Did anyone NOT tell their job about surgery?

[tfarr 270]

I needed to tell them. Because I needed 5 weeks off due to the heavy lifting at my job. I told them I needed surgery, that's it. No one knows the type of surgery. Just that I will be out for 5 weeks to recoup.

[katesuccess 990]

When someone pressed me a bit about what I was having (out of care, not so much nosiness I think) I said "Well it's the sort of surgery which is necessary, but not-such-fun-to-talk-about kind of thing! --And it means I need to avoid travel/lifting for a couple of weeks." and they always respectfully demurred.

People are all in different places about whether to tell others or not, and in the end its such a personal decision, and one only you can make. I often hear of people who told everyone and did or didn't regret it, or those who started by telling no one - then told everyone! My big hope is that no one judges each others choice in this. For me my work is such that I know my choice for privacy was the right one, and my not telling people hasn't made anyone become pushy or overly inquisitive. Mostly they want to be supportive of my own self care and choices.

Go with what your gut says, and know that it really IS your call.

[happymama2014 206]

I saw lots of bad blood on here on another post because not everyone wants to tell their work it other pekoe about surgery. I took vacation fir tie weeks no explanations but I did start my preop diet and was losing weight so I told a few people I am doing Neal replacement shakes and smaller healthier portions so that's all true and that's all im saying. Got tired of people trying to talk me into buffet Indian food at lunch. It's not gonna happen again. I will get takeout and eat my smaller portions until I know what I can eat and how much. I'm not at work to socialize anyway!

[EmmaKathleen 28]

I didn't. I had plenty of vacation time, so I just told everyone I was taking a "staycation" and noone pressed any further. Anyone who would probably needs a life of their own. Having the surgery was/is such a personal thing that I've only felt comfortable telling a few people whom I am very close to. It's your body and your life so I say tell as many or as few people as you're comfortable with.

[Scarlett72 13]

I'm so happy that I found this site. Its been very informative. I'm a noob and just starting out and was wondering about telling anyone at work. I've already talked to one coworker who is more like a friend that I want the surgery and hoping that my insurance will cover it. She is so supportive and I'm glad I told her. I don't mind telling my boss either because she's awesome but there are a couple of coworker's that I know will be nosy and I don't know what I should say. Other then them and my immediate family, I don't plan on telling anyone else.

[dgross 32]

I work in an ER as a tech so,i will be off 4 weeks due to lifting ! Only a few friends i work w know,no one else #dec22

[SuperDave 1,115]

I kept it quiet until my last day of work, and then I told one person. I'm sure when I return after a month everyone will know. That's okay, I don't care too much what anyone else thinks!

[cinamini1 8]

My good friend/co-worker and I are going to Tijuana for VSG on Dec. 19. When requesting time off from work we were told we couldn't be gone at the same time.

SO... We booked it anyways and are going over xmas break when the office is closed for 2 weeks...Happy New Year;)

[joatsaint 2,814]

I was very lucky in that my job is education related, so I had the same 2 weeks off for Xmas that the school kids get. I timed it just right, and was able to get sleeved on Dec 27th and was back at work on Jan 2nd. I was back at work on day 11. No one at work ever knew it happened.

Turns out I was worried over nothing (about anyone at work finding out). Everyone was very supportive. Turns out there were 3 ladies at work who had bariatric surgery (not at the same time as me) and they were very supportive.

As people started to notice my weight loss and ask questions, I just told them that it was a combination of eating less and walking. Only a few people at work knew about my surgery. One person was convinced I was taking some kind of miracle drug to lose weight...( but she could see that I was walking before work and at lunch and eating very little ) - I never told her about the surgery. :-P

Did anyone NOT tell their job about having surgery? How did that go? How long did you take off work?

[sw-jdh 8]

I am getting sleeve on the 24th of November finally. No I did not tell anyone at work. I also took personal time off. My plan i to return to work the following Monday. Only a couple of friends know of the surgery. Anyone one else in Killeen getting

sleeved????

[VGB 130]

I'm getting sleeved in Dallas! Dr. Frenzel.

[XForeverYoursX 6]

I haven't told work (although my one manager knows i was considering it because we talk about weight issues) i'm not sure if i'll tell. maybe since i'll be doing my pre-op diet at work and we're all really close. was hoping to wait until after the surgery to let everyone know so i don't hear opinions but not sure.

[sw-jdh 8]

i am excited about my surgery. I had the lapband for about four year and that did not work out very well. In order for me to have the revision that has been a journey in itself. When I went to the doctor 1/17/14 i was not expecting him to tell me that i could have the surgery on Monday, November 24, 2014. Now I am trying to get everything in place before Monday and take of things at work also, since I will be off for a week. Skinny here I come.

[Monasongbird_38 73]

I told my employer and imediate supervisor that I was having my Gallbladder removed. When my surgeon's nurse completed my FMLA paperwork she only stated that I was having general surgery. She never reveled what type.

[nmorenol 3]

Im not going to tell peopelbin the office. Im sure they will notice once theybsee all of us skinny and eating really small meals!