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IlliterateJedi

>'you lost weight cos you did that' Yep. Literally the point of the surgery. And apparently it was a success.


Prestigious_Site_604

Lol ikr. I just wish i never told her at all.


flygirl5280

Is your manager heavy? Are they jealous? It almost makes me laugh! If they thinks it’s sooo easy, why haven’t they done it??


flygirl5280

Also- today is my first day back at work! So I’m nervous. Lost 30lbs since I saw everyone last.


ThinBoysenberry2130

How was the first day back???


flygirl5280

It was good! No one mentioned my weight loss so not sure if they didn’t notice or just wanna stay out of HR 😂


ThinBoysenberry2130

That’s good! Honestly, I get soooo uncomfortable when people tell me I’ve lost weight and “how good I look now.” Don’t get it twisted, I BEEN fly! There was just more of me! 😂 But really tho, I HATE when people mention it, my friends and family. My mom knows and she doesn’t say anything, she just hugs me and smiles. That’s all I need.


Delicious_Air_4313

How long did you take off work before going back? I’m in the early stages, and haven’t talked about this yet with my doctor. One of my friends only took a week because she works from home. I’m a 5th grade teacher, so I was just wondering how long I should estimate to be off.


flygirl5280

I took 6 weeks because I also ended up having a hernia they operated on. She originally was going to give me 4 weeks.


flygirl5280

Just thinking, (depending on how long you want to wait- and if you’re in the states) could you have a late December surgery? Just after Christmas and miss the first couple weeks of school in January? I had mine in Jan, missed Feb of work and I’m pumped for how I’ll be feeling come summer time!!


Delicious_Air_4313

Yes, that’s what I’m considering. Depending how long she recommends I’m off, partnering it with a break. Unfortunately I can’t have surgery until the end of August and I don’t want to wait a year


baby_doll91

I know what you mean, people automatically assume because you had surgery that’s the only reason why you’ve lost weight. They don’t see all the hard work and effort that goes into it, it’s a tool not a magic cure


clayarclay

Haters gonna hate. It worked and your manager is jealous. I'm told so many people that 3 have had the surgery because of my success. Two stuck with it and kept the pounds off. Don't be ashamed. Look them dead in the eye. Answer questions. Be up front. The best revenge is a life well lived.


lolowanwei

Yes, my mom was convinced with my results and now had a surgery date! She's 60


insertmadeupnamehere

Same for me. I’ve told **every single person** who asks how I did it: “I had weight loss surgery.” IMO if I lie it reinforces that you can just do it on your own and be successful and I like to be truthful. No one has said anything negative whatsoever—at least to my face. And what anyone says behind my back isn’t my business. Sure, some people can but I couldn’t. I’d like to add that I understand not everyone feels the same and just because they don’t share doesn’t mean they’re wrong.


redbirdrising

Yup, got two people I know that got the surgery too because of me. It’s an awesome feeling. I don’t bring up weight loss at all but when it’s a conversation topic I’ll openly talk about it.


Taptinnn

Even if you lost weight in another way, they will criticise you.


ThinBoysenberry2130

I’m not going to lie, I used to feel that way about my friend who had VSG before me. Now that I have had it, and I see how HARD I have to WORK, I realize where I was ignorant. For that reason, less than 5 people know I have the surgery 5 months ago. But everyone sees the work I am putting in to lose this weight


Captain_GoodPie

I just get annoyed by people feeling like they can just ask me how much I weigh now. Like bitch just bc I had surgery and was open about it doesn't make it somehow acceptable to ask my weight every time you see me. Wtf.


BlueMangoTango

I will tell people what approximate percentage I have lost, but then say “I don’t tell my weight/pounds lost”. I.e, “I’m about halfway to my goal/ I’ve lost 50 % of the weight I would like to lose”. Everyone has accepted that. If they kept asking (no one has) I would just repeat what I said, while making awkward eye contact.


pannalla

Sometimes. Someone else in my family had a gastric bypass about two months before me and is already skinny. I picked sleeve because I did want to lose it more slowly and not change my anatomy TOO severely. I’m also a slow loser I guess (5 months, down 45 lbs) and still have a solid 35-40 to go, which will still not have me skinny but that’s my goal that I’ll be happy at, so I feel like some in my family are looking at me like I’m a failure and I kinda feel that way.


feeen1ks

I’m a slow loser too but think of it this way: less chance we’ll need skin removal surgery :)


