What to tell coworkers?

[volgirl 10]

I'm struggling with what story to tell my colleagues....some of which are good friends. I guess this must be a problem for anyone who works at a place that Is like a very large, gossipy family.

The NP at work knows that I'm having WLS. My boss knows I'm having surgery and is willing to go with whatever story I provide. I don't want to lie, but I don't want everyone to know and everyone across multiple functions will notice that I'm out.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks!!!!!

[sok72 5]

I'm in a similar situation. Only one friend knows at work. I'm still thinking about what I will tell them. I just don't want people to know my personal business.

[LipstickLady 25,682]

Do you want people to know? If so, tell them.

If not, tell them you are having a personal procedure and leave it at that.

Easy cheesy.

[FrankyG 1,450]

Anyone that is a close friend, I'd probably tell them. Anyone else, none of their business. I just went with "I'm having abdomnal surgery to correct a stomach issue" if pressed. And then change the subject or excuse myself and leave. You don't owe anyone any explainations, and technically you can just tell someone "It's nothing life-threatening, but I don't feel like discussing it at work." and change the subject.

Edited July 29, 2015 by FrankiesGirl

[shellyd88 463]

Exactly you don't owe an explanation to anyone and no one should be gossiping about others health issues anyway it's rude and unethical if you feel comfortable down the road and decide to tell ppl you can say you needed some time to get going on this path and to get used to the changes needed etc just remember u can't un tell besides those that gossip will find something or someone to talk about if not u someone else also it will likely drive them crazy to not be in the know I say let em wonder if asked say I only discuss medical issues with dr but thank you for asking

[MaryPh 78]

I had band to sleeve revision one week ago today. A few people at work that I'm close to only know I had the band out. Only my two closest friends at work know the whole story. Eventually I might tell more people at work but I just didn't want their opinions and close scrutiny. Many that I work with are young and very very healthy and have no idea what I've struggled with my whole life and I don't think they'd even understand. Besides all that I don't want them to worry

Edited July 29, 2015 by MaryPh

[snowkitten 371]

Just tell people you need a staycation. People at my work do it all the time. When u go back weighing less just tell them your working hard to lose weight. They don't need to know more.

[volgirl 10]

Thanks everyone for your input. I'm thinking about going the abdominal surgery route.

[Aliciasbrewer 5]

I started with the "abdominal surgery" route at first, but then found out that we had three other people in the office one of which is my direct supervisor who'd done WLS and everyone was very accepting and supportive and the ones who weren't abide by the "if you can't say something nice, say nothing at all" rule.

[volgirl 10]

@@MaryPh - you must be about 2 weeks out now....how are you doing?

[belaby18 8]

Hmm interesting story. I have close friends I haven't told about going into surgery the 17th since I just want just family to know. I can tell you it's hard. I would suggest just saying you're trying this new thing and if it works you'll tell them about it later. Not specifying what it is, just a broad idea. Then later when you feel more comfortable you tell them what you got done. Keep it on if they ask basis.