Time off work and telling co-workers?

[Sleevedvee 20]

Does anyone who has already had their surgery feel like you could have gone back to work earlier? I’m getting sleeved this Friday (2/23) and have a work commitment Monday and Tuesday (2/26-2/27) that I agreed to prior to booking my surgery. I didn’t really want to tell anyone at work, so I was just going to try to tough it out and go, but I’m starting to get a little nervous. I can always say I came down with something if I don’t feel up to it come Monday, but I feel like that may be worse than letting them know ahead of time. From what I’ve heard, it’s more of a mental game and getting used to the lifestyle that’s hard after surgery than not feeling well physically... any suggestions?

Sorry, i don't think so
Mine was 2/13, and i have a work thing this wednesday-Thursday 2/21-22, and i don't think I'm going. It involves dinner, hotel, and an all day training on Thursday....

I was in a lot of pain and very weak since my surgery until yesterday (Monday) which was the first day i went outside for a walk.
I totally thought I'd be back at work early but I see now why a week and a half to two weeks is necessary. You have to let you body heal properly, and you have to get your Protein and fluids in. Those first days at home were the hardest i can't imagine doing them anywhere else.
Message me if you have questions since i just went through it and am still home healing!!


HW: 221
SW: 209
CW: 202

Sleeved 2/13/18

[Sleevedvee 20]

I've opted to tell only one person here at work, and I know she'll keep it under wraps. I signed out of office for 2.5 weeks and offered no explanation. A couple of colleagues have asked what I'm doing (assuming vacation) and I simply said minor surgical procedure. Fortunately, they are too polite to ask for more details, but I was prepared to go the hiatal hernia route if pressed, because it IS true.

You're so lucky, the people i work with are nosy and super judgmental. Love them but when it comes to anything outside of their typical lifestyle, they judge the crap out of you.


HW: 221
SW: 209
CW: 202

Sleeved 2/13/18

[JazmaniaRNY 80]

Does anyone who has already had their surgery feel like you could have gone back to work earlier? I’m getting sleeved this Friday (2/23) and have a work commitment Monday and Tuesday (2/26-2/27) that I agreed to prior to booking my surgery. I didn’t really want to tell anyone at work, so I was just going to try to tough it out and go, but I’m starting to get a little nervous. I can always say I came down with something if I don’t feel up to it come Monday, but I feel like that may be worse than letting them know ahead of time. From what I’ve heard, it’s more of a mental game and getting used to the lifestyle that’s hard after surgery than not feeling well physically... any suggestions?

I had RNY 2/7/18 and I am physically drained. Idk might me possible with it being a sleeve but reminder it is major surgery. Mentally I am ready to go to work but physically I don’t think I could do it. Good luck hopefully all goes well and you have a speedy recovery.

[Christina033 5]

Thanks for all of the responses! I decided to take a week and see how it goes. I kept my explanation vague... “I’m having a small surgery and recovery is going to be longer than I thought it was going to be.” I didn’t get any questions asked, but maybe they’ll get raised at some point. I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it! Thanks again and good luck to all!

[JazmaniaRNY 80]

Thanks for all of the responses! I decided to take a week and see how it goes. I kept my explanation vague... “I’m having a small surgery and recovery is going to be longer than I thought it was going to be.” I didn’t get any questions asked, but maybe they’ll get raised at some point. I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it! Thanks again and good luck to all!

Good luck to you. Keep us updated!

[Sarah Cooney 13]

I am planning 2 weeks off. Can take more if needed.
I have told my closest friends at work but didn’t want my bosses to know. We have a small team and one person out with a baby. Didn’t want them to be judgey about me doing it now also. HR said I didn’t have to tell them and just approved my time off and told manager I was having a procedure.

Very similar situation here.
My coworker had a baby last week so I didn’t want animosity about me being out also. So I told them procedure. HR knows the details and just told my manager I was to be off on FMLA.
I took two weeks (surgery is Friday) but can reevaluate weekly.

[JustinH 41]

Screw em! They don’t need to know anything medical. Lol

[Stacy160 201]

My small work group was my second family and I knew there was NO way I could deny what I was doing, and didn't want to. We didn't all work the same days and only worked together on Fridays, so to save myself a LOT of talking and them a LOT of questions, I wrote them a letter! I highlighted my years-long struggle which they'd all been aware of, my reasons for doing it, what I was having done exactly, and what the first few weeks after would be like, then left a copy on everyone's desk. They were all SUPER-supportive and excited for me. I did tell them that I didn't want to advertise it to all our patients, and asked them not to mention it openly in the gym area, and they were great about that.

I had the VSG and scheduled two weeks off with the option for a third, but ended up going back for two half-days 10 days in because I felt great and was SO BORED. With the RNY being a much more extensive surgery, you'd probably want a little more than that, depending on what your job isl

[gr8ful1 122]

...so to save myself a LOT of talking and them a LOT of questions, I wrote them a letter! I highlighted my years-long struggle which they'd all been aware of, my reasons for doing it, what I was having done exactly, and what the first few weeks after would be like, then left a copy on everyone's desk.

I love this. I am usually very private about doctor appointments and such, but I don’t want to be dishonest with people, either. I have at least six months to think about what to say to friends, coworkers, and family, and you’ve got me seriously thinking about writing a note or maybe a blog post.

[Sleevedvee 20]

My small work group was my second family and I knew there was NO way I could deny what I was doing, and didn't want to. We didn't all work the same days and only worked together on Fridays, so to save myself a LOT of talking and them a LOT of questions, I wrote them a letter! I highlighted my years-long struggle which they'd all been aware of, my reasons for doing it, what I was having done exactly, and what the first few weeks after would be like, then left a copy on everyone's desk. They were all SUPER-supportive and excited for me. I did tell them that I didn't want to advertise it to all our patients, and asked them not to mention it openly in the gym area, and they were great about that.
I had the VSG and scheduled two weeks off with the option for a third, but ended up going back for two half-days 10 days in because I felt great and was SO BORED. With the RNY being a much more extensive surgery, you'd probably want a little more than that, depending on what your job isl

Aw that's a really great idea and I'm so glad they were supportive! I feel like my coworkers would laugh in my face if i wrote them a letter


HW: 221
SW: 209
CW: 202

Sleeved 2/13/18