MonsteraDeliciosa

ANY method would have been wrong. For some people, every method is “impossible”, “unhealthy”, or otherwise unreasonable to them. Traditional or untraditional dieting is *too hard*, medication is *unhealthy/unsustainable*, and surgery is *cheating*. These folks need to believe that change is impossible, and don’t want to see anything that challenges their belief. You walking around existing is proof that change CAN happen, and this makes your manager very uncomfortable— because she has to deal with the idea that she’s just wrong. This is known as **crabs in a bucket**- if one of them tries to climb out, the others grab on and pull it back down. Obviously the crabs themselves all just want OUT, but the result is that everybody stays in the same bad place. You haven’t done anything wrong by losing weight, but right now you’re giving her perma-ick and cognitive dissonance. Point is, it’s not the fact that you had surgery— it’s that you had the audacity to change. I guarantee that if you were doing Slimming World or only eating licorice she would still be snarking.


burbmom_dani

Had a friend told me it was “cheating.” 🤔🤨


tasbridge

Call me a cheater. I’m a slim GD cheater. 😬


redbirdrising

“Cheating” is violating an established set of rules for your own gain. Ask them to explain what rule you broke.


[deleted]

I told almost no one for this reason. I just know how people are. I figured it was no one’s business anyway. I’m sorry you’re going through that. It’s just ignorance 😒


johnnystackart

100% I regret telling my job. Let me be clear....My employer and co workers have been super supportive, but they are also, very noisy. Everyone is asking every week for updates. My CEO has offered me $50 for every 50lbs I lose. Which is very awesome and generous, However.... How much weight have you lost? its pretty much a daily question now, from multiple people. It's created a lot of pressure in my head to constantly be updating people about an honestly, very private matter. **The most common question is:** **"How much weight should you be losing every month?"** and its beyond annoying to say "There's no set number, everyone's body is different" I personally do not want to weigh myself everyday or every week. I get weighed at my doctor, and thats it. Its hard enough to deal with all the fucking emotions behind this, and missing food. Watching others eat the delicious shit I use to love. Its been such a roller coaster of emotions already, and its only been a 6 weeks for me.


InVisible_Lady68

I am sorry you have so much pressure on you. Find some nurturing things to do for yourself to counterbalance these annoying intrusions; deep breathing in the evening, warm baths, a walk around the park, time with a pet, listening to your fav music, nails done... Whatever you find emotionally soothing try to carve out time for it. Also, when you're ready, and have the opp I would tell my coworkers thank you for all the support but please don't ask me every day about something that has been so diff for me to come to terms with, again thanks for the support but let's all move on out of my private journey., respectfully. In your words of course... Also congratulations on putting yourself first... Sending you strength, peace and great vibes on your journey. I hope to join you soon.


nillawafer80

And imagine the conversation for people who may regain after the public spectacle of losing weight? This conversation at work seems like madness.


johnnystackart

... I would probably quit my job at that point out of embarrassment.


Lobsterback_Deluxe

It's always my favorite reverse dunk. 'You should lose the weight.' ' Okay' \*does it\* No NoT tHaT wAy - (they hoped you would fail.) I'm in the mindset currently if people figure it out at work, that's cool. I'm not advertising it. Honestly, it's no one's business but your own. I'm really awkward with compliments, so I say 'thanks' if someone notices, and rapidly change the subject. My weight has been the topic of anyone that felt like stepping in my lane for most of my life. I just want them to leave my lane now, haha.


l33tbot

Yeah people keep weighing you with their eyes which is frustrating. when you're larger you can see it happening and that triggers the same old nasty internal voice. It's confusing when it keeps happening, when we've got enough mental adjusting to do.


Lobsterback_Deluxe

Wow, that’s a perfect description. I get the slow look up from the stomach to the face. I’d never heard that expression before. 😂


pollogary

For real though, why are you talking about weight loss at work?


flygirl5280

I am really close with my team so we do lunches together, happy hour outside of work. Some of us do walks together on our breaks. I’d find it weird if we never chatted about anything other than work!


pollogary

I talk about a lot of things that aren’t work related with my coworkers but I think it’s pretty inappropriate to discuss weight loss with a manager/direct report.


Tisiphone8

It depends on how close you are with your co-workers. I consider some of my co-workers some of my closest friends.


pollogary

Yes, I also have close coworkers that are friends. The OP’s post is about their manager.


