Did you tell co-workers?

[Catherine55 43]

I didn't tell anyone at work. I am a fairly private person and didn't want people at work talking about something so personal to me. I also didn't want everyone to be watching what I'm eating all of the time and commenting about it to me or to others.

In retrospect, I am VERY GLAD that I didn't say anything -- the weight loss is slow (though steady!), and I wouldn't have wanted anyone to say things like "I can't believe you did that surgery and aren't losing weight!" while I was in Bandster Hell.

I let a few people know that I'd be out for surgery and, when I told them, I started by saying that I was keeping it on the DL because I didn't want people to ask me questions about it. That definitely stopped any questions (in what I think was a nice way), though I think people may have thought I was having OBGYN issues!!

Unfortunately, the one thing I hadn't realized is that my Blackberry would work in Mexico while I was there for the surgery -- and that (since my firm pays my bill) the people who deal with the phone bills would know where I was because of the LD and roaming charges. Given how much people talk around here, it may well have gotten around that I was in Mexico while I was out for surgery.

I didn't hear anything about it though. I'm a lawyer, so the people in my firm know they can't ask me about medical issues. They were a little pushy about wanting me to sign an FMLA form. However, since I was only out for 5 days (plus, I was using vacation time), I was able to refuse.

Also, after I got back (and had been in the office for most of a week), they wanted some kind of doctor's note saying it was OK for me to return to work. I was able to get around that, thankfully, since giving them my doctor's name would have basically told them exactly what I had done.

[akindofmagic 0]

I told my entire office and all of my family and friends. Everyone has been very, very supportive as I knew they would be. When I adopted my daughter from China 3 years ago (by the way - I also told my daughter's daycare teachers, directors and even some of her classmates parents), I talked about it immediately and throughout the process and found it to be a tremendous relief to be upfront and honest with everyone. It has been my experience that when you attempt to play things to close to the vest, people take it upon themselves to speculate and they are often times incorrect in their assumptions. With regards to the lap band, people know I'm overweight - this is no secret to anyone who has ever met me. I also carry a card in my wallet in the event of a medical emergency that states I have a lapband implanted and that special care should be taken before performing any abdominal procedure. Just like I prefer for the people around me to be aware of my penicillin allergy, I want them also to know I have a lap band. I have nothing to be ashamed of for finally taking my health seriously and taking steps to improve it.

These are my reasons and I can tell by the responses thus far that many people feel differently. Ultimately it is a personal choice and you will do what is best for you. Good luck to you.

Michelle in NJ

[TQUAD64 9]

Thanks for sharing your experience! The team I work with is fairly new and I'm not close enough to share with them yet. I did tell my supervisor, but I've know her for over 5 years now. I plan on not saying anything, but if anyone asks I think I will go the route of I had surgery and I was on the mends and it's personal.

Totally off topic, but I love your aviator!

Good luck! :cursing:

[HeatherO 7]

I never told a soul at work. They still don't know and it has been a year and I have lost all of my weight.

I don't like to share to much personal information with people at work, especially in this area. I just didn't want everyone watching what I lost, or what I was eating, or speculating amongst themselves about why it was or was not a good decision. I am happy I did it this way.

[irishgal 0]

I told one of my friends at work. So far, I haven't felt like sharing with any other coworkers. My family members know along with a few other friends. My sister came into town for my surgery. It was easy to say I was taking time off to visit with her. My surgery was on a Thursday so I took off from Thursday to Wednesday. It was great to have a short week after coming back to work.

No one at work has said anything about my eating habits. I honestly don't think people pay that much attention.

Do what feels most comfortable for you. When/if you feel comfortable with telling others, you will.

Best wishes to you

[AliNSanDiego 1]

I tell/told everyone and I still do. I'm not comfortable lying (I am a terrible liar!).

To each his/her own.

[IWannaBeSkinny 0]

I told everyone. People started asking why I was going to Dr's appointments all the time, and I figured it was best if I told rather than people talk amongst theirselves. Everyone thought I was preggo!

It has been a good support. I used to tell people when I was dieting, so I think this is similar. And its nice because people comment about the wl and stuff too!

[Patty Zody 0]

I was banded on a Friday and took off work that day and actually went back to work on Monday after. That was hard to keep a secret but it was mine to keep. I told them I was not feeling weel and as I started losing weight, I told them I was not eating bread nad my hubby was eating half of my food (that was not a lie). When I was ready, I told me and they were fine.

Patty

[GreyhoundGirl 0]

Hi! What a great topic to bring up! I'm glad to read the different responses. I have not had my procedure yet and am still in the beginning part of the journey working with the doctor and my insurance....

I have talked to my personal friends at work (the handful I go to breaks with.) and have asked them to keep it to themselves. They are very supportive and really want to know all about it. I have a new/temporary boss standing in for my old boss and don't feel comfortable telling him about it... I did tell him I was going to be asking for a weeks vacation in the next month or so... He has no problem with it.

I work for a very large place and don't really need everyone in my business... They can think what they will months from now when I am much lighter... and should they want to approach me about it I'm sure I will be open and honest. I'm not ashamed of this surgery - however, it's also something I don't feel like advertising either!

[judyr 0]

I've never been really comfortable discussing personal things -- and I don't know how people will feel or react -- I don't need anyone judging me for something personal. I actually started really 'dieting' about 6 weeks before surgery. I had lost about 15 pounds ahead of time so no one really noticed when I continued after surgery that it was in any way related.

I've never actually lied to anyone (I won't). I told management that I was having surgery and it was a personal matter. They assumed it was woman related (I work primarily with men) which was fine.

As for weight loss, I consider the band to be a tool. When people ask me what I've done, I'm honest about things like reducing portion sizes, skipping a lot of the carbs, not snacking, etc. and adding in lots of exercise - all true.

Judy:smile:

[Jennyt71 0]

I work for a very large company, but the group I am in is a very tight-knit bunch (about 15 of us). I was open about it when I started looking into it last summer and spoke with several coworkers about it. One coworker joined me and she had the surgery a week before I did. We both have a ton of support from our supervisor and coworkers - I'm glad I told them. Each person is in a different environment at work - and I can tell you if I was at some of my past jobs, I wouldve never spoken a word about it! Right now, our supervisor tells us how proud he is of us and our coworkers always have nice things to say.