Hello, I have been researching "the sleeve" since March 2010. I went to the seminar in October and my first visit with the surgeon was on monday 01/03/2011. Due to insurance I have to wait 3 months and go through some testing before I can set a surgery date. One of my biggest concerns is work. By the time I schedule the surgery I will have enough vacation time for about a week and a half. I havent told any one at work what I'm planning or anything. Mostly because all I would hear is " oh I hate to see you resort to surgery" or " if you would just do a little more walking" I wouldnt get the support I need so....I've decided to not tell my boss but tell my boss's boss. I want the company to be on board with me and know that this is something I have to do for me and my health and I dont want to get fired for taking time off or missing a day here and there for the testing prior to surgery. Is this a bad thing? My insurance that is paying for the surgery is through my company, so it would really suck for them to let me go over the time off. If I could get some thoughts and opinions I would be grateful!!!

I am a high school teacher. I did not tell my department chair, chiefly because she is a gossip and I felt she would be indiscrete. I did tell my assistant principal, in the event that something had happened. I don't think it is bad to limit whom you tell at work. Bottom line: this is a health issue and legally they shouldn't be able to question what kind of surgery you are having.

Just my opinion.

Do you work for a company that qualitifies you for FMLA? If so, they cannot legally let you go for missing work for qualified medical time.

Best of luck on your investigation and research. I was one of those who really thought "I'll be the failure", but here I am at goal wearing 4's and 6's in less than a year. WOW!