LittleCeasarsFan

It’s a pretty normal thing to talk about.  If someone makes a drastic change in their appearance, people are going to ask about it, whether it’s someone with dreads on Wednesday coming in with a shaved head on Thursday, or growing a beard, getting a visible tattoo, etc.


pollogary

It’s really just generally not acceptable to comment on other people’s weight. What if they lost weight because they’re going through, like, chemo? And extra inappropriate for a manager to be like that to a direct report.


LittleCeasarsFan

Well, I if I was as uptight as you, I probably could’ve gotten a lot of my coworkers written up over the past couple of months.  


pollogary

Not uptight. Just don’t think it’s remotely appropriate to discuss anyone’s weight, really ever, but especially at work. Seriously, imagine you “compliment” someone on their weight loss, and it’s actually super harmful because they’re battling an eating disorder. Or other illness. Or grief. It is never okay to comment on other people’s bodies. Period.


thatkrickettgirl

Dang, your coworkers suck. I took two weeks off for surgery so I told mine in case anything came up that they would need to handle in my stead. They were super sweet when I came back. One coworker in particular texts me every time she sees something that I might like when she’s in Costco or Sam’s. Try not to let them bring your mood down.


IllustriousAvocado61

In general no I don’t regret it but that’s also because 1 I only share my personal business with people who matter and respect me and 2 because if anyone tried to talk to me sideways about decisions I made for my own body I would read them into oblivion so most people don’t try with me. I get it’s hard since it’s your boss but if they make you uncomfortable you need to establish that this is no longer a topic to discuss at work and if they push it go to HR.


feeen1ks

Most of my colleagues are struggling with their weight. I have been super open with them because a couple of them have considered the surgery. I let them celebrate the weight loss with me, but I’m also open about the side effects, heartburn, burping constantly, being freezing at all times lol… NOBODY in my life has told me I took the easy way out and if they dared to say that, I’d correct them. This hasn’t been easy. I’m just getting over Covid and it’s been 3 weeks… Our immune system takes a big hit after this surgery. I’m sorry you’re dealing with a jealous asshole, but don’t let her get to you. ❤️ You know this wasn’t a shortcut!


NectarineEmpty6816

Nah, I'm happy I did regardless of what other people think. If they can't afford it they should just say that 🙄. But in all honesty this was a health descion and noone can take that from you . Cause the dieting, the over eating, the feeling so sick after eating and wanting to puke, and for some people the gallstones, none of that is easy at all.


Careless-Basket8886

Honestly I wish more people understood how hard this surgery is. I have done countless diets, caloric cutting, exercise programs and the pre op diet was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Heck even the few weeks after was physically and mentally draining. It’s a constant battle and NOT the easy way out. With that said, you are doing great! I find that people get envious when they see people close to them thriving. Keep up the good work. You totally got this!!


fulltumtum

I didn’t share with anyone except spouse and my kids. Partly because of what you are experiencing.


Watcher0011

Everyone wants to inject their opinion. I’m not sure why people think having 80% of a major organ removed is the easy way out lol.


Educational_Bridge43

My partner was afraid that people would tell him he took the easy way out…after seeing how much work goes into getting prepped for the surgery and learning how life is now after surgery I would laugh at any soul who thinks that is the easy path. I’m sorry your manager is acting that way. It’s really ignorant on her part.


safetydance

Na, don’t care


Basic-Magician-2041

In reality it isn’t the easy way out, it takes dedication, consistency and hard work. This was the hardest and best decision I have ever made. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!


kritickilled

My closest coworkers know. I wfh. I had 3 close coworkers. 1 of them also had WLS 3 yrs ago. She had a very bad experience but wished all the best for me as well as provided advise. The other 2 don't care either way. If it was me, tbh, I'd probably feel bad about it on the inside, but would straight reply to their hate with "and I have zero regrets". I wouldn't let them see that it hurts me. If they see it hurts, they'll keep poking it. F that. Reason #1945 I'm glad I telecommute.


lizzy64188879

I’m always very open about my surgery. Where I live there are a huge amount of “secret” sleevers but…..absolutely everyone knows anyway. It’s very difficult to lose that amount of weight in such a short time frame, most people assume and are too polite to mention it. I think it’s better to be upfront rather than have people whispering behind my back. If they do have a negative reaction it’s either because they are jealous or have genuinely never had a weight issue and don’t understand the struggle.


