Tell Coworkers?

[desertgirl6801 63]

It’s one week ((YIKES!!)) before my surgery and I’m debating on whether or not to tell my coworkers. While some/most would be understanding and supportive, there are those that won’t.

Don’t get me wrong I’m proud of MY decision, but I also feel that MY decision is MY decision and really I just don’t want any negativity around me right now. I don’t have time for that!!

Just wondering what your thoughts are and how your experiences were with this.

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[sarahj 61]

Mine knew I was having surgery, but didn't know what kind. It will be pretty evident when you come back to work 20+ pounds lighter. I have since told several people and they have been very supportive!

I think it is a personal choice and that you should do it in a time that works for you. But remember the more support you have the easier it will be!

[Arts137 1,811]

well, tell one person and you've told 'em all...

Me? To forestall rumors ("like "Have you heard, he's got cancer", I just told anyone who asked.

But you decide for you and it'll be RIGHT!!

[vinniej3 139]

Arts is correct. I don't think there's a right or wrong answer. It's a personal choice. For me, I wanted everyone to know. No one has said anything to me (althought there's one person that is itching for the chance, but I'm not going to give it to her). At then end of the day, you're going to love the weight loss and not really care what anyone thinks!

[desertgirl6801 63]

well, tell one person and you've told 'em all...

Working in an office full of women....this is very true

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[kwigillingok 177]

I've told two people at work, everyone else thinks I'm having my gall bladder out (which is also happening). I work in an office of nearly 200 and I simply don't want people who don't know me feeling like they need to voice their opinion. Also if I'm going to be completely honest with myself, I'm afraid of failing (I've failed in every other weight loss attempt) so I don't want people knowing I've had the majority of my stomach removed and I still cant lose weight.

Stupid little nagging voices, where's a ball gag when you really need one?

[North_Chicky 29]

I haven't told any co-workers. You can't untell. I figured if I heard 1 negative thing, it would be too much. I had my surgery during my vacation from work. Since I've been back, I've told people that I am cleaning up my eating and trying to treat my body better than I have been. I am almost down 20 pounds including the pre-op. So far no one has noticed or commented.

[desertgirl6801 63]

Also if I'm going to be completely honest with myself, I'm afraid of failing (I've failed in every other weight loss attempt) so I don't want people knowing I've had the majority of my stomach removed and I still cant lose weight.

Stupid little nagging voices, where's a ball gag when you really need one?

That has crossed my mind. Theres always that damn what IF factor. If I dont tell and I dont lose no one else will know but me. Crazy logic, I know....slowly kickin ALL that doubt in the rear end

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[desertgirl6801 63]

I haven't told any co-workers. You can't untell. I figured if I heard 1 negative thing, it would be too much. I had my surgery during my vacation from work. Since I've been back, I've told people that I am cleaning up my eating and trying to treat my body better than I have been. I am almost down 20 pounds including the pre-op. So far no one has noticed or commented.

Thats what I'm doing. Taking 2 weeks off work for 'vacation' and with it being summer, no one is questioning why. I'm sure people have noticed, just probably don't know what to say....congrats on the weight loss!!

[Dannipo 86]

It’s one week ((YIKES!!)) before my surgery and I’m debating on whether or not to tell my coworkers. While some/most would be understanding and supportive, there are those that won’t.

Don’t get me wrong I’m proud of MY decision, but I also feel that MY decision is MY decision and really I just don’t want any negativity around me right now. I don’t have time for that!!

Just wondering what your thoughts are and how your experiences were with this.

I have told some people at work... the ones that have seen my struggle with diets. Also the ones that have struggled with me, I didn't want to all of a sudden come back 15-20 lbs lighter and not be honest with them. But now that time is getting a little closer I have told more people, because I don't want the calls about birthday lunches and snack breaks that we normally do. I will still need time to adjust to my new lifestyle and understanding how my tool is going to work for me! I don't want to mess this up. If they want to talk about me and my choice so what, that will just make me work harder to give them something the really talk about. Because some people just want to have something to talk or complain about. if its me so what my head will be higher when I am a few sizes smaller!! I hope to be a role model on how you/we can take control of our health and live longer more balanced lives. Good luck with you decision.

FYI we also have a Facebook group for September 2013 sleevers it's private so it will not show up on your timeline for other to see if you want to join send me a private message with you email and we can add you.

[blash67 82]

I told everyone. For me, it's easier that way, and I've gotten a heck of a lot more support that way. I have not gotten any negativity from it. But, I don't think it would bother me if someone didn't agree with my decision. Some people are just not informed enough to understand and just don't get it. Also, by telling everybody, I don't have to get mad if people talk about it and so and so tells so and so.

[TwinsMama 483]

I understand how you feel. Especially given that other diets have failed.

I chose to tell everyone. It helped in the long run because what was a planned week out turned into a month on leave. It was good to come back and not explain or make up some reason I was sick.

Also, I have not heard anything negative. I have received so much support that I'm glad I didn't hide this. It is such a personal choice and no one would fault you either way.

I've personally grown by telling others but the same can be said of those that chose not to.

[MrsAnders 34]

I'm disabled because of a back injury and some lung problems, but I have faced the same decision with telling my family. Of course my immediate family knows that I've started the process, but it's the more distant ones I am worried about. My cousin had previously had the gastric bypass and although he lost weight initially, he didn't follow instructions and gained a lot back. I can't tell you how many times I have heard people taking about him at family get togethers. I don't want that to be me if I fail. I'm told as long as I stick to the diet plan and follow instructions that this will not happen, but it worries me. I agree that I think it's a personal preference. I'm a person who gets my feelings hurt easily, so I have decided that other than my immediate family and a few close friends that I am going to keep quite for now. Good luck on your Journey!

[jbear 8]

I confided in my supervisor what type of surgery I'm having, and asked her to not tell anyone. At this point, I've decided that I will tell my co-workers eventually, I'm not sure if it will be before or after my surgery (Sept 12). We go out for lunch for everyone's birthdays, and the holidays coming up means more snack food brought into the office. Since we eat lunch together once/month or so, I will tell my co-workers. They will suspect something is different anyway, since I'll be having Protein Shakes, Jello, etc., for awhile after surgery. I just don't want my co-workers to be offended if I don't eat the food they bring in, or eat at their birthday lunches (I'll still go on the lunches with everyone, but won't eat with them for a few months).

[moonchild1968 102]

I wasn't going to tell anyone at work, but something told me to share with one lady in particular. I've known her for years, but we never talked much. Just hi and bye. At the time, I didn't know why I was supposed to share with her, but I just followed my gut(divine intervention) and shared my plans. Well, turns out she had been contemplating wls but just never made a move on it. My sharing encouraged her to go on and have gastric bypass a month after me. We're both doing great with our respective choices and we have become our own support team, encouraging each other and sharing our ups and downs. I haven't told anybody else at work. I am a sensitive person and any negative comment from a co-worker would end up receiving more attention than it deserves. I'm cool with my decision to keep quiet. When people ask what 'm doing to lose weight, I say that I've reduced my portions and am trying to eat better. It's not the whole truth, but screw 'em.