Hey guys,

So I finally got my date! The 26th of January 2015 and I can't wait.

However, I'm in a huge dilemma, because I need to get off work for at least 4 weeks. The thing is, that the mindset in my workplace is that surgery is the "easy way out" and people "just need to stop eating and start running more". This pisses me off, and to be honest I don't really want them to know about me having the gastric sleeve. It's not any of their business. But my doctor definitely wants me to tell them that I'm having surgery of some sort - just so if something happens when I start work again, that they know it could be something to do with that.

Therefore, I want to lie about what surgery I'm having. That's where I need your help. What surgery could "look" a lot like the gastric sleeve? And what are the symptoms of that surgery?

I was thinking of hernia, because I read about other people saying that, but must admit I don't know that much about it.. What are the symptoms, is it in the stomach etc.

Please, there is no way of me telling them the truth, why I would appreciate if comments about just telling my boss as it is could be left out. Thanks a lot!

Best,
B

Ps. As you might have noticed English isn't my first language, so please feel free to tell me if there's something you didn't quite understand :-)

All they need to know is the you are having abdominal surgery, and whatever restrictions you might have when you come back - like I wasn't allowed to lift over 25 lbs for the first month.

Let's see if this works. You might have to copy and paste the rule in your browser

Darn! I can't do it from the mobile app. The video is on YouTube and is called "VSG-Ten reasons not to have VSG Surgery". Put that in the YouTube search bar and it should pop right up. There's a guy in headphones talking.

Darn! I can't do it from the mobile app. The video is on YouTube and is called "VSG-Ten reasons not to have VSG Surgery". Put that in the YouTube search bar and it should pop right up. There's a guy in headphones talking.

Thank you, I'm going to try that!

Kate M Thank you I finally found it, good video!

Hey, found the "VSG-Ten reasons not to have VSG Surgery" video on YouTube - this should be required watching for everyone considering surgery!! Thanks for recommending. Definitely can relate to all of these. My son just turned 18 years old and I weigh more now then I did when I was 9 months pregnant, walking into the hospital to deliver him. I've had periods of time where I've done really well and lost weight but then when I've stopped making weight loss my 110% top priority I gain it all back and the "bonus" 10 pounds each time it seems like . . . the vicious cycle!

I'm still torn about what to tell my work - so far I've just said "I'm having surgery" and will be out 2 to 4 weeks. I'm tempted to stay gall bladder which could explain the change in diet but I'm also tempted to just say nothing. I have told my family and my small inner circle of friends but not shared it with 90% of my world. Don't know that I will but plan to take it as it comes.

No matter my size, I am the same person inside - take me or leave me!

My advice keep it to yourself. The only people you need to tell at your work place is HR and your boss. simple I'm having surgery. There are rules employers has to abide by and the shouldn't ask what kind of surgery.

Yeah, no one's business. It's actually illegal for an employer to ask. It's a surgery. Period.

You are 100% correct. Falls under HIPPA rights. All you have to say is surgery.

I had lap-ban on 11/19. Don't start your journey with a lie. I started the pre-op diet before and told people I was on a high Protein no carb diet, which was true. Started walking during lunch. Was off for 10 days after my surgery, was told I would only need 5, but I needed more. I thought I had planned it just right. Surgery on Thursday, thought I would be back to work by Monday maybe Tuesday. But no I needed more. I was a mess after. My energy level was low. I needed more recovery time. Each person is different. I have a great relationship with my boss so when I needed more time she was fine with it.

When I returned no one notice right away because I had already started this life change before I had the surgery. It took about another 2 weeks before people started to say you look good. Did not have to explain a lot because I had already set the stage weeks before. I would just continue to say high protein no carbs. A few people said that is great, think I might try that.

I have lost a total of 26lbs pre-op and post-op, no fill yet. The challenge for me is keeping the 26 pounds off and continue to lose more weight until I get my fill. I started working out which is very helpful, not a hard worked out but walking and riding my stationary bike while I look at the biggest loser. I feel good about my progress up to this point. It is a process and a journey. Start it off positive not with a lie. Be true to yourself. People will ask and some people do not know how to filter on mind their own business, however how you respond will put them in their place. You say things like why do I look good, because I feel great. High protein no carbs. Think of your responses before they ask. Only share if you want to, with who you want to share. Don't feel guilty about starting to look good and healthy and how you accomplish it. This is still hard work. We all understand.

Do what you feel is best. I am a private person, and was raised not to tell everyone my business. I wouldn't even consider telling my co-workers. All they knew was that I was having a procedure...and the only reason they knew that was because I was taking 4 days off of work before the two week Xmas break. Only my best friend, husband and children know and I am happy with that.

I lost 50+ pounds prior to the surgery and received tons of questions about how I was losing weight. The answer was very honest and simple, "I ate less than 1200 calories per day and exercised on a regular basis." Can you believe people were actually disappointed with my answer? They are looking for magic...when there is none, even with WLS.

"Therefore, I want to lie about what surgery I'm having. That's where I need your help. What surgery could "look" a lot like the gastric sleeve? And what are the symptoms of that surgery?"

Gall bladder, hysterectomy, or hernia. I had all 3 and they do feel and look similar to gastric sleeve....except the post-op diet restrictions.

BUT-----

A: You don't have to lie about a thing because 1) you don't owe your co-workers any explanations & 2) your medical situation is private.

People who ask........ just tell them you had a medical issue, got it under control, and to keep it that way you've made life style changes. This explanation isn't a lie.

Never apologize for doing whats best for you.

Congrats! I am happy for you! Best wishes and here's to a healthier life!

Edited December 23, 201411 yr by tomi71

When asked about your weight loss, just say "I'm on a medically supervised low carb, high Protein diet." It's the TRUTH and anything more is no one's business.

@@Bubsen Try gall bladder surgery. It's close.

You may want to check your employers requirements. You may have to tell them when you are out for surgery and may need a doctors excuse to come back to work. I just told my employer that I'm having issues and need to have surgery. It's none of their business what is wrong with me. My surgery is 1/7/15. Good Luck to you!

I have been thru about 8 or so surgerys..this last one the sleeve ..it took me 2 months to get some stamina and strength back. tummy surgery is MAJOR! my internists said it would take a good 6 months for insides to heal. but I also had hernia repair. but you can easily just say if you want to "oh just some female thingy"..but I agree with others..ITS NOT ANY OF THEIR BUSINESS! just surgery is surgery...bring in the protein shakes or small meals..let them no when they offer sweets etc NO Thank you! I also had to have my thyroid med adjusted an since I did its helped alot with the weight coming off as well. there is also when they do start noticing hey just say its a new lifestyle! got off all the junk etc..I call it the ketogenic diet myself. its basically what my protocol is..if some one ask what you eat tell them to google! I dont offer any extra info to no one anymore. its your privacy an quite frankly no ones business. add some exercise in an wa la!!! the weight is coming off...my own family dont no..an I dont plan on telling them. I do say thyroid med, ketogenic diet mixed in with the wheat belly diet. off all artificail sweetners! works everytime. there is only 3 ppl I told..my hubs an 2 bffs...I am 5 months out an pushing mid 90s down..you dont need that added stress so dont over think it! keep us posted..