I've been having pre-op tests and I've been managing to do it discreetly by taking a sick day here and a personal day there. I really don't want to tell my co-workers why I'm going be out of the office. I just don't want the people I work with monitoring my weight loss and making what I eat their concern. Been there -- "Debi, should you be eating that?" Makes me uncomfortable. When I did the South Beach Diet last year, I think I was scrutinized as much as the department budget. I know most people mean well, but I don't want attention focused on my diet successes & failures. This is my journey, bumps and all.

For those of you who didn't share your surgery with your co-workers, what did you tell them? Perhaps down the road, when I feel successful and more confiident in myself, I'd be willing to share my weight loss experience, but in the beginning I'd like to keep it to my immediate family.

Any suggestions?

Tell them you have to have some minor surgery. You can even tell them stomach surgery if they want details, or tell them it's a hernia or something. Nice thing about that is that it would explain your eating liquids and mushies while healing.

I wouldn't use the gallbladder excuse if you still have it, because then someday you may have to have yours out!

If you want to keep it to yourself than its none of their business. If you don't have your gallbladder and they don't know that-tell them you are having your gallbladder out. Or "girl surgery" or its a girl thing will always work. If they press you esp the women and ask if its an actual hysterectomy-just skirt it-"not sure yet till they take a look" or "hope not" and change the subject.

I said "female type minor surgery". Everyone assumed I was getting my tubes tied.

I said gallbladder. And then if my gallbladder does come out in the future, I'll plead "complications from my previous surgery".

I have also been wondering what to say to my co-workers. I have sick and vacation time on the books. I am thinking about taking vacation time and simply saying I am taking a vacation to lounge around, read and just plain rest!!

I said "female type minor surgery". Everyone assumed I was getting my tubes tied.

I said the EXACT same thing and that is exactly what they think but I just gracefully change the subject if they begin asking details. However, I work with all men so by changing the subjet they won't go back there again. ha ha. My boss is also male and usually wants specific details. Because I said minor female out patient surgery, he didn't even ask. :Banane27:

I just told my boss "minor surgery" and "nothing to worry about". He tried to press a bit for more info and I said..."really....it is minor and don't worry about it". I think he assumed (which I was hoping he would) that it was something "Female" and so he backed off and didn't ask more. As for my co-workers (mostly female) I knew I would have to say something more. So, I said I was having a hiatal hernia removed. They didn't question it at all....I just sort of said it and then changed the subject. And then....in the days leading up to it, I didn't raise it again...I think they just forgot about it.

I had read up on hiatal hernia in advance and so knew it was a good reason....same type of surgery (lapr.), same recovery time etc....so it was a good match. In case I got any further questions, I also read up on exactly what a hiatal hernia was...it's symptoms, causes etc....so I was prepared. But, like I said...nobody asked further because I was sorta vaguish about it when I mentioned it and made it sound like it was soooo not a big deal.

I said gallbladder. And then if my gallbladder does come out in the future, I'll plead "complications from my previous surgery".

LOL!!!!!!!!! That is exactly what I said and what my plan is later!

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

I told my job nothing. I took a couple of days and prayed that I would be ready to go back. I have a pretty active job. I had surgery on Tuesday and was back at work on Saturday. No one knew except my friend who was getting ready to do the same thing. I had no problems and no one knew. I was always on a diet so it wasn't obvious that I was doing anything different. When someone did notice that I was losing I told them I was following a south beach like diet and exercising.

Thank you all for some great ideas. I think I like the hiatal hernia. I work with so many women and I don't think they'd let a "female thing" slide by without a lot of questions. I've also worked with most of them for five years, so they wouldn't think twice about asking me what the problem was -- partly out of curiosity, but mostly out of concern. The hiatal hernia is the least likely to tempt curiosity. You were all so helpful. Thank you again.

Debi,

Funny -- because the hernia excuse was the same one I used. And, it comes in handy when you feel "stuck" -- I still blame it on heartburn. Damn hernia wasn't repaired properly!

I had surgery on a Monday, went back to work Friday but left early because I was feeling very sore and it was painful to sit at my desk. Much better resting at home in the recliner!

All the best,

Karla

You know, before I had the surgery I was determined to keep it private. But, for some reason I ended up telling a male co-worker whose wife is a Dr. and the next thing you know I was telling everyone.

The response I have had has been total support and encouragment--I even think it helped me get a promotion! I have had a lot of people I barely knew asking for information about LBS.

I know everyone has their reasons, but since I have had some minor complications from the surgery, it has been a lot easier having people already know.

The other thing is, people don't feel uncomfortable commenting on my weight loss.

Just a thought.........

I told EVERYONE. From my boss's boss, to people that i worked with 6 years ago.

A guy I worked with had the band about 2 yrs ago, and has lost 160 lbs. He told me when he went in for the surgery, and yes, I asked him lots of questions and watched him like a hawk. BUT I was thankful he told me what he was doing and why. Otherwise, I would have never known about the Lapband. I am a guinea pig for another woman I work with, and honestly, I dont mind. But, thats me.

I am in the same boat. I thought I would have had my surgery this summer but, insurance denial has held up the procedure. I am now scheduled for sept. which means I am back to work. I can't come up with something believable. I don't know much about Hiatel Hernias. I was thinking about telling everyone that I was having emergency Gall bladder surgery however, I'm afraid that one day I may need that surgery and I truly don't know much about the surgery. I work in a school and the school nurse asks many questions out of concern. I may answer something completely wrong. I hate lying. The only people who know are my husband, mother, and sister. Help me please.

I was on a LOA when I had my surgery but will gladly tell anyone who asks how I lost the weight. It think it's a good incentive for those who want to do it themselves.

From past experience - everyone finds out anyway and lying about it or being evasive, only makes nosey people keep the conversation going.