slimteacher08-I probably won't find out whether I'm approved until around April or May. I'm on my 2nd month of supervised weight loss with my PCP and I have my first meeting with the surgeon next week. I'm already using a CPAP machine for sleep apnea and have a stomach doctor since I suffer from acid reflux. At least, I already have those things out of the way.

I went to the chiropractor today since I am having hip problems and before I lay down on the table, I noticed the doctor pulls it out from the wall so I have room. I couldn't help but think, "give me a year and you won't have to do that for me any more." He's a sweet guy and has made me mobile again. I think my all of my grandkids will have to be named after him. :-)

We have our volleyball end of year awards tonight and I almost paid for a dinner! LOL! Too funny. I don't eat enough to count!

I have also found people to be supportive of my decision to have wls. The staff has been great and some ask questions, others don't. I am always happy to talk to people if they want more info. It has been such a postive in my life I don't mind sharing! Before surgery, I really didn't want too many people to know, now I don't care if they know.

debbut...I have found everyone at school has been very supportive. I hope you find the same thing at your school. I know what you mean about being a private person. On here it is a little easier to post things because I don't feel I am being judged. When do you expect to find out if you are approved or not?

I'm considering telling after the fact since I won't be able to put the surgery off. I'm in grad school too and classes will be starting so I don't want to miss any of those. Besides, I don't want to put the surgery off. So, until I know I'm approved I won't tell anyone. I have told one teacher because she had gastric bypass surgery and I wanted to ask her some questions about it. She was very upfront with everyone and made no bones about it. I also told my best friend who is also a teacher at my school because I know I will need a good support group behind me. My DH is a little indifferent at this point. I intend to tell my dad after I meet with the surgeon next week. I'm a very private person and I just don't want people to look at me as a failure again as far as the weight loss goes. I say I'm a very private person and here I am posting on this website. Go figure.

Welcome Debbut!

On Friday's I eat with some of my students (the ones that fill up their stamp charts) in the classroom. I spend time eatting with them, talking and giving them the table manners I know they lack from home. My first graders are VERY concerned with my lunch. It is so interesting. I will always have one ask, is that all you are going to eat. I just tell them..."Yes, because I am full."

Two weeks ago our assistant principal retired. At the retirement party I had a lot of looks and questions from the staff that didn't know. They were very concerned why I wasn't eatting much. It was a buffet line and I took a little bit of each item, ended up only eatting a few bites. Same thing happened the next day at a baby shower for another teacher. So the staff that didn't know...knows now. They were asking me if I was sick and seemed very concerned. I am proud of the results with the band. So I share whenever anyone asks. Do what you feel comfortable with.

Welcome debbut! I have told anybody that has asked. I did not make a public announcement, but you know how it is at a school! I really like my band and sometimes I have an urge to run up to people and tell them they should check into it!

I agree with crzytchr, you could have the surgery when your summer break starts and by the time you get back to school, you should be back to eating regular food.

Welcome debbut. If whether or not to tell is really concerning you, could you delay surgery an extra month and just have it at the beginning of the vacation? That way, you will be off a restrictive diet before school gets back in session.
I had mine over the summer, but I chose to tell people anyway. It just doesn't bother me. I figured it may encourage others if they are considering the surgery.

Hi everyone! I'm a teacher in Alabama (can't remember whether I introduced myself or not) and I'm hoping to banded in late April or early May. I noticed you guys were talking about whether to tell or not and I've been kicking the idea around myself. I know there will be questions if I don't tell and I go back to work on a liquid diet or on mushies. I'm having a hard time with it because I don't want people to say, "oh yeah, she's on another diet and won't be successful at this either." You know, this is the first time I feel like I have hope of losing weight, getting healthy and staying that way. At the lunch table, there are always negative comments if someone is succeeding at something. I'm thinking I may have to tell but won't tell until the day before my surgery. Of course, I'll have to tell my principal but he won't say anything if I ask him not to. Anyway, I appreciate the posts that gives perspective about whether to tell or not.

Hey All! I have been sooo busy, imagine that! My students put on a Fashion Show & Silent Auction this past week - we have been pushing toward this event for a couple of months (started planning last spring) and it has finally come and gone. The students did a great job putting on a fun evening for everybody. Needless to say, I had a ton of stress and guess what, I wanted to eat!

I am glad that stress is over! I did make some poor choices, but I kept up with my running. I have maintained the past week, but that is a success for me. Usually when we have these huge events I gain weight! I am back to making better food choices and really watching portion sizes.

I will be getting my third fill soon. Glad that it will come before the holiday. We get a week off at Thanksgiving and we are taking the kids to see the grandparents in WI. It will be my first trip away from home for more than a day! Any tips for traveling?

Thank you crzytchr and slimteacher for your advice. I decided to tell a select few at work when I feel comfortable. If I told my principal right away it would be like making a public service announcement (she means well). So I will take it slow and when I feel comfortable. I think part of why I am overweight is because I don't talk enough about what I feel and I tend to eat to soothe and comfort myself. Now on to find other ways to deal with life. When I have gone on diets before I would tell people and they would be supportive and then when I went off and gained weight I always felt embarrassed and self conscience. I hope the band helps me keep the wieght off for good. Thank you for sharing your stories and advice. Tomorrow I have my second consult and put a deposit on Dec. 14. I only have the upper GI to get done then I am good to go! Whew...Bye for now Michele