Telling People about WLS

[anrobe 34]

I've told just a few trusted friends and family members about my upcoming WLS. Soon, I will need to ask for time off from work for surgery and I'm pretty sure my boss will ask what surgery I'm having (even if he's not supposed to) and I'm not sure whether or not I want to tell him. But, if he asks, I'm not sure how to politely say I don't want to tell you. LOL I'm not sure if he'll be overtly non-supportive but I have no idea. People react very strangely about WLS in my experience. If I hear one more time about all of the terrible things people have heard about WLS, I'll scream. I'm just trying to tackle this work discussion and how to approach it. Any suggestions?

[Bufflehead 6,358]

Hint that it's something personal and embarrassing. "If I told you we'd both be mortified." "Trust me, you don't want the gory details any more than I want to give them to you." Or be even more general, which can get the message across without actually saying it. For example:

Him: What kind of surgery are you having?

You: It's nothing immediately life-threatening, I promise.

Him: What are you having this surgery for?

You: Stuff I need to get taken care of. Don't worry though, I will be fine!

ETA definitely don't lie and say something it isn't (gall bladder, hernia repair, etc.). People will eventually figure out what kind of surgery you had and you don't want to look shady at work!

[anrobe 34]

Those are great suggestions ... thanks so much. Yes, I don't want to lie ... I just want him to not keep asking me what surgery lol

[reree6898 1,164]

Just be direct and tell him it's a private matter and let that be that. You may want to check with HR about FMLA just to be safe and sure that your job is safe while you recover if you haven't already.

[hdw85 48]

I told my boss I was having an elective surgery and she never asked anymore.. I have told everyone at work now that I am 3 weeks post op, everyone but one person has been super supportive. The one that wasn't was one that responded with all the dangers that can come with WLS, I just said, " well thanks for your concern" and smiled! Good luck

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[els 21]

An employer cannot ask what surgery you are having, it is private! They can however ask for a Doctor's note advising how long you require off work. I asked my Dr to supply a note stating I required 2 weeks off work due to surgery - no further detail. End of.

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[gord1972 19]

After surgery you will be a better employee. Faster, more stamina, less risk of injury , illness claims or time off. .. I have been very open about my VSG. So far everyone ( except my mom who feared i would die on the table) is very supportive. Yesterday a female friend i went to dinner with jokingly said I traded in my food addiction for anorexia 4 months ago. It made me laugh as i am still over 350 lbs and 5 foot 5.

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[forever changed 39]

You can always just say abdominal and leave it at that. I told people that.

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