Hello out there,

I am self employed and don't intend to tell anyone except hubby knows. He did you all keep it a secret and how much time should I take off before seeing clients again. I realize it is different for everyone and that I cant really predict but would love your thoughts!

Thanks everyone! I'm scheduled leave next weekend and getting a bit nervous although committed and want to make sure that I manage m own expectations along with m clients who dont know what I am doing.

I am self-employed as well and after 13 months, no one knows except my physician. I took two weeks off. I could have worked at my desk earlier than that but chose not to. I was good to go full-time at three weeks. My friends have seen me gain and lose over the years--when they asked how I was losing weight I told them Atkins as all they saw me eat was protein. I don't have a husband and my family lives far away and has also seen me gain and lose repeatedly.

Great input. I may have to brush up my Atkins knowledge since I've never done it, but sounds like I'll need to know it anyway.

You can also say that your doctor has ordered that you follow a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet if you don't want to endorse something like Atkins. There are so many variants of high protein diets out there anyway--Dukan, South Beach, the old Stillman, the new Paleo...I found that people mostly looked at what I didn't eat (chips, cake, soda) than what I actually put in my mouth.

Great point. Great idea! Thanks!

I'm three months out and haven't told anyone at work. Lots of people are noticing my weight loss, (60 pounds now, including pre-op) but also noticing the Protein and vegetable based meals I eat, my healthy Snacks, and they see me "checking in" at the gym several times a week via Facebook or Foursquare. When people have asked about my loss, I point to those things.

I'm not an easy loser and I'm working hard for every pound. I dont feel like im being "dishonest" about what im doing. I feel like I'm one of those people who could easily stay heavy despite the sleeve if I wasn't working so hard. I don't feel like its my job or my place to be an example or a poster child for wls to anyone.

I was back to work at 4 days post-op and had my surgery done over the Thanksgiving holiday, so i didnt miss more than a few days of work. I don't think anyone has a clue about my surgery. None of their business!

i am not telling anyone either, other then my hubby, who is coming down with me. Once all is said and done, if anyone should ask, i am just going to say changed my lifestyle.

The only people that know about my upcoming surgery, ***this Monday the 27th*** are my two daughters, husband and one dear friend (who has not replied to my email) I asked him for his support and have heard nothing back from him...my oldest daughter did mention it to her boyfriends mother (who is the last person on Earth I would want to know)...such a gossip she is...both of my older sisters have had gastric bypass. My oldest sister has gained all her weight back and my middled sister has maintained her weight loss. Neither one of my sisters speak to me and live about 70 miles from me...I do not want to feel like I am living "under the microscope"...I have no other close family except my in laws and I don't know if hubs and I are going to tell them...

We will be sleeve sisters!

Sounds like your sisters could both be a great resource for you to learn from so that is too bad. Surround yourself with supportive folks and you'll be fine. This forum has been a savior because I too have noone to talk to.

That is Awesome!! I've got a new sister!! Yeah it is very sad about my sisters...there has been so much back stabbing over the years that I am much better off on my own...sad, but true...we have gone through this more times than I can count...one day maybe we will be close again...I have forgiven them for the hurt, but I won't forget..my husband does support me, but he would much rather see me lose the weight on my own with out surgery...I have Fibromyalgia and it is very difficult for me to work out...the best I ever felt was when I did Hatha Yoga and I am looking for a class near us....I will also be checking into water (pool) type classes...I wish you the best with your surgery sis!!