other reasons (I'm new, I'm in a different office a few times a week), but now I feel even worse. Plus, if people do know the truth, I feel like a complete fool lying to them. Which technically isn't lying- I've said I'm eating less of a portion and exercising. Help! I'm sure others have been in this situation before...

Hello, I had my surgery yesterday 9/14. All went well :-). Just wondering if anyone could tell me when I can expect the pain to subside? Gas pains have been pretty uncomfortable overnight

Hello I'm scheduled for gastric bypass on September 14. I know I've made the right decision and am so excited for this. In fact, I've never been more excited than anything. My friends, family, and boyfriend have been amazingly supportive, which I am grateful for. However, I am not interested in having the discussion about surgery with people at work. I struggle with severe anxiety and don't want to be triggered by what other people may think. My anxiety, while I am a functional human being, severely impacts me. My question is, how can I handle questions about taking time off of work. My supervisors do already know and I've gotten tremendous support from them. My concern is with gossip with coworkers, which is really just unwelcome and not needed by me.

Yes, I should've been more prepared and brought the gas x strips with me here! They are on the way . Thanks!

Thank you! So glad to have this community as a support!

Thanks for your reply! I'm having a family member get me some gas x strips for home now. Hope they will help!

Thank you!! I'm feeling much better after walking the halls. Have to keep it up!

As my surgery date is getting closer (3 weeks), I've found myself having all sorts of emotions, which is obviously common. Mostly, lately, it's been about not having food as my comfort anymore. I've been heavy all my life and as a quiet and shy person, I've always turned to food for comfort. It made me happy, it relaxed me, it was always there for me. It turned into my worst enemy as I developed bulimia at the age of 15. I went through therapists and nutritionists and finally tackled my eating disorder about 3 years ago but in trying to battle it all those years, I gained all the weight I had lost back and then some. Since I've been free of my eating disorder, it's been impossible to lose any weight, which is why I'm getting the surgery. I know I've made the right decision, but has anyone else struggled with this sadness of not being able to be comforted by food anymore? P.S. And YES my surgeon and team are fully aware of my history. Does anyone have any suggestions as how to cope with this? I do plan on pursuing regular mental health counseling.

I've grown to love coffee in the past couple of years. I have a cup every morning. Does anyone know if it is allowed during the pre op diet? And also, how about after the surgery?

Thanks all! I will discuss with my surgeon and nutritionist. This was something that popped into my head in the middle of the night :-). The recipe sounds delicious ToSleeveOrNotToSleeve!!!

I'm scheduled for September 14. Liver reduction diet starts August 31. :-)

I love the idea of just saying to people that I'm eating more protein and less carbs, and working out more. Which will be 100% the truth. They can make their own conclusions from that information but for me, that's the story I will stick with. I just hope that my supervisors haven't already said anything, which I know would be a huge violation. I guess I could've told them that I just need to have surgery, and not specify what kind, however, it's too late for that because I already told them. I guess we will wait and see. Part of what I'm hoping from getting my surgery is getting my confidence up and trying to really work on not caring what people think. I struggle with this now. I guess for my whole life I've tried to keep quiet and not speak up, because people (in middle school) would often respond to me with an insult about my weight if I ever said anything. I guess these things have really stuck with me , and now as an adult, I'd really like to change that. Thanks again for all the wonderful feedback, and good luck to you all on your journeys! :-)

Thank you for the replies!! You have both given me great advice and suggestions. I am going to continue to keep it quiet for now with people I'm not close with (coworkers). And maybe someday, I can open up about it, but for now and the near future, I'll be working on me and my goals :-) Love the suggestion about always following up a comment made with a question- that will work great!