A friend who knows about my upcoming BIG DAY was talking to another friend who knows about my upcoming BIG DAY about my BIG DAY in front of people who didn't know about my BIG DAY. The second friend freaked out, not knowing I wasn't keeping it a secret. Friend one came to me to apologize for spilling the Beans. So...I decided to send out an e-mail to all of my co-workers, something I had planned on doing anyhow. I am a teacher and I am so fortunate to have great co-workers, parents, and scholars who are and will be very understanding and supportive.

Dear Colleagues,

I wanted to take a few minutes to share something very personal. Most of the people I interact with on a daily basis already knows, but I didn't want anyone to feel as though it is a secret or that I didn't want them to know.

No, I 'm not pregnant.

No, I'm not getting married.

No, I'm not leaving the school.

I'm simply getting un-fat. =-) Or at least that is the plan. I am having a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy next Thursday, which means I am having most of my stomach removed.

I will have a sub Thursday and Friday. My goal is to return the following Tuesday...but will be playing it by ear. I may come back and only do half days for a while...or come back but still have a sub with me for a while.

During my first week out of surgery I will be on Clear liquids, then two weeks on full liquids, and then three weeks on pureed and mushy foods. By that time the staples will hopefully be healed and I will be able to incorporate very small amounts of real food into my diet. Fortunately, I work with wonderful people who have agreed to keep a watch over my scholars during lunch so that I do not have to go into the cafeteria for a while.

I am sharing this news with my classroom parents tomorrow afternoon and with my scholars (limited information of course) Monday during our Morning Meeting.

If it is something you would like to know more about, I'm not shy about sharing.

Thanks in advance for your support!

I totally understand. I am a teacher, too. Luckily I was sleeved over the holiday so I used that time for much of my recovery. I think your letter looks good. I have already been questioned by many of my co-workers. They don't really understand the surgery, much less a revision I went through from the lapband. I think it is a good way to explain the situation without having to repeat yourself over and over again like me.

I totally understand. I am a teacher, too. Luckily I was sleeved over the holiday so I used that time for much of my recovery. I think your letter looks good. I have already been questioned by many of my co-workers. They don't really understand the surgery, much less a revision I went through from the lapband. I think it is a good way to explain the situation without having to repeat yourself over and over again like me.

Oh, and there's that....I do not want to tell my story over and over again. =-)

That's awesome.

I was open about my surgery. It helped being so open with everyone.

I also work at a school. Luckily I was approved for a December surgery so I only had to take off 2 and a half days before winter break started.

The hardest part is dealing with the kids... I work with emotionally disturbed kids so it's not something I care to share with them.

I just tell them I'm trying to be healthier.

GOOD LUCK!

I'm a teacher too, adults with developmental disabilities.. I told all the staff at my program. Some more than others. We had a staff that had an RNY a few years ago, and many of us have gone on group diets, so everyone was supportive and some even interested. I have started telling my students, limited info just to let them know I will be gone for 3 weeks and not to worry.

i too was weird about telling people but had to start telling my customers that i was going to be out of the office for a few days. My surgery is on Jan. 12th Wednesday and I hope to be back at work on Monday. That is the plan. I asked the Dr. about what I should be eating and at what period in time but he said that the dietitian will go over everything in the hospital. Today i am stocking up broth, Soups, cream of wheat and all the other stuff he has on the shopping list that was given to me. Good luck to you.

A friend who knows about my upcoming BIG DAY was talking to another friend who knows about my upcoming BIG DAY about my BIG DAY in front of people who didn't know about my BIG DAY. The second friend freaked out, not knowing I wasn't keeping it a secret. Friend one came to me to apologize for spilling the Beans. So...I decided to send out an e-mail to all of my co-workers, something I had planned on doing anyhow. I am a teacher and I am so fortunate to have great co-workers, parents, and scholars who are and will be very understanding and supportive. Dear Colleagues,

I wanted to take a few minutes to share something very personal. Most of the people I interact with on a daily basis already knows, but I didn't want anyone to feel as though it is a secret or that I didn't want them to know.

No, I 'm not pregnant.

No, I'm not getting married.

No, I'm not leaving the school.

I'm simply getting un-fat. =-) Or at least that is the plan. I am having a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy next Thursday, which means I am having most of my stomach removed.

I will have a sub Thursday and Friday. My goal is to return the following Tuesday...but will be playing it by ear. I may come back and only do half days for a while...or come back but still have a sub with me for a while.

During my first week out of surgery I will be on clear liquids, then two weeks on full liquids, and then three weeks on pureed and mushy foods. By that time the staples will hopefully be healed and I will be able to incorporate very small amounts of real food into my diet. Fortunately, I work with wonderful people who have agreed to keep a watch over my scholars during lunch so that I do not have to go into the cafeteria for a while.

I am sharing this news with my classroom parents tomorrow afternoon and with my scholars (limited information of course) Monday during our Morning Meeting.

If it is something you would like to know more about, I'm not shy about sharing.

Thanks in advance for your support!

I think you did it the best way! I was all up in arms about weather to tell my co workers and then towards the end I just figured they are going to talk if tell and if I don't. So I figured putting it out there, the true version would nip a lot of the nasty ones in bud with their version.

I am getting a lot of support from my bosses and funny thing is the ones who seem put off now are the ones who fight the battle of bulge themselves. One person who used to have tons to say to me has not said a word since I am have been back. I figure she is jealous, but I don't care! I am HAPPY!

I told everyone in my office before I had the surgery done and they were all very supportive!!

I will be starting a new job soon (in a new state!) and I'm sure that if it ever comes up I'll talk about it but it won't be something I'll just announce! LOL