Returning to work, what to disclose?

[mamie60 104]

Prior to and since surgery I have only told my family and one or two close friends that I had weight-loss surgery. I'm a very positive person and I only want people who will be positive and support me to know. Has anyone had the difficulty of explaining the weight-loss at work without telling that you had weight-loss surgery? I thought about just saying that my doctor has me on a strict nutrition routine and I've been exercising. I don't want to lie but I'm not sure I want everyone to know either.

[Racewalker48 41]

So far, I have had only one moment where I considered telling a co-worker that I had WLS, but I thought the better of it. She asked me what I was doing to lose weight to give her some pointers. I told her how I eat (5-6 small meals per day with a focus on Protein, etc) and exercise, and that was it. After that encounter, I am determined not to tell anyone at work I had WLS, only that I changed the way I eat (which is true), and this is only if they ask me how I lost weight. This was a very private decision, and I want to keep it that way. If pressed, I will politely state that I don't want to discuss it. The workplace is a mine field when it comes to this kind of thing. Some may support, others may criticize, you just can't predict the response.

[mamie60 104]

Racewalker48, thanks for the response give me a little bit more to think about.

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

My criteria for telling people is: Do we have a relationship already (close friends, close coworkers, etc.) and are they genuinely interested. I only told 2 people at work presurgery but now I tell anyone that asks that seems sincere and interested.

This topic is discussed over and over on the boards and it comes down to what you feel is right for you. Personally, I would feel dishonest if it's someone I know well who asks and seems genuinely interested and I gave some answer that didn't include the fact that I had bypass surgery.

[healthyme1963 136]

I only told a few family members and very few close friends. As far as co-workers are concerned, the less they know, the better. They knew I was going to have surgery; I just never disclosed exactly what type of surgery. Plus, since I was losing weight before the surgery (to meet the pre-op requirements), no one really questioned my weight loss after I came back to work.

[Racewalker48 41]

Glad to be able to help mamie60.

[Cupcake 801]

Hi I didn't tell anyone at work anything it's none if their business they do know that I have been working on loosing weight since I began my 6 month weight management in August of last year and they believe through my hard work and changes in eating and working out contribute to my weight loss.

Edited July 23, 2014 by Cupcake