Telling Work About Needing Time off for Surgery
Funny story.
I started a brand new job at three mos. post op. I was determined not to speak about my surgery right away. I didn't intend to keep it a secret, it's just that, unlike my last job where I was for 10 years, these people did not know me and this was NOT the first thing I wanted to say about myself.
On my first day, they wanted to take me to lunch to welcome me. At a resaurant known for really, really, REALLY big portions.
I had to 'fess up at least to my supervisor. I could not eat a lot at that point and nothing I ordered would pass for normal. I didn't want to look ungrateful for the meal and how you spend your first few days knowing folks can have an effect on the rest of your relationship with them.
But I only told her at first. Then, three months later and nearly 100 lbs. lighter I got approached by this lovely young woman in my building (nearly everyone in my job is young and thin in that "God made me that way" sort of fashion). She says, and I still giggle to think about it. "Nikki...I noticed you've been...changing...lately and...I was wondering...is that inentional?"
I smiled. At that point I told as it came up and I told her. She was relieved (she thought I had cancer or something) and incredibly supportive and happy.
So all that is to say that sometimes folks can surprise you. It's interesting as I became more open how many fears I quelled. People honestly don't know what to make of such rapid weight loss. I was adamant that even if I did not tell right away I was NOT going to lie. So it all came out in the end. But nobody has ever treated me differently because of my surgery.
I am blessed.
I started a brand new job at three mos. post op. I was determined not to speak about my surgery right away. I didn't intend to keep it a secret, it's just that, unlike my last job where I was for 10 years, these people did not know me and this was NOT the first thing I wanted to say about myself.
On my first day, they wanted to take me to lunch to welcome me. At a resaurant known for really, really, REALLY big portions.
I had to 'fess up at least to my supervisor. I could not eat a lot at that point and nothing I ordered would pass for normal. I didn't want to look ungrateful for the meal and how you spend your first few days knowing folks can have an effect on the rest of your relationship with them.
But I only told her at first. Then, three months later and nearly 100 lbs. lighter I got approached by this lovely young woman in my building (nearly everyone in my job is young and thin in that "God made me that way" sort of fashion). She says, and I still giggle to think about it. "Nikki...I noticed you've been...changing...lately and...I was wondering...is that inentional?"
I smiled. At that point I told as it came up and I told her. She was relieved (she thought I had cancer or something) and incredibly supportive and happy.
So all that is to say that sometimes folks can surprise you. It's interesting as I became more open how many fears I quelled. People honestly don't know what to make of such rapid weight loss. I was adamant that even if I did not tell right away I was NOT going to lie. So it all came out in the end. But nobody has ever treated me differently because of my surgery.
I am blessed.
RNY Gastric Bypass 1-8-08 350/327/200 (HW/SW/CW). I spend most of my time playing with my food over at Bariatric Foodie - check me out!
I told my boss I was having my gallbladder out (which was not a lie I did have it out w/gastric) I had it done on a Thurs and took off the following week as sick time then just took one week vacation following it. As I started losing weight I just said that I am totally changing my eating habits and going to the gym and focusing on me. It has been okay since my weight didn't come off really fast..steady but not fast. Good luck!!! As of today only my close family know about the surgery I didn't tell my friends or coworkers. It's something I'm ashamed that I needed surgery to lose weight to begin with.
You need to check with your Human Resources or Leave Office. That's the only way you're going to know how much information you have to divulge.
I'm a teacher and, at first, I didn't want to tell my school principal, but I figured he'd end up seeing the paperwork so I told him myself. Then I was required to fill out paperwork at the school district level and my surgeon had to list the procedure along with the conditions that made it medically necessary. The paperwork was not for FMLA, but still required per district policy.
Other than that, so far I've only told 5 other people at work (people I know will support me). I'll tell the rest when they start asking. :-)
I'm a teacher and, at first, I didn't want to tell my school principal, but I figured he'd end up seeing the paperwork so I told him myself. Then I was required to fill out paperwork at the school district level and my surgeon had to list the procedure along with the conditions that made it medically necessary. The paperwork was not for FMLA, but still required per district policy.
Other than that, so far I've only told 5 other people at work (people I know will support me). I'll tell the rest when they start asking. :-)
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