How many of you told your employer? - Page 3 - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

everyequine · 06-04-2009, 08:02 PM

I am about 2 weeks away from my surgery, and I have gone with not telling. My boss thinks I have some other issue and is ok with that. I only work with 3 other people, but I live in a small town and my job is pretty visible here.
I am calling it a NUNYO surgery, as in NUN YO BIZNIZZ
Everyone I know has seen me run up and down the scale, I just figured I would let them think I finally found a diet that works. Since I am going to be out of work a while, I will tell them I was on a dr's orders weight loss plan. I am not lying. We do get meal plans and reccomendations, right?
I am 2 weeks away!

cami'smom · 06-04-2009, 09:29 PM

I am worried that I will get fired too. I work less than part-time, 2 days per week and I could be disposable. Any tips on getting disability?
Kt

possum · 06-11-2009, 07:26 PM

Hi,

I am going to have the surgery next month.
I have sworn my children and husband to secrecy!

I really don't want to tell ANYONE else because I know how people think
and I don't really think it is anyone elses business. I have already joined a gym and started to firm up so they will probably put it down to that.

But is it CRAZY not to tell ANYONE?? I really don't want to - but is the SECRECY madness?

Any thoughts??

cami'smom · 06-11-2009, 08:57 PM

I have done it-not told anyone- for the last 7 yrs, about my lap-band. And thank God that I did that because of all the complications I have had and subsequent surgeries! It would have been a great big "I told you so", especially with my family. I am not telling my family about my upcoming gastric bypass, but plan to maybe tell them someday, as they are all obese and struggle with weight issues. We'll see. All my friends and co-workers know about my upcoming surg (but not about my existing lap band), and even they have made some comments I did not like, such as "why would u do that to yourself" or "go on weight watchers" or "is this really necessary" one person even told me that if I would just stop going to the doctor, I would not have health problems! (such as diabetes, shoulder surgery, migraines, ect)! Too funny! So anyways, NO, I do NOT think it's crazy. It's purely a personal choice. Your family will get used to keeping quiet and soon you will not discuss it anymore really.

FatButNotHappy · 06-11-2009, 08:58 PM

Hi. I am not telling anyone at work either. I did tell one person. We are the two newest employees there and started about the same time. I told her that I was "looking into it" and she asked me to bring her info too. I was stoked that I may have someone to do this with. Sadly (for me, not her) she wasnt fat enough (which bums me out mostly because I THOUGHT she was bigger than me--but, I admit I have a bit of reverse-anorexia.) I have not mentioned it to anyone else except my husband, mom and mother-in-law. My two little kids know but not my oldest who doesnt live with me.

I do not want to tell anyone at work because everyone I work with eats healthy. They all bring those gross Lean Cuisines in for lunch (or other frozen meals.) They are all small-ish. I always get carry-out or fast food. They are always giving me crap about it, too. "If you would not eat that stuff--you would probably lose weight." "No wonder you don't lose weight....blah blah blah." That sort of thing. That said---since I have known my plan for quite some time--I NEVER complain about not being able to lose weight. I never act like I am trying to and cant. When I am ready--I am going to be going to the gym and riding my bike to work and I am hoping they will just assume I am losing weight because of my new "ways" and I am doing it on my own.

I may change my mind--when and if I get approved for surgery!

Sorry this is so long--i start typing and I cant stop.

Stacie

hexx2003 · 06-11-2009, 10:11 PM

I wasnt working when i had mine.. but i did inform my new employer during the hiring process. WHY? well i work retail, where sometimes certain clothes are provided.. to wear if you want too.. like logo shirts.. smocks.. so on. Also, i did it to not raise alarm to my weight loss. I was a manager with another retail place and we had an associate drop a ton of weight and get sick because of stress. So i did it for that reason. It has never been held against me.. only praised.

possum · 06-12-2009, 03:30 AM

Thanks girls, I appreciate your responses!

I guess the whole thing about being overweight is filled with an element of shame like (why can't you just STOP eating? why can't you just EXERCISE) and you feel a bit of a tool for not being able to.

So to ADMIT that you had to resort to surgery - well I feel a bit lame. But on the other hand, I can see from all my research and reading on the 'net and this forum, that it isn't going to be a walk in the park either.

My husband is against it (anybody else had that issue?)

Well, I will stick around and let you know when I go under the knife. Nothing ventured nothing gained (or lost for that matter) I say.

h

DollyGirl · 06-12-2009, 07:37 AM

Ok this is probably a silly question but isn't your surgery covered under your state disability insurance? If your doctor requires you to be off for a specific amount of time (mine says 4-6 wks) your disability insurance should cover your being out which would mean you need to have your employer in the loop. I see many people use the word "elective" surgery. Is WSL elective?

everyequine · 06-14-2009, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by possum

Hi,

I am going to have the surgery next month.
I have sworn my children and husband to secrecy!

I really don't want to tell ANYONE else because I know how people think
and I don't really think it is anyone elses business. I have already joined a gym and started to firm up so they will probably put it down to that.

But is it CRAZY not to tell ANYONE?? I really don't want to - but is the SECRECY madness?

Any thoughts??

Definitley not crazy. If you were having something else done would you broadcast it to the world? NO! Why tell people something that personal! each one of us is individual. some don't mind telling, some do. I am in the camp of "don't ask, don't tell." I called it a "NUNYO" for a reason. just told 2 of my co workers yesterday I was going to be out for some leave, because I am having surgery. I asked them not to play "guess the body parts". I implied it was abdominal, but didn't specify.

GTR-Mark · 06-14-2009, 10:41 AM

My opinion was I'd rather tell people myself rather than letting them hear it through the grapevine.

-Mark