I told those that I am closest to, and my boss. I don't want to bore you with a long story. Everyone else probably heard it through the grapevine. It will be obvious when I return to work. I'm sure people will judge me. I however, do not care. I didn't do it for them. Now, i'm sure after people see me, I will have to tell them. I'm actually proud that I talked myself into it. I feel so much better, and mentally regaining a positive attitude that I hope everyone will notice also.

Now, if your boss is making you uneasy with comments, that in itself is an HR issue.

I have been open about it, for several reasons. I work in an office with about 15 people. We are all close, with it being such a small office, and it wasn't like I could hide my weight loss. I had lost 70 lbs prior to surgery and they were super supportive, and they continue to be.

I told my friends and family because I thought they should know, and I wanted them to know. They care about me and my well being, and they always want the best for me. When I made the decision to have surgery, I knew it was the right thing to do, they believed in me and my judgment, and they were all behind me 100%, even those that I thought wouldn't be.

The last reason I decided to tell people about my surgery is because I feel that the more I share about it, the more I can give information to people about it, maybe there will be less stigma attached to it. I think people are judgmental about it mostly because they just don't really understand the whole process. Also, not everyone knows someone who has been through it, so, they just don't know, and overall it can sound super scary and weird to someone who is unfamiliar. I don't get up on a soapbox and talk about it, and I don't feel obligated to talk about it, but if it comes up I have no problem with it.

Also, no offense, but your boss sounds like kind of a jerk. Keep record of all of his comments and if need be, make an issue of it with HR.

That’s frustrating- its none of his business! I would have a hard time not saying something outrageous like I was having an absorbed twin removed or new vagina installed- and then proceeding with explicit detail. It’s hard because this is a very private thing- but it becomes public as you noticeably loose. Begin rant on women’s bodies not being considered their own and objectified by the public…. I never volunteered to tell anyone- but if they asked I gave them an honest answer. Not that I feel everyone needs to do that ..or be so explicit about what they've done either. I think it’s fine to be vague and say things like “I’ve made a lot of changes” or “Thanks for the compliment, it’s been a lot of hard work” and just walking away.

jm1fullerton wrote: »

As an HR person, I can tell you that what your boss said to you could be illegal. If its a big deal to you, take it to your HR department. Whether you decide to tell people or not should be your choice on your schedule.

That being said, I have told people because I am proud of the fact that I have taken control of my life and I too want to help get rid of people's negative feelings about surgery.

What she said! He cannot ask for medical information, period. As for telling people, everyone in the hospital I work in knows that I had it done. Most are very supportive and the ones who aren't don't have the balls to say anything. I'm with Garber and jm1fullerton, I want to help rid the world of the WLS stigma.

Only a hand full of people close to me (family) knew before my surgery. After my surgery I posted it on my fb wall that I had just had the gastric sleeve surgery and all had went well. Then people were a lot nicer to me about it than I had expected.

I have been very open with people about my surgery, both before and after. It is no one's business but your own how you choose to lose weight. If it is the right choice for you, then that is what matters. I have found that I actually receive more positive feedback from people I am confident in sharing with, than those whom I try and hide it from.

Janet, 1st off he's NOT your parent to be monitoring your food intake, those are choices we make because we're adults!
Several wks ago Id posted about finding RAP which is a bag the size of a snack size skittles or starburst found at the register.
I was looking for another way to get extra protein but once I bought them, I hated the smell & taste...big gum drops and like a big handful in the baggie.
My husband knew someone at work who worked out so he gave the other 5 to him.
IDK why my husband couldn't have just used some simple line of explanation like "she bought them to get extra protein in her diet."
No, when asked why he didn't want them, my husband was caught off guard and told him that Id had bladder surgery done and wanted them for protein.
Now, I have to try to remember that so if I ever run into this person who doesn't actually know me and should I be asked about my "bladder" surgery, Ill have to keep a straight face
I have only told my husbands parents and that's only because we used to routinely go over there and I knew that would not be happening for awhile...at least in the 1st several weeks post-op.
My family lives across the states so the only thing they knew is that I was having some kind of stomach surgery done and that was all that I wished to tell them.
We do Christmas with my husbands extended family but I plan on not telling them, only that Ive changed my outlook on life and eating habits...enough said, who can fault me for a better quality life?!?
Besides, by the time I see them being my 1st holiday post-op my weight loss will look "normal" and not overly drastic since it was last yr the last time they saw me.
Then next year everyone will already be aware of my life change so (hopefully) being even thinner then, it wont be surprising to see me at a smaller weight!
Also, 1 of his Aunts, her Mom had some kind of WLS (I want to say) maybe 7 yrs ago and she passed away 2 yrs ago...they say because of the surgery.
Not wanting to start anything up, Id rather not indulge them in "my" reasons because quite frankly it was ALL my choice!
I have actually told more strangers than "family."
I think Ive done that because its my safety zone...how can they judge if they don't know "me" no explanation big or small needed

I told my boss that I was having brain surgery.

I decided to be very open about it for a number of reasons. First, because we lose so rapidly at first that when the people all around you have never seen you below 300 pounds and you suddenly start losing weight, they either think dying or WLS. Second, for me at least, it's also a great deterrant to allowing myself to regain. We all know how easy it is to go back to the old habits and eating that put on the weight. I can't face failing at this but it's even worse with so many people knowing about the WLS. And probably most important, if sharing my story and walk helps just one person leave obesity behind, it's well worth sharing.

I've had nothing but positive comments from family, friends, co-workers, etc. Everyone is very respectful in not pushing food at me but also in not giving me grief if I decide to have a treat. I'm glad I was open and shared.

I started a blog and blasted it on Facebook, and was very open with it at work, mainly with leadership. I'm a PM and told my manager and my leads, but only told my team members individually in discussion, as a group, I told them I was going to be out for two weeks.

My sister had bypass, and it irritated me that she showed some before/after pics on facebook, had friends ask how she did it, and said it was hard work. Yes, committing to a life after WLS is hard work, but it is a tool - she was so vague, it irritated me. I wanted to be as upfront and honest as possible, and have the support when I needed it. I want to educate people along the way. I've only had one person be less than supportive upfront, and I knew it going in. My sister in law is supportive, but I freaked her out, as she knew someone that 20 years ago had stomach stapling and died a few years later from complications.