Best VGS cover story for the workplace?

[Rexcom]

Hi All,

I will not be sharing my surgery with anyone but my wife.
At work, I will be telling them that I have to have gallbladder surgery. I've actually had a recent gallstone that I missed a day of work for, so it will fit. I will have 1 week off, and then work 1 week from home (office job).

Did anyone else do something similar to this?

Also, beginning week 3, I'll be back in the office. Any tips on making that 1st week back at the office easier??

Thanks!

[Betty99]

I said I had a hiatus hernia repair - helped explain to heavy lifting etc!

[sraebaer]

I think you're smart not to "advertise" your surgery. I went back to work at 2 weeks and the only glitch was people noticed my tiny portions. I told them I was trying to lose weight, which they totally believed, because I needed to lose weight.

Now after almost 5 years I tell people if they ask, but most people don't remember me fat. With some people knowing, it keeps me accountable. I don't want to be one of those people talked about because I gained back all my weight!

[Pheeel21]

I think your gallbladder story should work well. You can always say that after the surgery you need to eat several smaller meals and walk more. In my experience of being 10 months out from surgery is the questions seem to drop off pretty rapidly. I always say that I eliminated sugar and most carbs and walk more. So far its working.

[Rexcom]

Thanks sraebaer!

Personally, I don't want WLS to be the main thing that comes to mind when others think of me. And, I don't want to discuss WLS with others who are critical or "nosy" for reasons beyond compassion or wanting to know more to help themselves or others.

Sraebaer, beyound the concealing WLS topic, what types of preparations did you make to make your new lifestyle easier (logistically) in the office? How comfortable were you physically for the first couple weeks back in the office? Were the first couple weeks difficult?

Thanks!

[sraebaer]

Thanks sraebaer!

Personally, I don't want WLS to be the main thing that comes to mind when others think of me. And, I don't want to discuss WLS with others who are critical or "nosy" for reasons beyond compassion or wanting to know more to help themselves or others.

Sraebaer, beyound the concealing WLS topic, what types of preparations did you make to make your new lifestyle easier (logistically) in the office? How comfortable were you physically for the first couple weeks back in the office? Were the first couple weeks difficult?

Thanks!

I am a teacher and really felt pretty much back to normal returning to work after 2 weeks. I guess as far as planning for work you just have to plan your lunch. I often went with a soup/chili/yogurt or something like that, (bought the smallest pyrex bowls with lids) and had a protein drink along for a snack. I also packed my calcium with my lunch, because I wasn't supposed to take it with my multi-vitamin. Just takes a little planning, but it's pretty easy! You will do great! (I may have napped after work, can't remember). I do love a good nap!

I walked all the time and after a year I was running 3 miles every day before work. This is life changing and so much fun.

[KiwiGal]

Hi
I did not tell anyone at work either - and only a couple of others outside work. I did not want any negativity surrounding what I saw as the most positive thing that I have done for myself.
I went back to work after 2 weeks (office job) and it was fine. Didn't want to run a marathon at the end of day of course and took it easy when I got home. Each day it got better and I was walking further and for longer too.
Food wise I don't remember anyone at work asking me. When it was noticeable that I was shrinking I just said that I was eating less and exercising more - which was true. Nearly 11 months out only a couple of people mention how small I am now (which I secretly love!) and they are doing it as a compliment so it's all good.
People forget pretty quickly. I recently showed someone who knows about my surgery my progress photos and she was astounded and said that she doesn't remember me being that fat!

[Stacey03]

Good plan, I think it is best to do what is right for you :-)

[khilty1124]

Everyone at work knew what I was getting done. It helps when you're a nurse and I work with a bunch of nurses in several of them have already had this surgery. I had wonderful support and I knew that I didn't have to hide anything about it, gave me some freedom. Everyone has been phenomenal helping me through this.

[Christie13]

Hello. Totally me. I had told people I was having surgery for my hernia and ulcer. Partially true. Just neglected the part where they were taking out my 80% of my stomach. LOL. Then I told people I was focusing on low carb, portion sizes, and exercising. I let them know that my BP was too high and my PCP had me on strict orders to lose weight to avoid having a stroke. No one really questions it. Also, you would be surprised how little people really pay attention to what you are eating.

[Katrina]

The only problem I see with your cover story is that you should maybe use a different surgery instead of your gallbladder. It is not all that infrequent for wls patients to need their gallbladder removed after this surgery. If you've already used that as your cover, you'd have to come up with a different surgery to use if you do in fact end up needing your gallbladder removed later. It looks like hernia has been a good one for a cover. Best of luck to you.

[Rexcom]

Good point Katrina! Thanks!

[PhilD]

I will have my sleeve next Wednesday, and I thought about deception but I cant do it. The weight loss is ultra rapid and you cant hide it, so I wont be keeping mine a secret and have already told a few people at work. The rumor mill here grinds 24X7 and I've seen what happens when someone drops a bunch of weight. "I heard he has cancer" is common they thought one guy had Aids another they said had Hepatitis. I decided to be up-front with it, rather than quell the rumors of my impending death.

[Rexcom]

Best of luck next week Phil for a speedy recovery and renewed healthy outlook on life!

[Ann2]

I'm late to this party.

I didn't tell anyone either for most of the reasons already mentioned -- primarily, it was nobody else's business, and I didn't want to become the poster girl for WLS.

I'm also old enough that I know I don't have to explain nuthin' to nobody if I don't want to. It's not a requirement of citizenship or anything else. Unless, of course, the FBI has you in a windowless room and is asking the questions.

And by the way, nobody has even tried to imagine I've had WLS. For one thing, I didn't lose that fast. For another, I'd lost and gained weight so many times before in my life that people assumed this was Ann on another diet. The big shocker for everyone happened a year and a half later when I didn't regain any of it back.



Still haven't.



Did I mention ?