What to say

[thinner-me 160]

I am a teacher and was originally doing this over the summer. That didn't happen. Now I'm taking two weeks off school to do this! I didn't want to tell many people, especially at first. A few of my friends at work know, most don't. I know when they find out I'm taking off work they will all be asking why. And let me just state that I am pretty close with some of them, but worried about how they will react. So I guess I'm wondering what suggestions anyone has for me to say to them when they ask why I'm going to be gone? Any help is appreciated!

[Babbs 14,681]

I think because of the similarities of the surgery, you could say you're having your gall bladder removed? And the strict diet after could kind of go hand in hand with it.

[FocusOnMeNow 599]

I said I'm getting surgery "for" my knees, which I am. I am getting the sleeve because I cannot stand the knee pain anymore. I also have stated during pre-op diet that the doctor put me on this shake and bar routine so I can lose weight for my knees. I just say I have to lose weight because of my knees which is true. If I was having knee surgery they would tell me that I had to lose x lbs first. I'll just keep saying my doctor said I need to lose 20 more lbs (again and again) until I reach my goal weight. After all he did, he just isn't an orthopedic surgeon.

[thinner-me 160]

I think because of the similarities of the surgery, you could say you're having your gall bladder removed? And the strict diet after could kind of go hand in hand with it.

Unfortunately I had my gallbladder out a few years ago and they all know that! Because I thought that would have been a great excuse!

[Elode 8,093]

@@thinner-me Just tell them your taking some personal time off. Usually when someone says the word PERSONAL that tends to stop people from Questioning. Unless they're rude.

[SleeveandRNYchica 1,155]

Or if you mention female surgery! But that may not work in teaching field because most are women. I work with mostly men and that shuts them down. But I agree tell them it's personal. People might think it, but most would not ask! I know I would never. I say most because there is always that one, that feels they should know the ends and outs of everyone else's life.

[Chele H 427]

Hiatal hernia ......which you may have anyway.

[work2Bskinny 78]

I told my teaching colleagues and they have been so supportive!! I had my surgery two weeks before school got out and I only missed three days and two half days. Once you are walking after surgery, I didn't find it hard to go back to the classroom. I was tired at the end of the day, but it got easier and easier every day. I know it's hard to decide who to tell and how much to keep private. I made my decision because I don't want to live like I am doing something wrong. I had surgery to help a medical problem, and I'm proud that I made that decision for myself and my family. Being a teacher is different than working in an office...there is a bond that teachers form in a school that I consider most of my colleagues my second family. I hope you can find a solution that gives you the best shot at success!!

[thinner-me 160]

I told my teaching colleagues and they have been so supportive!! I had my surgery two weeks before school got out and I only missed three days and two half days. Once you are walking after surgery, I didn't find it hard to go back to the classroom. I was tired at the end of the day, but it got easier and easier every day. I know it's hard to decide who to tell and how much to keep private. I made my decision because I don't want to live like I am doing something wrong. I had surgery to help a medical problem, and I'm proud that I made that decision for myself and my family. Being a teacher is different than working in an office...there is a bond that teachers form in a school that I consider most of my colleagues my second family. I hope you can find a solution that gives you the best shot at success!!

This is so true! They are good friends of mine. And a couple of them know. But we had a parent do it and a few made comments about how they can't believe anyone would do it. They love food too much. Blah blah! I just didn't want to listen to it! I know I can't keep that secret forever from them. Just trying to hold out as long as possible! I sure hope I'm able to go back as soon as you! That would be great!

[WorkinOnMe 596]

I too am a teacher & had planned to have my sleeve done this summer. Due to insurance issues I had to move it up to May & take 2 weeks off school. There were a few very close friends who knew about my journey, but I felt most people didn't need to know. For those who asked, I kept it simple.... I simply said I was having some abdominal surgery. If they pressed it further I told them it was nothing major. For some who wouldnt leave well enough alone, I did tell them I was having a hyatial hernia fixed because I did have one & the surgeon evaluated it while doing my sleeve (didn't need surgical correction & fixed itself after the sleeve).

Going back to work was a whole different ballgame! I started losing weight immediately & it was noticeable. A few people guessed. Those who asked what was going on, I told them my diabetes was under control & I was losing weight. I was the truth. My glucose was 99 2 hrs after surgery, and I WAS losing weight. They just lumped the two together.

[Nibbler 71]

I'm having my surgery Sept. 9 so I'm in the thick of this "who to tell" 'what to tell". Very relevant for me. I've been vacillating for weeks about what to say. In the end I've chosen to be forward to be upfront with everyone except my 91 yo mother. She has some dementia issues and is having a very difficult time with fixating on my daughters health problems now (high risk pregnancy hospitalization). She has caused me so much stress with her multiple phone calls and questions that I just can't go down this road with her.

I will tell her my weight loss is tied to my gall bladder surgery, she had her gall bladder out so she is accepting of that.

The thing that really ticks me off about the entire thing is WHY do I have to ask myself these questions about who would be accepting and who would not.

I'm so tired of my weight being the topic of conversation for people. I'm sure the haters will all whisper "she had to have surgery, she has no control"

[thinner-me 160]

I'm having my surgery Sept. 9 so I'm in the thick of this "who to tell" 'what to tell". Very relevant for me. I've been vacillating for weeks about what to say. In the end I've chosen to be forward to be upfront with everyone except my 91 yo mother. She has some dementia issues and is having a very difficult time with fixating on my daughters health problems now (high risk pregnancy hospitalization). She has caused me so much stress with her multiple phone calls and questions that I just can't go down this road with her.

I will tell her my weight loss is tied to my gall bladder surgery, she had her gall bladder out so she is accepting of that.

The thing that really ticks me off about the entire thing is WHY do I have to ask myself these questions about who would be accepting and who would not.

I'm so tired of my weight being the topic of conversation for people. I'm sure the haters will all whisper "she had to have surgery, she has no control"

I guess it is what it is. It's going to be obvious when I start dropping weight fast. Probably can't hide it. But I don't blame you with your mother. I wouldn't go there either! Good luck!