I'm in the process of going through all my preop. testing and I'm trying to think of a way to hide the fact that I'm getting a Lap Band from my work. I work with all women and they can be very nosey. Plus this is something I want to keep between me and my family.

Has anyone felt the same way? How did you handle your coworkers? How did you explain a week off of work?

Thanks...

I have never told the people at my work about LB. If I get sick, I have said, "Oh, I had a little surgery and my stomach is sensitive."

The weight loss is pretty slow and I have been on diets before. I've lost 49-50 pounds in 8 months.

Just keep your mouth shut.

:tongue:

I told everyone, but if you really wanted to hide it I don't think it would be that hard. As long as you weren't eating lunch with them. Your employer cannot ask specifics about what type of surgery, so you're not obligated to release the information. Eating changes - maybe just tell them you're trying to eat less, that way you aren't lying.

I would've had a hard time keeping it secret because there have been several occasions where I've been very stuck, which really hurts me and I can't hide -- or times when I've been holding back a PB in a co-worker's car, and once when a co-worker had to drive me in for an emergency unfill. In all those situations it helped me that they already knew and understood what was happening.

But I know there are people who have successfully hidden their bands, so best of luck.

I am being banded on March 17. I just took a week off from work for "vacation". When coworkers ask me if I am doing anything fun for vacation I just tell them I am just planning on relaxing around the house.

No one has questioned the Protein shakes etc. I am having for lunch as part of the pre op diet. I am guessing they just assume I am on a diet.

Dan,

I am scheduled for April 2nd, when is your "big day"? I also feel the same way. It's no one's business, really. I have some "friends" who are such gossips it drives me crazy. If they find out the whole world will know, and I'm not comfortable with that. I don't work, but I do take a class 3x a week. I'm just going to make up something about why I wasn't at class and change the subject. Hopefully it won't be an issue.

Tell them you have an abdominal hernia and need to loose a few pounds before you have the surgery. That explains the diet and the surgery and should be enough for the gossips.

I do have a hernia and that's what I was going to tell people, but I decided I would tell them the truth. I'm amazed at how people have supported me. I only have one person that poo pooed the idea, but she is a very negative person, so I don't talk about it in front of her. Everyone else has been great!

My surgery isn't for about another 6 weeks. But, I have already started my hoax with people. Esophogus problems run in my family. Food gets stuck and you have to eat very slow and very small pieces. My brother would get up from the table and throw up and come back to finish eating until he had his esophogus stretch (yuck). Family and friends think that I am developing this problem too. That explains why I am either not eating, or eating small bites and very slowly. I just don't want to share this with anyone but my husband.

I never hid it from anyone... but lots of people say hernia repair. Good luck.

I screamed it from the roof-tops and I am so glad I did. I have had prayers and wonderful thoughts from everyone. If I were going to hide it, I would do it well before. Use the "having gallbladder removed" story - supposedly the incisions are in the right place for it. Then I would talk about how you are so determined to loose weight - and are starting a diet!

I could never keep it from my co-workers, but we are all so close. They are all skinny and beautiful - however, they have asked if they can give my number/email to family members/friends of theirs that have been looking into the surgery.

Good luck!

I plan not to tell my co-workers as well. My co-workers are too judgemental. I don't wish to hear the negative comments. One of my co-workers had gastic bypass and and all I could hear especially from the guys is how lazy they thought she was because she did the weight loss surgery. Some of the women also had negative comments as well. Since I'm on Weight Watchers and they are use to seeing me eat light or do shakes, I'm going to keep quiet and pray that all works out well on my behalf. I plan to take a week of vacation and return back to work as normal. I just hope that I'm able to wear my hoster and carry my weapon.

I'd be careful with the Gall Bladder story--I heard a high percentage of bandsters as well as bypassers lose their gall bladder in the first couple of years following the surgery due to dietary changes. Would be hard to explain you miraculously having 2 gall bladders!!!!

I suggested the same thing once Wendy, and had someone send me the numbers on the surgery following WLS---they really are high! Wish I still had them....so far mine is still in where it belongs!!!

I have no idea how to hide it, it would be more difficult that's for sure. I am one who told everyone!!! I could never keep straight if I told someone or not, so I told everyone! Probably a lot who didn't want to know even!!!

Kat

I was going to keep it secret as well. But, then I started trying to figure out how I suddenly was drinking shakes every three hours on the pre-op and then why I was suddenly eating so slowly. Well I told one and then another and another and then finally I told the office manager. I was so happy and excited and they as well have been so supportive. I also had to stop drinking the diet pepsi, which I was addicted to. That right there was going to send up red flags with this bunch of women....lol. Next to my daughter.... diet pepsi was almost equal. I was going to keep it from my boss as I didnt know how to discuss it with him, he is very detached from the office as a group in personal issues. But, today while we were at court and had some down time, I spilled the beans and he also was very happy and supportive. I really feel like I will need their support. My family is so tiny and separated, my co-wkrs are like my extended family. Good luck in your decision, it's yours to make and do as you wish.

I guess my coworkers aren't that nosy. I told one coworker who had bypass a few years ago, and she was totally supportive. AS for my protein shakes and small lunches, no one has seemed to notice of care. I took a week off and some asked how my vacation was, I said it was fine, I just stayed home, but it was nice to get back to work. (After sitting at home following surgery, I was practically begging to go back to work... I got bored!) :smile: Good luck.

I was going to keep it quiet but I was so excited I couldn't keep my mouth shut!

I got my call tonight that my insurance said YES - and its a go to be banded on March 21st. I called my best friend from work to let her know and I know I will just tell everyone - I do have a big mouth....and big butt LOL quite a few people where I work have had the lap band and most people are really supportive - there are always a few poo-poos in every crowd. I am so excited! :smile:

I have told selected people at this point (close friends). I work with a ton of women and they can be cruel... I did tell my boss I was "in the process". What seems so funny is that some people tend to be jealous...like How can YOU get that?? Then they want to say how it is costing everyone at work because of the insurance etc... LIKE EXCUSE ME!!..I have comorbidities don't you know....

Anyway, what I am having a problem with is my family telling like EVERYONE!!! I had a big family function (weekend) and wasn't going to say anything yet. Especially because I am still waiting for approval...

Well, my Mom had told her sister...who told...etc... I was so mad!!! If any one should tell people...it should be me! It is my body and my life that I am changing! My husband is just as guilty with telling his family and friends...ENOUGH! So, that's my BLOG!