Appropriate/Reasonable Response

My response - Those seaweed body wraps at our local spa work wonders! :) 

Seriously, I fessed up and shared.  Once people learned about the surgery and saw the steps I took to improve my health, they've been nothing but cheerleaders.  This weekend I saw some people I haven't seen since last summer and it was very moving to hear them say things like...."I've been cheering for you as you post on Facebook", or "you've made tremendous progress."  Never in a million years did I think people would use words like inspiration or success to describe me.  Their comments confirmed that I made the best choice for me and that I'm working my tool!

When people ask me about my weight loss, I tell them it took hard work, eating changes and exercise, all which are true. If they ask me about my eating plan, which people at work were bound to notice, I tell them I've seen a nutritionist, which is also true. The reason I don't tell people bout the WLS is because 1) it's none of their business and 2) if they say I took the easy way out, I'd probably smack them around. So to avoid an arrest, I keep it to myself, with the exception of family..

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I was out for 12 weeks because I have multiple sclerosis which slowed my recovery.  MS is a b****, and I make no apologies or excuses fro the time that I required to be well enough to return to work.  I do work in one of the worst, most toxic places that I have ever worked in, across 2 careers. Abysmal management with all the attendant fallout.  

In any event, thank you all for the thoughtful responses.  I have a lot to think about.

Ok, at that point I would just tell them that you had surgery and had complications because of your MS. If you don't feel comfortable discussing the surgery just say it was issues with your MS. (which it was!)

 

 

in other news: I think there are a few people on this message board who are a bit... dramatic. Asking someone why they took 12 weeks off, to better answer their question is perfectly acceptable.

Bless your heart. I dramatically wish you wonderful success in your journey! :)

Gee, sorry about your MS and your toxic work environment... congratulations on your successful wls.  I also told all, BUT, I absolutely LOVE the people I work with and consider most of my co-workers among my best friends.  I'm very lucky!

 

Good luck for continued success and better health!

What do you feel comfortable in your response?  Do you want people to know you've had surgery or do you want to keep it to yourself?  You have to know what you want to say.

When people asked me, I told them I had surgery and that it's helped me to get on track along with eating better and excersize. 

I missed only a week of work after my revision to RNY. But a month later I was diagnosed with a fistula and was in the hospital for a week and then out of work for some time after that but no where near 12 weeks. To those that asked, I just told them I had some medical complications and that hopefully they are behind me now and I am on the mend, thanks for asking.

 

That worked for me, your mileage may vary.

 

I'm still pre-op, but I've already talked to some people at my job about my upcoming surgery. My thought process is, I'm proud of myself for making this decision - all of us know it's not an easy one to make - and I feel, since I'll be out of the office for up to 4 weeks, that it only makes sense that people know why. Not to mention, when I get back and I've lost weight, there won't be any gasps and shocked stares - or if there are, they'll hopefully be good ones. ;)

This is only my opinion, but I think that not being upfront about it is potentially damaging - to yourself and your confidence. You've taken a HUGE step in your own health and well-being; you should be proud. If there are people in your work life who think "Oh, she lied about why she lost that weight!!" then they're going to look at it as though you're ashamed. Whether or not you are, that's what people will say/assume/think. If you put it out there that you've made a good decision for yourself and your life, it sort of 'sets the tone', I think.

I have a really, really great relationship with my coworkers. In an office of 70ish people, I truly like everyone. We're a close group, and I've already received support. Give people a chance; you might be pleasantly surprised. :)

Congratulations on your loss thus far! :)