No, I wouldn't. It is none of there business. Now when the weight starts falling off, and you want to tell them, then that is a different story. How old are these kids? I think I would focus on the diet and exercise parts of what you tell them. I know lots of people lose weight on our program without having the surgery.

they are students and not your peers.. when they start noticing and or commenting just smile and say thanks..i really thing that kids are pretty much into themselves and may not notice! but i dont think you need to make an announcement..but if they do ask just be truthful...

Well having 5 children of my own and going through so many teachers, I would say no. I think it is really great that you like to communicate with your kids but I think this could be worse for you. Just let them see the weight come off. I know there will be at lease that 1 kid that one give up on what surgery you had so not sure how to tell you to handle that. Good luck and have fun back at work. KK

Tell em and it's no big deal. Lie to them, or omit the truth and they will work you to death!

Tell everybody, and enjoy the accountability it enforces. The weight will come off!

Believe in the process and more than that, believe in you. Overeating and regain are all about secrets. No more hiding!

"Hearing Helps Hasten the Healing!"

I think I would just tell them that you had some health issues and will be getting better now, especially if they are little kids. Sometimes I know the rapid weight loss looks way too much like the result of chemo and if those rumors get started, you will need to put them down quickly. Then the truth works. But for now I would go with the minimum, but let them know that too much dessert wasmaking you sick so you can no longer share candy or cookies or birthday cakes or whatever is traditional and allowable in your school.

As for the weight loss, just wait until they "see you in September'

lIN

NO, I told many people before leaving work...some who want the procedure and now going in on Monday I feel like I will be judged on how much or little they think I lost......and to be honest kids may like u as a teacher but they are not that invested in your life and as u lose weight some may not notice it as much as we might think because they see u everyday....don't tell kids...........

while id stand on a mountain top and scream for ever of the virtues and benifits of this any WLS, I'd truely think twice about telling kids anything. It is simply not germain to your number one job which is teaching them ONLY. Your personal life is none of their business. And in time if you have success, maybe then but not until you're on a roll with the melting.

Just sayin LU

I wouldnt lie about it, i just wouldnt even comment on the matter. This is a medical deal between you and your dr, PERIOD!

I'm really thinking you guys are right. I was going to tell them, because I didn't want them to freak out if I started losing really rapidly. (thinking chemo, like Link was saying) However, now that I see it's coming off more slowly, I think I'd rather not share. All my co-workers know, they have been incredibly supportive, our faculty really is morel like a family than a staff. I've gotten several different bouquets of flowers, endless cards, and even a $200 gift card from them to buy clothes as I move down in weight. I'm not saying that to toot my own horn, just to show how supportive they are being in this process. I also did want the accountability in that sense. However, when it comes to the kids, I really think I'm not going to share. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you guys weighing in on this subject. i really was conflicted.

I teach 6th grade, and at first I had planned to tell them. Then I realized, it's none of their business! I told them I needed surgery. When a few of them asked in private, I told them it was on my tummy. They knew I had ulcers (lol... I had told them that when they were studying the digestive system), so I think they just made that connection. Though I'm 50 pounds down, not one has said a word.

It was actually kind of cute. I came back from surgery right before Christmas break, so a lot of kids were bringing in treats. Students would come to my room and offer me a sweet treat, and I would just say "no thanks". By the end of the day, when students would come to my room, my own students would be like, "Ms. Sullivan can't eat sweets right now." I hadn't told them that, but they picked up on it. Kids are smart. They'll know what you need without you needing to tell them everything.

I am also a teacher. I did not and still have not told my high school students. Only a couple have asked me if I have lost weight (I have lost 60 pounds) I just respond with yes, thank you for noticing. I have been working on it. Most of the other staff know, but some don't. When kids ask me about my surgery i just say i had stomach surgery and that is all they need to know.

My vote is no don't tell them, it might cause you more stress as students don't care what they say or how it comes out. At least my students. Just enjoy the compliments.

Thanks Hope and Cin, it's good to hear from other teachers who've been there done that. I appreciate your advice so much!

Hi Brenna,

I too am a teacher(4th grade). I had my surgery on August 12th. My school started end of August. I chose not to tell the students or parents. I did however tell the staff and administration who were and have been very supportive throughout this journey. My students did know that I could not lift heavy objects and would help me out. The hugs too had to be off limits for a while. They have never asked why. I have lost over a hundred pounds and no child has made a comment. Parents do comment, but they are just gossip mongers and my polite response to them if they ask me if I am losing weight is "Yes, a little." By the way I work in a very wealthy private school and I just do not feel like getting into the conversation with them. I am not ashamed I just feel that their comments would be less than kind behind my back. When they ask what I am going I tell the truth. I exercise everyday and eat well. No lie. Good luck.

Be proud of your accomplishments Im sure that if you do tell your students that they will more than likely be proud that you are improving your quality of life. I as well as others know how you feel; at first I was so embarrassed to tell anyone that I even had surgery. Now I have a year under my belt and I tell everyone that I had a gastric bypass. It's funny to see people that I haven't seen for a while (month or two) because they really don't recognize me. And by the way they are you students and will remember you for your personality then your appearance. I once you are ready you will eventually brag to everyone that you had a gastric surgery.

I'm a retired teacher - HS. Although I had a rep as the school's major conservative, I was a always open about health issues with "my kids." I shared my heart procedure (stint) details and discussed the health perils of my obesity openly with them. They were at once fascinated and caring in their responses - one girl told me once when I spoke of my "obesity,." - "Mr. B,you're not obese, you're....you're....fluffy!" I appreciated the cute comment, but it lead to a serious discussion of what obesity does to one's overall health - a careful discussion, focused on me - b/c I would never aim it at them. Childhood obesity is an epidemic and all responsible teachers should do whatever they can to help stem it. Yes, it is your choice to tell them or not - but I can think of many good lessons that might come from sharing this adventure with them. I personally couldn't have the surgery without sharing it openly with everyone I care about - curious before WLS,they are now my support group and 100% behind me. Congrats on the success you're having.

I wouldn't say anything to them about the type of surgery. Depending on the age of your students, they might not understand anyway. I am a teacher as well, and I found that elementary students are also willing to help if you need it. Once the weight comes off, they will notice but more than likely will not say much as their world revolves around themselves. If anyone does ask why you were gone so long, I would just tell them you were in the hospital but are feeling much better now, and thank them for their concern.