Any Teachers Out There?

[pdog 51]

Hi-

I teacher kindergarten and am starting the process to get my sleeve. I am wondering;

1. how long you (as a teacher) took off work?

2. what did you tell your principal and coworkers?

3. how did you feel when you returned? Were you able to move a lot since I teacher Kindergarten I am worried...

My 6 mth diet ends in the beginning of Aug and so I am not sure if I will be able to have my surgery in Aug and time to heal or if I might have to wait and take like a week off before winter break and have it then, giving me like 2 weeks to recover....

Thanks

[Beyon Sleeve 57]

Hi, I'm a teacher. I am a reading specialist at an elementary school. I was sleeved on Dec 29th, 2011.

1. I took off 1 week (10 days total) and i felt bad for taking that much time! I was really tired by the end of the day the first week back, but I made it through with no problems.

2. I told my principal that I was having a "personal surgery" and would be taking a week off. I did not tell anyone else. I finally started telling only my friends at school that i trust as they noticed my weightloss. I'm a pretty private person and did not and still haven't shared it with everyone, but that's just me.

3. I could move fine, not running up the stairs or anything, but I managed fine. Mind you I'm not a K teacher, so I didn't have to get on the floor or anything. Don't be afraid to ask for help and don't over do it! Best of Luck

[sunnyd 32]

I'm a 4th grade teacher. I ended up taking 5 weeks off but I had other issues going on (hiatal hernia, severe ulcers, low oxygen output, etc.) that made recovery a bit longer. I probably could've went back after 4 weeks. I only told my principal and most coworkers about the other issues. Only my close coworkers (about 4) knew the truth. The first couple weeks after surgery I was drained of energy and definitely wouldn't of been able to be at school. I think as a classroom teacher (especially Kindergarten) you would want at least 2 weeks off to recover. Good luck with your 6 month diet and your surgery!

[overboard 5]

I am a second grade teacher. I was sleeved over the summer and school started four weeks after surgery. I was definitely ready to work after four weeks off. I actually felt I needed to work because I was a little anxious sitting at home thinking about what I couldn't eat. I was happy to be back in my routine and that I had something to think about besides the surgery! Being a kindergarten teacher, I think I might take three weeks off. I felt great after three weeks physically. Just no heavy lifting. The only problem was I was forgetful and a little airheaded for a couple of months after surgery.

I told my principal I had weight loss surgery after I had it. She was very supportive. I also shared it with everyone on my staff. For me, I didn't tell anyone at work I was thinking of the surgery, but once I scheduled surgery I told people as I saw them. I was a little uncomfortable telling people but I would much rather be honest and open than have people whispering and gossiping later. Also, I was a little ashamed presurgery having to acknowledge that I was so fat I needed weight loss surgery. That was hard for me to admit, so when I told people I felt a little exposed. But, every single person I have told at school from parents to staff have all been very supportive.It is also nice because I don't get any candy or chocolates for presents anymore! I only tell parents if they comment on my weight loss and ask how I have lost, but the word has obviously spread around in the parent group. Some parents even bring me my favorite post surgery passion iced tea from Starbucks! Overwhelming support is all I received. But, I did tell most coworkers after the fact. The funny thing is I don't think any of my students have noticed that their teacher has been shrinking and shrinking all year!!

You do have every right not to share why you are on leave. So, do what you are comfortable with. Just wanted you to know that my experience of being open and honest has been great. I also like that I don't have to keep up with vauge reasons for my absence or my weight loss.

Good luck to you! I am so happy for you! And don't wait until summer, get the surgery now and feel great this summer! I am so happy with this change, this sleeve has made me such a happier and healthier person! I love life post-sleeve! I hope you do as well. Good luck to you!