teachers - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Songbird · 02-12-2009, 02:11 PM

I teach 9th grade Technology Discovery. I had my surgery in December because that's just the way it panned out with insurance. I had it done the week before we got out for Christmas break, so I had about 3 weeks to recover. Coming back was not too hard because I had time to rest. I was tired for the first few weeks, but then it got much better. I told my students that I was having GBS and they were so excited, no judgement. Now, my students just compliment me and tell me how nice I look. They really do give lots of support, at least mine do! Good luck to you! You'll eventually get into a routine.

iamsuzen · 02-12-2009, 05:42 PM

I am a Title I reading specialist. I have teach students in kindergarten through 8th grade. I have 4-5 students at a time for about 40 minutes each class. I have a pretty easy schedule. I had my surgery on 1-20-09 and was back at work on 1-29-09. I told my students that I had stomach surgery. Some of the older ones, I have told more information to. Anyone who has asked, I have told more. Many of them have seen me make my protein shakes and know that I have to drink that because of my surgery. They are all great.

staraex · 02-20-2009, 02:58 PM

kids will start to notice after about a month and there may be commentary. but the comments are good anf if you want to keep it from them you can just tell them youre working really hard to be healthy.

my friend who had the surgery done w/me is a teacher and thats what happened to her.

ford9n · 02-24-2009, 10:22 PM

Well I teach at the other end of the spectrum....Kindergarten. I had my surgery done the monday after school got out for summer break. I am glad it worked out that way because it took me about a month and a half before I got through some of my major hurdles and a couple of complications. I had told my close co workers before hand and they were supportive and of course concerned but many of them have had it done too so they were there with advice. I have not told any kids cuz with my age group they would not understand. It is fun to see my kids from last year though because even as first graders they notice a change and tell me all the time that I am a skinny teacher now! Oh how I love to hear that! Many parents have asked me if I am okay...you know the rumor mill some had heard I was ill and that is how I lost the weight. I am honest with those who ask and don't mind sharing my experience. I have so much more energy now when I am teaching that I have fallen in love with my job all over again this year. I never thought about how losing weight would affect my job but it has. Another added bonus to the surgery

Hippiewoman · 02-26-2009, 08:02 PM

after reading all of your responses, I've decided to be honest with my students. I'm going to be out for a week before they go on spring break, and I've already taken off a few times for appointments, so they already know something's going on. I have to give them credit, I think they are mostly nice kids. I know a few will probably have comments I don't like, but the response I've gotten from telling my friends and family has been nothing but positive - sometimes our whole school feels like a family too, so I'm going to go ahead and do it.
I told my boss I was having surgery today, he was so totally cool about it, I just love that man, and our AP too, they just expressed their concern and wished me well - that's going to make the time I'm off less stressful for sure!

ford9n - I'm glad you mentioned that you fell in love with your job again, how wonderful! That gives me another thing to look forward to.

exanimatebylove · 02-28-2009, 05:13 PM

Well, I am not a teacher (yet...I am in school for el ed) BUT I do work at an Elementary school in before and after school care. I am a very very private person too but I do plan to be honest with my kids and let them know I am having surgery to get healthy. I can't be gone for 3 weeks and not explain why. When I'm gone for one day and I come back and they all ask me "Ms. Angie, where were you?!?!?!?!!?" HaHa.. so I don't think they'd take it too well if I didn't tell them why. Anyway, I think with kids honesty is the best policy. Kids are such wonderful supporters too. :0)

Good luck!!

Edited to say... I told my kids I was having surgery on my tummy. When they asked why I told them 'To get healthy'. They didn't ask many more questions. I miss them so much and can't wait to go back next monday....!!!!

carotgirl · 05-02-2009, 07:16 AM

I teach in a very small high school too, and am very close with my students, particularly the junior class for whom I am sponsor. I will be having surgery in September or October hopefully, and when I know what is happening I will probably tell them. They will be supportive and motivating.

And now... off to get stuff finished for prom. Wahooooo!

anniedolph26 · 05-03-2009, 04:27 PM

I am a special education teacher at a Jr. High school. Even though I teach MR students, I explained to them what was happening. My surgery is scheduled for June 2, just the way it worked out. I will miss the last 4 days of school. My students stay with me for 2-3 years, and the get very close becuase their home lives are not good, so I kinda become "mom" to them. They have all been very good. They are worried, and want to be at the hospital LOL. But they also want me to be healthy.
I think like others said, it depends on you and your personality. My coworker and supervisors have all been great, I am so lucky.
I will miss being there for the end of the year though, but what I am doing is sooooo much better in the long run. I guess that it worked out for the best since I will have the summer to totally recoup.
Good Luck and best wishes to all fellow teachers.

Hippiewoman · 05-04-2009, 11:57 AM

I have told all of my co-workers and some of my students so far - when they ask, I'm honest with them, or when they bring me candy, I explain why I can't eat it. Everyone is very supportive, it's so nice

I'm sure they are talking about it, but there is no feeling like things are floating around the rumor mill the way it happens with teenagers sometimes, I think it all worked out pretty cool.

Still-Just-Jenn · 06-25-2009, 04:07 PM

Hello!

I teach 8th grade now, but when I had the surgery I was teaching elementary. I had it in the summer so I'd have time to heal. As it turned out, that August, my new principal asked me to move from 4th to 5th grade, so I had the same kids as the year before, and of course they were shocked that "the Miss" was so "skinny"! I told them about the surgery, and they even helped me with my protein shakes in the mornings.

Incidentally, I had the same kiddoes in 8th grade this past year, and couldn't believe how possessive of me they were ("Yeah, well, I already know her!")! They would even explain my surgery to others if they asked why I didn't eat bread, drank so much liquid, etc.

Judgemental as teens can be, they appreciate honesty and straightforwardness more than anything.