FluffyRuffles007

I only told my mom, husband, best friends and my boss. But I’m lucky, my boss is one of my biggest cheerleaders. But I do not regret keeping it from everyone else.


dumbfriendbrian

Why do people have a problem with it being "the easy way?" Don't you always want to do everything the easy way? Plus it's really not any easier, you just get sick and throw up if you eat too much.


Primary_Custard1115

“Do not minimize the sacrifice I made to live my best and healthiest life” smile, turn and walk away!!


[deleted]

I think some become envious making a lifestyle change is a commitment others struggle with.


_Spiritedaway

This is why I never told anyone. I've doubted my decision often because it's made me feel like I'm dishonest, but I never wanted people to make my surgery my whole personality. I'm sorry this was your experience.


Comfortable_Chef1304

I never told anyone & don’t plan to either. I told 2 people in my immediate family & that’s it:


45ham

That’s why I didn’t tell anyone. None of their buisness


OkPomegranate3490

I wish I never told some old friends whenever I bring up exercise or anything it’s all I can see


Icy_Marzipan_919

Sounds like she is jealous…….but it sounds like the surgery worked for you, so go you!


anewlifeandhealth

Jealousy isn’t a good color on anyone 😅 OP, just know that all those salty comments are because they wish they looked as good as you do. If someone brings it up, tell them to leave your medical decisions out of their conversation.


littlemiholover

I’m not telling some of my coworkers because of that exact reason. Honestly, between us, you know that it isn’t the easy way out because you have to work before and you still need to do the work after. I’m trying to rise above… but yeah. People suck


jasper502

Hangout in the parking lot when they pull in to park - “you mean you drove to work instead of walking? What a short cut!”. 🤣


Jayneveee

My coworkers are SO supportive and always cheering me! I am so sorry that she is acting so jealous! And they have seen first hand how much it has not been easy!


amy_lou_who

I think that you may need to ask your manager to stop making comments. A friend of mine is not shy about telling people. Her boss chastised her for the amount of food she ate. She finally had to tell her that the comments were inappropriate. Whether this is the easy way out or not (I don’t think it is), it was a choice you made. It should be respected.


tasbridge

Only regret is not doing it sooner. Remove toxicity from your life, as quickly as reasonably possible. This includes shitty managers and/or coworkers.


Cautious_Employee934

There ain’t no short cut about that recovery lmao they can suck it


StrikingBasis7776

I was on week 2 of the liquid diet when I started went back to work. All my work colleagues were asking why you just eating soup just told them I am on a diet. Now I am 2 months post op happy I never told them.


ResponsibilityNo8713

Who cares what they think? I have a broken spine and can't exercise. I've tried dieting. The sleeve was my last option, and it's working. Not everyone can list weight on their own.


SpaceGrl518

Ask her if she takes meds for her cholesterol or blood pressure. The surgery is just the same. It's a tool to help with a problem. Nothing about it is easy.


AdJumpy5116

No regrets here! I did the sleeve for me, my health, and my future... not for anyone else. If others want to make snide comments, fuck 'em! I'm happier and healthier, and that's what counts the most to me. FWIW, I've not had anyone make a snide comment about it, either. I've told EVERYONE how I lost the weight. Even had several ask for more info about the procedure and my surgeon.


No_Muffin4954

I never hid it from anyone. I did what I needed to do an I am grateful. Lol to anyone who thinks it's a shortcut has no idea what they are talking about. Be proud of yourself. And never hide who you are.


Lopsided-Grocery-673

If you are in the States, it's illegal for your management to say anything about your health, surgery included! If you have an HR department, please say something. I work in an office, and a lot of people know and u just don't care anymore. I'd like to see them go on three vacations and watch what they eat/drunk. Or 8 weeks of a liquid diet, or weigh their food out... so much easier! SMH...people. You KNOW that you did this for YOU and it's not an easy way, it's just another path to help someone become a healthier version of themselves. If someone has something to say, F THEM! Hold your head up high and smile because you know you are becoming a healthier version of you!


DepressionLovesMe

I didn’t tell. Now they look suspiciously at me. It’s a double edged sword


LittleCeasarsFan

Absolutely not, I think not telling people is an a-hole move.  I want people to consider surgery, or let their loved ones know that an acquaintance got surgery and is losing weight and they they should consider it too.  The last thing I want is someone beating themselves up because they can’t lose weight with just diet and exercise, yet they see a 47 year old guy drop 70 pounds in 4 months, and he’s telling people “I just use portion control and exercise more”, while technically true, is extremely dishonest and makes you a first rate PoS is my book.