Newbie seeking opinions :) - ThinnerTimes

yokioki · 05-16-2007, 08:53 PM

Hi!

I just found this site a few days ago and have been spending every possible moment of free time reading all the info and posts I could. I have a questions for everyone regarding my process.

I am pre-op and I am just about done with my medically supervised diet and I am making appointments for all the pre-op tests etc. I work in a pretty small office and I will be taking more than a few half days from work in the next month. It is my intention to not tell anyone about the surgery until I am for absolute certain I am approved, my question is should I tell my job of my intentions or should I just keep it very vague? I don't want them to think I am interviewing at other places or something like that so i am inclined to give some sort of explanation.

My current weight is 323 5'4" BMI 54.9. I am almost 23 years old (is it harder for approval if you are younger?) So I feel like I am qualified, but I feel like once I get my hopes up I will be smashed with the big fist of denial. At any rate that is my query. Thanks for reading this extended diatribe

.

~yo

coptergirl · 05-16-2007, 09:42 PM

You are a prime candidate for the surgery - and it all depends on your insurance from here. To tell or not to tell is a common question that almost everyone asks (I didn't care who knew and told everyone who wpuld listen). If you feel uncomfortable, it really is none of thir business, and some even tell them they are having gallbladder surgery. So - welcome to the family, and I wish you the best of luck on your journey and your decision to trell or not - you will know in your heart of hearts what is right...

hello kitty · 05-17-2007, 01:46 AM

Welcome!

I'm a newbie too...aren't these forums great?! lol

Anyways, I'm a little older than you, but not much..and my insurance had no problem approving me because I qualified. So it's all going to depend on your insurance. As far as work?? I have one close friend at work who actually knows what I went thru.... everyone else thinks I had some bad results from a colonoscopy last December and had to get some icky stuff taken out of my insides. LOL I figured since I was using my husband's insurance and not mine from work, no one needed to know...and I used all my vacation and sick time to be off... so far has worked just fine.

I didn't think anyone else I worked with would really understand what I was going thru and why I was having the surgery...so they don't know.

SDeRossett · 05-17-2007, 03:11 AM

but I too work in a small privately owned company. It was hard for me to take any time off as there is only myself and another gal in the office. I had to tell my boss that I was going to be gone and felt compelled to tell him why. Although, I had no problem telling anyone who would listen about my journey with WLS. It truly is a personal choice and if you tell someone and they are a nay sayer, brush it off. Only you know what's best for you and your health. Best wishes on your journey.

Sharon

SheSheGirl · 05-17-2007, 07:09 AM

hi and welcome!!! i am new to the forum also

i wish you the best and your youth is so priceless! i wish i had done this years ago. i am 35 now but really became "out of control" about 4 yrs ago. i always was a little overweight but it didnt hender me in any way. it is your personal choice and that is the way i feel. i still havent told anyone at work or friends. just my immediate family knows. its the best thing i decided to do in a long time. i'm happy with it. i just had my 1st adjustment to my lapband yesterday. i feel restricted again

aaaahhhhhh....
what procedure are you having?
please feel free to ask me anything.

Nette72 · 05-17-2007, 07:15 AM

Welcome to the forum, you have found a wonderful place.

I haven't told anyone that I am have the surgery except my daycare lady and one friend at work, otherwise I told everyone else that I am having a surgery to remove some more lypoma's/lumps (i had that done in december) oh and that I am having some acid reflux heartburn problems, which is the truth. I just kept out the GBS..LOL

It really is a personal choice on how you want to handle it. It is no one's business but yours.

Best of luck in your journey.

yokioki · 05-17-2007, 09:20 AM

Thank you all for your responses. I think I am going to sit down with my boss and just tell her I am having some medical issues and that I am not trying to stay out of the office as much as possible. Everyone where I work is very high stressed so I can imagine some people might want to be gone as much as they can be.

I love this forum!

I have only told 3 people about my plans my boyfriend, best friend and mom (but she can't keep a secret to save her life so I am sure half the state knows at this point).

I am just so used to getting all excited about something and then having it not happen that I dont even want to get my hopes up until I am sure.

CeeCee · 05-17-2007, 10:39 AM

I've told the planet- but that's me. No one needs to know, but it's nice to tell your direct supervisor, just in case, and as long as he/she is not a tiny, tin Hitler! Good luck!

LORIL · 05-17-2007, 10:49 AM

I am pretty new here myself. My surgery is scheduled for July 2nd. About the not telling......I had pretty much at first decided I would only tell my supervisor (also good friend), and one close co-worker at work. I will leave it at that. However, I had told myself I wouldn't tell anyone else but my family. I have told 2-3 other people that I wasn't planning on telling.

My husband thinks I shouldn't tell anyone, but it is my choice not his. July seems like a long time for me to keep my mouth shut.

JenBear7 · 05-17-2007, 12:10 PM

Welcome to the forum. Even though you are young, I wouldnt think you will have issues getting approved with a BMI of 54+.

As far as telling people.. if you do a search you will find MANY MANY opinions on the matter.. I for one told everyone.. I figure the more people I tell, the less "Bad" vibes people get when they hear about it... but thats just me.. its a very personal decision..

Good Luck!!