Since making the decision to get Gastric Bypass surgery I've been on a mission. In eight weeks I've successfully been able to lose 5% of my body weight and am hoping to receive a surgery date soon. I can't wait to become healthy.

For reasons I actually do not fully understand,, I am electing to keep my surgery private and I intend to tell only a few select people whom I know will not judge me and will only be supportive of my decision.

The decision to be secretive about my surgery is presenting a problem as I am a very honest person. I don't want to lie but on the other hand, I don't think it is anyone's business either. Am I dumb for thinking this way? Anybody else feel similar? If so,, what would you say to your employer or others who may inquire about the two weeks down time needed after surgery?

Are you getting a hernia repair or gal bladder out? If so talk about that and then people still know you had a surgery, but not all the details. A hiatal hernia repair also has some of the same dietary restrictions as the bypass or sleeve.

i am not telling anyone ether i am having hernia repair also so thats what i am telling anyone that ask only mt husband knows that im also getting vsg

Are you getting a hernia repair or gal bladder out? If so talk about that and then people still know you had a surgery, but not all the details. A hiatal hernia repair also has some of the same dietary restrictions as the bypass or sleeve.

No hernia repair needed.. or gallbladder removed.. but either is a good suggestion. Thank you for the input.

I explained to my Boss that i had some sudden health concerns first. For me my decision to have WLS is grounded in a sudden increase in my liver enzymes and big jump in my A1C. At first it was worried that i may need for emergent surgery but that has not been the case. So since then i explained to her that one of the options to help with both my Diabetes, liver enzymes and high cholesterol is some form or another of weight-loss surgery and that i have chosen to follow that route right now unless something should arise that requires time lines to move forward. I told her there is a bunch of things i need to do in order to make this journey happen and if this is the final route taken i would be off work for about a week (I work from home at a desk most of the time) and that i would not be able to travel for 6-8 weeks following.

Apart from this i just dont tell people, that way im not lying to them i'm just making the choice to not share a whole truth. Now if someone was to ask or was to notice and say something then yes i will share and politely ask that they keep the information to themselves.

Edited January 22, 20188 yr by Down South Aussie

I explained to my Boss that i had some sudden health concerns first. For me my decision to have WLS is grounded in a sudden increase in my liver enzymes and big jump in my A1C. At first it was worried that i may need for emergent surgery but that has not been the case. So since then i explained to her that one of the options to help with both my Diabetes, liver enzymes and high cholesterol is some form or another of weight-loss surgery and that i have chosen to follow that route right now unless something should arise that requires time lines to move forward. I told her there is a bunch of things i need to do in order to make this journey happen and if this is the final route taken i would be off work for about a week (I work from home at a desk most of the time) and that i would not be able to travel for 6-8 weeks following.
Apart from this i just dont tell people, that way im not lying to them i'm just making the choice to not share a whole truth. Now if someone was to ask or was to notice and say something then yes i will share and politely ask that they keep the information to themselves.

Thank you for your input. We have similar circumstances as I too work from a home office but am expected to travel frequently. Good suggestions!!

3 minutes ago, Brad77777 said:

Thank you for your input. We have similar circumstances as I too work from a home office but am expected to travel frequently. Good suggestions!!

So far my Boss has been great, she is allowing me to take an extended and early lunch on Tuesdays ( i just make up the time during the week) so that i can attend my classes and has been completely on board when it comes to the requirement of not traveling following the surgery.

I figure be up front with those required, but feed them the information slowly, let the idea that something is not right sink in, then let them know that there will be some changes coming and what you will need. You will be surprised how much people will actually want to help you.

I’m telling close friends about it - at work I said I’m having a surgical procedure and that’s it. If anyone wonders about my weight loss I plan to just say that I drastically changed my diet and am exercising more. That’s enough.

I also have been very careful about who I tell... I’ve already got my sabatogers out of my life and only those I know will be supportive know. I also have back problems (not from weight) and anyone who knows I’m having surgery assume that’s what it’s for... I did tell my boss and he has been great but did tell him not to say anything to other employees. He had let me work extra hours as I haven’t worked there long enough for vacation time so that is a huge help. I live in a small town and am able to go to most appts during lunch hour. He even told me of another agent in a difference office and how she had the surgery and how impressed he was of how well she has done. So I’m lucky that he is very supportive and I think understands why I’ll be a bit slower for a bit.

good luck!

Edited January 22, 20188 yr by Cowgirl12