Banded four days ago - going back to work

[Carrie IL 0]

I am a little nervous about going back to work with the new diet. I really don't want to explain myself to everyone. A few folks know, but I figured since the weight won't come off fast, I won't have to do much talking. How did you handle co workers?

[edieparks 2]

You could just explain and educate!! Maybe they have a loved one who could benefit.

edie

[malouse 0]

I agree, though I'm not yet scheduled for surgery, I've already thought about this. I'm a private person and it's no one's business is my opinion. Since my weight comes off slow and it takes me 20 lbs to even notice anything myself, I'll just wait until someone says something. I certainly have no plans to tell them I did surgery. I'll my usual answer of just eating better and avoiding fast food.

Fortunately I tend to eat lunch at my desk so I don't have to worry about eating a few bites of food and being full in front of people. That would definitely make them suspicious. I hate it when they know I'm dieting and they watch every bite I eat like they're the food police.

Deborah

[malouse 0]

Only 4 days since surgery? Wow, you either must be feeling fantastic or you aren't able to take more time off of work. What post-op instructions have you been given and for how long do you have to follow them?

Deborah

[areellady 1]

I agree with no one needs to know that you dont want to know... I only told a few select people and will keep it a secret until I am good and ready to tell!!

[Carrie IL 0]

Thanks so much. I never thought of myself as an educator, but maybe that wouldn't be a bad idea. I'm pretty sore and hope I still manage to present a good picture of what lap banding is all about. I'm ready to get back in the groove and at least show everyone that we "banders" bounce back pretty quickly and are able to function with relative ease.

[areellady 1]

Carrie,

Just take it easy!! You dont need to prove anything to anyone!! Just be careful hun!! You are awesome and must be feeling so great to go back this early! Deanna

[Carrie IL 0]

Hey there!!

First day back and I did pretty well. I don't have much time off as I have a vacation with non refundable tickets that I got before my insurance company turned me down - twice. I had to finance this surgery myself and cannot afford to be off work very long at all. My doctor just said to use common sense when doing my job, listen to my body and err on the side of caution and safety. I got really tired at the end of the day, but it was OK. I have noticed that I haven't dropped much weight since my surgery on 4/18. I lost 18 pounds on the pre op diet, but almost nothing since then. I'm not eating much at all, still a little "scared" to eat. Any suggestions? I'm not afraid of vomiting, I'm nervous that I haven't lost anything with very little food, and if I eat, I'll sabatoge this whole thing somehow........ sound weird to anyone????

[travelgirl 3]

AAHHH! The Great Debate of Tell Or Not To Tell! Everyone differs on this, it really is a personal decision, tell them or not, it's strictly up to you. You can let them wonder, and not volunteer any information, and if they do ask, you can tell them politely, but firmly that it's none of their business, or make something up...... OR, you can tell them, and then deal with their responses, whether supportive, or not.

Personally, I told everyone, and I have only regretted telling one person, who has decided that she's going to be my nutrition police, by trying to sell me all kinds of Vitamins and supplements, which is really getting on my nerves. She's not even a friend, she's really just an aquaintance from the place I work. *shrugs* You have to decide whether to tell, and what to tell, for yourself.

Good luck in however you decide to handle the situation. And congratulations on getting your band!