To Tell Or Not To Tell... My Story

[Rainsong 12]

Hey Rain... I'm also a teacher.. I hope to be sleeved during my Christmas break, but I won't be returning to school until Feb 1st.. I've told my admins and a few friends at work.. I was very reluctant to tell my Mom, who found out from one of my 6 sisters!!! So, I went home to MS for Thanksgiving and we all sat down after dinner and talked..

I decided to have surgery because I'm beginning to "feel" my weight and my body is letting me know that I'm over 350 lbs!!! I hurt my back some years ago and I've managed it well until recently when a bout of pneumonia forced me to be on bed rest for some weeks...

The one person who had a major issue was an overweight friend of mine who ranted and raved about I just needed to work out and get a plan.. I was in tears because I felt that she of all people should understand how it is to be trapped in a body that seems like it doesn't belong to you.. It's like being in prison!!! But she was so unsupportive and rude!! Later I figured out why.. she doesn't want to be the lone "fat" girl in our group.. She feels that I will change and become a snob or something...

Anyway, i told them I was looking for approval or validation of my decision.. I wanted them to know what was going on.. And if they don't agree, that's fine.. it's my body and my life.. They know me.. I'm analytical.. i don't do anything without researching and "counting the cost"...

I believe we will be fine!!

My sleeve sister!! Thanks for your words and support. I understand exactly what you are going through. I suspect that some of my friendships will change because I won't be the token 'fat' person in the group any longer. I'm okay with that. I will mourn the lose of some of my friendships, but I am GETTING MY LIFE BACK!! I don't care if people think this is the easy way out anymore. I don't care what anyone thinks. I'm doing this to save my LIFE!

I hope all goes well with your surgery. I know what time mine is on Friday afternoon. I'll be sure to let you know. Unfortunately I don't check this site as often as I check the other site I use but I will try to do that for you!

Tonya

[Rainsong 12]

I am sooo battling the same thing! I've only told my immediate family, 2 supportive friends, and one coworker (after 3 glasses of wine). I trust them all, so I'm not worried about that. I'm a teacher also, and I don't know how to tell my principal. Is saying "personal surgery" info enough if I'm going to be out for a week? I'm still praying for it to fall during winter break. I know the teachers, students, and parents will start to notice, but I don't know if I want to devulge that personal info. I feel people will judge wether I hear it or not...then on the other hand, SO WHAT, it may help someone too...

BeyoncSleeve

Hi Beyonc! I'm so sorry I usually don't check this site! I haven't told my administrators what I'm having but I think they have guessed it. They have been NOTHING short of supportive. Have you gotten a date yet? Please feel me in. You can send me a private message and I'll give you my email so we can keep in touch.

PS Anyone who has responded to this I will do the same for you guys too! Thank you for your support!

Tonya