It's not a magic cure.

I had surgery about 8 weeks ago.  So far, counting my pre-op weight loss of 19 lbs, I've lost 48 lbs total.  For some reason I thought this surgery would fix me.  Let me explain a little better... I know this surgery demands that I change my habits, and that part of it I have done as much as I can so far, so good.  Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change this surgery for a second, it has been by and large the best decision I have ever made.

I have been unemployed for over a year now and for some reason I thought this would help me become more employable.  I felt I was let go from my last job at least in part because of my weight, because my work ethic is anything but lacking.  So now I am sitting here today, realizing that for some reason I thought this would fix me, that this surgery would make me better somehow in the eyes of others, of employers.  It hasn't, I'm still the same person I was 8 weeks ago, I weigh slightly less than I did then but I haven't become any more desirable as a potential job candidate.  Why was I so sure this would help me? My degree is in an extremely appearance geared industry (fashion design) and I have always been overweight which I always viewed as a hindrance for me.   I do think this has most definitely improved my confidence, I've had two job interviews in the past month or two that I felt went extremely well, with much less nervousness on my end, though I didn't make the cut for whatever reason.

Anyway, maybe it will make me employable in that field later but I have come to the conclusion that now is not the time.  Maybe I haven't lost enough, maybe I haven't fixed myself enough.  I am extremely upset about not having a job, right now it feels like I have no future.  I don't know what to do anymore or where to look.  I guess all I wanted to say with this post is that you should not come into this surgery with the idea that it will fix anything other than your weight, and even that could be short lived if you don't fix yourself.

No, surgery isn't a magic cure. The surgery is on your digestive organs, not on your head or heart. I'm really sorry that you haven't gotten a job in your industry yet. My impression is that the fashion industry would be negative to those that don't fit "the look" and that is unfortunate. If you can do the job and being overweight doesn't impede that it seems that you should get hired.

I hope that your job hunt is soon successful for you!!

Martha 

very good post.  

Indeed, good post.

Thank you for sharing.

An excellent post!   This really is just a surgery on your digestive system, despite what some think.    It is a tool to get you to a weight that you will be able to manage with the skills you acquire along the way.   You will not need to be a weight loss surgery patient for the rest of your life but can become a young, fit woman, without the physical and social burden of weight to hold her down!

You really are the smart, creative woman you always were - you can just move forward without the health issues and the prejudices that you felt before.   I had no problem dropping any grudges I had about how I was treated when I was heavy and think I have a healthy attitude to go along with my healthy weight and I really wish you the same!!!

Good luck in the job hunt!

Great post Kim.... very balanced advice as usual.....  Good Luck Kiki on the job hunt.... Your thoughts control your life, so think you can get the job and you will get one !!

Thank you everyone for your kind words.  I'm going to keep looking and try to keep positive about future job possibilities.  I think part of what has gotten me so down is all the post surgery hormones.  Hopefully that will get better soon though!

For some people it really does change absolutely everything, their relationships, friends, jobs etc.  For others it doesn't.  Obviously it is a tough job market now so there are lots of people looking for work, losing weight is great for your appearance and self confidence but it doesn't bolster your resume or make you have more experience in your chosen field and unfortunately with so many looking for jobs, the competition is fierce.  All you can do is keep looking and work towards your desires.  You will never know what got you in the door when it happens but hopefully it will be you as a total package.

Good Luck!

I can understand that making it in the fashion industry may be more difficult for a woman that's 'overweight' as opposed to a 'normal' sized woman. That being said, I think something people manage to forget when they focus on their weight is that confidence can go a long way! Even if you go into an interview and you feel self conscious about your size or appearance, you need to convince the person interviewing you that you're not.

Fake it until you make it! There are many reasons you may not have gotten the positions you applied for, try not to jump to your weight as the conclusion. It will only hurt your self esteem more.

Also, if a company isn't hiring you based on your weight, why the heck would you want to work for them anyway? You're better than that, and you deserve better.

Its tough out there right now when it comes to finding any job, let alone a job in a competitive market that revolves around people's appearance. Just keep pushing forward and one day you'll land a job somewhere where your qualifications and knowledge will be the reason you're hired, not your weight.

Good luck! : )