I went back to work today after being off since 6/3. I could have went in earlier but I wanted to make sure that I was going to be okay during this horrible humid, hot weather we had last week. Since I am a teacher this was a very hard time to take but I needed to to it now since I will be running a half day camp once school is let out for six weeks this summer. My daughter is also going to have her banded on 7/8.

My class was very excited to have me back. Alot more of my collegues knew I was banded than I wanted to know. I should have kept my mouth shut. I only told my lunch mates but this didin't stay at the table. I heard that some of these teachers were jealous and bitching that I took the time off. It is none of their business!!!!!! Most of them were happy to see me and said I look great. I feel grea for doing ths life change and will contiue the journey!t and had lost 11 lbs in 2 weeks! After lunch on of my students said that i look different, I told him that I put up my hair. He said no it is not that , I think you lost weight!!!!!!! That made my day that my students notices the change in me! I am happy to be back but i have alot of work to do to get the end of the school year to a close. Thank goodness I have 5th graders that love to help the teacher! I did feel hungry today during lunch for the first time since surgery. Once I smelled the cafeteria food, (which is absolutely gross) I was straving! What a head game that is to crave that food. I went out ang got grits. I had to start muchie stage a day early. Tomorrow will be an easier day.

Good luck to all that are going back to work. The only regret I have is having work know what I did. I am still on cloud 9 and will contiue the journey strong.

leepiz....Yes you stay on that cloud 9 and keep your head high. Too bad that more found out than you wanted. Thats why I chose not tell anyone at work. Fortunately with my company you do not have to disclose, alls I said was that I needed to be out for surgery and then CIGNA handles the FMLA and Short Term Disability. My doctor gave me three weeks off. But then I feel bad because my return date starts 2 weeks vacation that I had planned a year ago, just the way the timing worked out. But I know some of my peers are kind of mad. Oh well, I've been with this company for 22 years and deserve and earned the time off. But I always just worry that maybe they will find out they can do without me; I've only been in my current position 10 months. Working for a major company you are just a number and could be released without a thought. Any way aren't children wonderful, what a nice compliment that your student gave you.

Take care and have a great journey.