To tell or not to tell...

Hello all... I am new here and wanted first say hello.  I am just finishing my classes (only one left!) and I plan to have RNY in January...

I am kinda stressing out about letting my coworkers know that I am having WLS.  I will be off for 3 weeks, have a different way of eating, and lose weight quickly (hopefully)... so they will know there is a change.  But do I tell them beforehand to prepare them for my return and all of the changes?  Or do I not say anything and have to explain the changes and answer a million questions?  What about family and friends? 

I know that ultimately it is nobody's business... but there will be questions and changes.  How did you all let people know?  How did you handle it?

Thanks for all comments and advice!

I still have 10 classes left and I struggled with telling my co-workers from the start when I had to ask for every Wednesday off. They were curious what I was doing on Wednesdays. First I just said that I had to go to Kaiser for a Dr. apt each week. This made them worry that I was sick because last year I had a hysterectomy due to endometrial cancer. I then went ahead and  told them not to worry it was just a class, but then I thought they might think I was going to AA or NA or something like that so I figured it was just easier to tell them. I still have not flat out said that I will be having surgery for sure, I didn't want my regional manager to freak about the time off,  they just know that I am in a weight loss program and that at the end I will have the option to choose surgery or try to loose it the natural way. When the time draws closer I will let them know for sure. At my class they keep saying 6 weeks off, so I hope I will only need 3 weeks off like you.
I was a little embarrassed to tell my co-workers and some family members because they are all pretty thin, but once I did I was glad that I did. They all had stories to share about others they know who had WLS and how excited they were for me.
So, I say just do what you are more comfortable with.
Good Luck!

I was pretty excited about mine, and I told everyone that I was having it done.  I received lots of pats on the backs.  When it came down to it all, this was for me and about me, but it made it easier to tell everyone so they knew that there were going to be changes coming their way.  Of course it's all up to you.  My friends are like my family, so I really wanted them to know

Wishing you good luck in your surgery and know that there are lots of us out here, to support you in anyway we can, no question is too dumb to ask, we have all been what you are going to be going through.

Diane

Everybody's situatioon is different.  If you are surrounded by supportive folks, then tell away.  If they are not so supportive, you might want to pick  and choose who you tell.  I told my work right away, but that was only two people.  My boss was extremely supportive as her hubby had had the RNY several months before.  My parents and my kiddos were supportive.  My hubby, I think, didn't have an opinion one way or another.

Sorry this isn't much help to you, but you take each person's experience and then it might help you figure out what is right for you.

Congrats and good luck!!!!  Keep in touch so we know how it is going with you.

I told 2 trusted friends and my family.  I didn't tell anyone else.  I know everyone handles things differently, but for me, I felt a little embarrassed that I needed WLS to get the weight off of me. 

Now that I've lost a considerable amount that people have noticed they ask me what I've been doing and I tell them that I've been eating a lot healthier and exercising (which is the truth).  One person did ask if I was sick, lol.

In general, I share my experience. There are people whom I don't want to know and when they ask how I've lost the weight, I tell them the truth: the hard way, by watching what I eat and how much, and I exercise. It keeps them guessing, but that's their problem...lol

It's hard for anyone to tell you what is right or wrong on this one.  You have to assess your own situation.  Only you know the people you work with. 

In my case, I worked for a small CPA firm (only 10 people) and we never had secrets between us. We all knew everything about each other and I knew they would be supportive of my decision.  And they were.

So, evaluate the relationships you have with the people you work with and then decide.  But whatever you do decide, remember you are doing this for yourself and in the end, it doesn't matter what anybody else thinks of it.  As long as you are content and happy with your decision then that is all that matters.

Best of luck.  January will be here before you know it.

Stephanie

Good Morning,

I can't add anything much beyond what other have said, I have done the same.  I've told the people who I want to know and there are some that still don't know but wonder what I'm doing and my reply is I eat low fat, high protein and portion control, all the truth.

Best of luck on your surgery, I had my RNY on Jan 8th and don't regreat my decision for a single minute.  It's truly the best thing I ever did for me (besides marrying my husband).

Hugs,
Barb

That's a tough one, and very individual....some people prefer to keep things private. I choose to tell my co-workers. I worked with some great people who were very supportive. I even had a Last Cake celebration with them before I left work.

After I returned from medcial leave I lost weight quickly and my transformation became an inspiration to them to lose weight too. I worked in managed helathcare and there was always some sort of healthy campaign going on like contests to lose weight, and a walking contest....so all these things made the office healthier.

I think it depends on what kind of relationship you have with co-workers. You are not obligated to explain anything but yu may be surprised at the support you will receive. Good Luck!

I am a blabber mouth so I told everybody!  The majority of the responded were very supportive.  There were a few negative and I wish I would not have told them but you know what in the end that was their problem not mine.  I can say that I am really glad I had the surgery though!