So I've read on a few posts about people like me that chose not to make their surgeries a publicized ordeal.. What stories did y'all tell ur bosses, family, friends, etc. to cover up for the hospital stay and time off from work? I've chosen not to tell my boss because he's very judgmental with even the smallest of decisions and his opinion just isn't needed in this life choice. I just simply said I was taking a "vacation" but I want to hear what others told their peers.

Shell425 lol I just took two weeks vacation , I had surgery on Monday was release Tuesday and went back to work 14 days later after my first 2 week check up . My coworkers already knew that I was exercising and changing my way of eating so they just think it's from hard work with exercising and eating healthy , because as you said it is none of their business .

I told my boss, who is also a friend, but not the entire team I work with (12 other people). I know they would be supportive but I'm just not ready to put it out there yet. One of my co-workers is having the surgery too and she has been very open about what she's doing. I wish I was as comfortable with talking about it as she is. My immediate family is aware and is supportive, but I've asked them to keep the information to themselves for the time being.

I've only told my hubby and my mom. My hubby's family is gossip central and incredibly opinionated. It is awful. The whole town would know if we told them. I've been a stay at home mom for almost 10 years and have had my own business for 3 years. I chose to keep my decision private for now. My fear was the endless opinions and gossip. I made this choice for myself about 5 years ago. Now I am completely ready. When the time comes, due to rapid weight loss, I will probably have to say something. I'll deal with it then. At that point it will be a little late for opinions and unsupportive comments. But, until then, I really like the positive support I have from my hubby & mom. I've made it through my 6 month diet, just got approved a few days ago by ins and now waiting to get it all scheduled. I am so excited!!!!

Start bringing and eating healthy meals at work no matter how far out you are from a surgery date. Talk about the new great diet you're on to anyone that will listen.

Spend half of your lunch break eating and the other half exercising at work, in whatever capacity is suitable and appropriate (unless there's a gym at your job - then use that).

The point is, if you don't intend to tell anyone (and that's entirely your right), exhibiting healthy eating / exercising behaviors around others will help decrease the questions when weight begins to drop off significantly.

My surgery is scheduled for September 17th, and I've only told my mom and my husband. I told my boss I was having an esophageal hernia repaired, but none of my other coworkers know. I have my pre-op appointment and pre-admission testing on the 28th and it feels like time is moving so slowly. I'm really excited and a little nervous at the same time! Good luck to everyone and Congrats on your approvals!

So I've read on a few posts about people like me that chose not to make their surgeries a publicized ordeal.. What stories did y'all tell ur bosses, family, friends, etc. to cover up for the hospital stay and time off from work? I've chosen not to tell my boss because he's very judgmental with even the smallest of decisions and his opinion just isn't needed in this life choice. I just simply said I was taking a "vacation" but I want to hear what others told their peers.

I was having a hernia repaired also. So I told people that. Good luck

I told them I was having surgery and didn't say what it was for. I was surprised when colleagues began to ask what it was for (I thought it was a rude question). I told them I didn't want to discuss it (and I'm sure they thought I was rude!).

choosing not to tell anyone besides my wife. if surgery did come up in conversation I would say a hiatal hernia repair (don't have that....) when questioned about weight loss. you can say that you are on a strict medically supervised diet tailored to your needs. worried about health, making a change. working out, eating healthy.... I don't like to be the topic of conversation at all and hate gossip, so that is why I am telling no one.

I didn't tell anyone anything. When/if they start asking about or noticing my weight loss, I'll say, "Oh, yeah. That. I went to the fat farm a while back!"

Pre-op, I told my boss and the 12ish people I work with along with family and a few close friends. I didn't get any really negative reactions, other than the "you're not fat enough" conversation which I addressed several times to concerned friends with a chat that goes something like this... "My Dr and I have come to the decision that this is the best thing I can do for my health. I may not look it, but I'm carrying around 100 extra pounds, and it is contributing to numerous other health problems for me. I'd appreciate your support as I undertake this effort to take back my health." That conversation was all it took. I had the support of the folks I care about and anyone else... if they're not on my side, I really don't care about their opinion!

Post-op, I tell everyone who asks what I'm doing to look so great that I eat small meals, exercise 5 x per week and I am winning the battle now because I chose to get the help I needed in the form of gastric surgery to reduce the size of my stomach. You never know who needs to hear about this fantastic tool, either for themselves or for someone they love who is struggling.

you are so right, @bikrchk. I like your take on this.

And maybe I'll get to that point, too. Sharing and being open about it. Just not there yet. It is still too personal and close to the surface for me.