So far, so good. I was banded Thursday and plan to go back to my desk job Monday. I called in sick two days. The questions will begin. I've decided not to share this outside of five family members. For those who kept it private, how did you all deflect the questions?

I also kept it quiet except for close family and 2 friends I knew I could trust.

I was out on a Thursday and returned on the following thursday. Since I took personal time without pay I just told my boss I was having a medical procedure done and left it at that.

People asked questions when I returned but I just told them I was taking care of some medical issues and left it at that. Nobody asked anything further than that. And I work with nice but GOSSIPY females!!!!

Hopefully that you just called in sick for 2 days there will be little questioning….if they do you can use any assortment of reasons….stomach virus is always a good one. Do you think people will be questioning you about your absence??

And when they started noticing my weight loss which was a while later I just told them the truth…i've been working hard to eat smaller portions of high Protein and lower carbs and walking, walking, walking…it IS the truth!!!

Its harder now that I updated my wardrobe to fit the weight loss that Im getting bombarded with questions…I still use that same explanation as above!!!!!

Hope that helps you in some way…hope you are feeling great and good luck returning to work!!!

I have also chosen to keep my journey private. (For now) If anyone asks (and I haven't been banded long enough for anyone to question) my answer will be as close to the truth as possible. "I am exercising more/ regularly. I am eating a lot less. And my diet is as close to gluten free as I can get it. " I'm not ashamed. . I'm so happy with my choice and proud of myself for making a good decision. I just want to focus on what I need to do. Not spend time defending, explaining or educating. (I know that might sound selfish but when it comes to getting this part of my life back, I'm going to put ME first for a bit)

That's why it's so nice to come here every day. I don't post often but I read everything all of you write. I get all my answers and more support and inspiration than you can imagine.

Only one or two will mention it. I took a sick day the week before as well for the final doctor and surgeon appointments. I actually work with mostly men, but one guy, who knows all the scuttlebutt, has not taken a sick day in 20 years. He's a good guy. Maybe I can imply it's "lady issues" and scare him off. LOL

I have also chosen to keep my journey private. (For now) If anyone asks (and I haven't been banded long enough for anyone to question) my answer will be as close to the truth as possible. "I am exercising more/ regularly. I am eating a lot less. And my diet is as close to gluten free as I can get it. " I'm not ashamed. . I'm so happy with my choice and proud of myself for making a good decision. I just want to focus on what I need to do. Not spend time defending, explaining or educating. (I know that might sound selfish but when it comes to getting this part of my life back, I'm going to put ME first for a bit)

That's why it's so nice to come here every day. I don't post often but I read everything all of you write. I get all my answers and more support and inspiration than you can imagine.

I agree with you on that one…I have put myself on the "back burner" for so long that its nice to move to the front.

And to have to deal with people who don't want to support you 150% is not my idea of putting myself first.

Only one or two will mention it. I took a sick day the week before as well for the final doctor and surgeon appointments. I actually work with mostly men, but one guy, who knows all the scuttlebutt, has not taken a sick day in 20 years. He's a good guy. Maybe I can imply it's "lady issues" and scare him off. LOL

LOL….that should scare him off okay!!!

Just know that when you have alot to lose like I did, and people notice that you have lost a considerable amount of weight, they may very well assume you had WLS. I've dropped basically a whole other person in terms of the amount of weight I've lost and I know the women in my department are likely assuming I had WSL. The guys only notice I'm smaller...they don't wonder how I did it.. But these days, WLS is so prevalent that I think most folks make that assumption. I've had a few people ask me outright what I did and I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt that they are asking because they see I've been successful, and not just because they are nosy.

I tell them I went on a strict food plan and am staying around 1,000 calories daily. Most people I work with knew I had severe joint issues as I've been on a cane for more than two years and once they found out I had bilateral hip replacement, they are satisfied with my answer that I needed to lose weight to prepare for the surgery. It's all true and the only thing I leave out is the lapband part. And I do that because I'm not comfortable talking about it, not because I fear any negative response.

I have had my band for a year next week and not a single person I work with knows that I have it. How have I hidden it?

I didn't tell ANYONE at work.. not even my friends. I told everyone that I had my gallbladder removed. How do I explain weightloss? They see me eating healthier, exercising more, and making better choices for my Snacks, etc.

I'm so glad that I decided to keep this a secret. I have avoided the questions, the looks, the whispers, and the scrutiny.

Your decision to tell people is up to you... And it's your perrogative to lie about your personal health if questioned. If a coworker asks you, it is a violation of HIPPA. Remember that before you share because you think you "have" to be honest. you aren't required to share anything.

Congratulations on your surgery and I hope going back to work is going well. I feel quite private, too. Very few people know about my band and I am just at the point where my loss is getting noticeable. So far no questions. I think people get it that I have struggled for years with dieting and I am an exerciser. If any one thinks anything at all, maybe they think it's finally working!

Today was fine. Lots of concerned "are you feeling better" type questions, since they probably assumed it was some kind of illness. I'm no longer worried. Thanks for all the tips. I also told nobody at work, and not even two of my very closest friends, mostly because of one's husband and the other's connection to everyone on Facebook. LOL. I like the eating less, walking more, answer, which is all true. Assume away.

I am in the middle of the same right now. I told my boss that my gallbladder was removed and plan to tell them that I know my health has been in a decline and this has all been a wake up call. I only got banded yesterday. Good Luck to you!

Congrats on being a bandit

Congrats on being a bandit

Thank you. Today is day 3. I slept through the night which was a god send. Today I feel ok!