Best Ways to "Hide" the Surgery from Co-Workers?

Go from long hair to really short hair! :) That's what my friends & co-workers noticed, even those that knew about the surgery. The most important thing is being comfortable with yourself and your choices. That will make it easier for you. My 16-year old also gave great "comfort" advice when she stated it's no different from getting your teeth or heart fixed: even if people see that part of you (like braces on teeth) it's your body to be proud of and take care of, because it's yours for life.

I told exactly one person where I work. Most of the people who work there are big gossips, so I didn't want them all pointing and laughing. I basically told my boss (a man) and anyone who asked, that I was having some surgery to correct back problems. This is true, so that's good enough. No one needs to know everything unless you are personally close. I don't think anyones medical issues are anyone else's business. My best friend also knows, but other than those two people, the only ones that know are my immediate family. This is a personla decision, but based mostly on the maturity level of those you work with. I'm not sure how I'll cover a surgical bra for a month, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. It could always be explained as a brace for my back.

I must be an oddball. I told people that I work with and on certain projects. Of course, I was going to a doctors' office before br consultations. I was doing further exploration on a supposedly positive result for breast cancer after a mammogram. It runs on my mom's side and started at my age. My general doctor sent me as a precaution. Luckily, I do not have breast cancer. But I have dense breasts and it is hard to do self check. The decision to reduce was easier to make after the cancer scare.

My co-workers know, but i work at a bank and I was joking that when I do return after my procedure, the question will be did you do something different to your hair or I did not know your eyes were so blue....LOL

I am the only female in an office full of 30 men. I had the same fears. I decided not to tell anyone and oddly enough, no-one noticed. People know somehting is different but they cant really pinpoint it. I mostly got asked if i had lost weight. Good luck to you.

As my plastic surgeon said, everyone will notice but nobody will say anything! You will look like you've lost weight because your waist line will be more visible. Just don't say anything. The flip side is, if one of girls on my job had not told me about her surgery i would have still been miserable today because i did not know about the surgery let alone that my insurance paid for it. I had a $15 co-pay...Best decision i have ever made....

I am glad I am not the only one who feels this way. I just like to keep my professional life and my private life totally separate. I have less than a week until my surgery and I am definitely stressing about what I am going to do when I get back to work. Now that you are back to work do you have any advice?

Chipmunk - Good for you in doing what makes you comfortable.. Sounds like things are going well - Good Luck and enjoy your new look!!!

I'm not hiding it at all at work. I work in a doctor's office and we all know we have been working on weight loss together (40lbs down and I don't care who knows that either)! To me this is just another step, I will feel so much better when my body matches who I am on the inside :)

Today was my first day at work after the surgery 5 weeks ago. I didn't tell anyone at my job b/c I just don't deal with them like that. Its like Junior High all over again there, so I don't talk about my personal life, surgery or not.

Anyway, none of the women there said a word. If they did notice anything, they didn't mention it. The one guy who works there def noticed. He gave me a hug, and said I lost weight and I actually watched his eyes wander towards my boobs(as usual).

Then he told me I looked great, was glad I was back, but that I need to gain weight. Uhh thanks?

It's a personal decision - to tell people about your surgery. I personally don't care who knows. It's going to be obvious when I come back to work three weeks later and I'm a B cup (God willing), where as I'm a DD cup now. It's just not that personal to me. But I can definitely see why others would feel uncomfortable about sharing this information. Just do what makes you the most comfortable. Good luck with your surgery! :)

MinCo - I was thinking about and you wondering how you are doing. Hopefully, everything went well with your surgery and you are feeling well and pleased with your decision.

Hi All,
I too do not feel I have to hide my op! I work in a hospital and all my colleagues know why I want this doing. The men (we are not politically correct which is nice!) think 'its a shame' (joking) and everyone is supportive and understanding.
I find if you hide something it makes people intrigued! It could lead to finding an explanation which can lead to panic as you have to remember what you have said and to whom. For me I found it best to just say it like it is and forget it.
People tend to be preoccupied with their own issues, so yours will perhaps inspire a cursory thought and nothing more. Try not to be too focussed on what others think. Many people will be happy for you- that's what i have found, nothing but support and understanding from family,friends, and colleagues.

I haven't had my surgery yet but I am not planning to hide it for a minute! I have explained my collegaue - who sits halfway across the globe - that I am going to have a surgery which if it goes fine will change the way I look for the better :) For collegues who work in my office I have told that I am taking 1 week off due to having a reconstructive surgery (I look at my BR as reconstructive - going from abnormal to normal) something I should have done ages ago. I told both my trainers at my gym and they are very supportive, understanding. I look at my BR as something I want to be proud of. I hope lots of people will notice the difference in me and I will be very proud to say I have had my breast done. Reduced and not enlarged.

MinCo - I am sorry you are still worried about your surgery and what people will think. I too am a very honest person, and I used to be an "open book" - but at this stage in my life I am selective who I share things with. Try not to let the "false guilt feelings" you are experiencing overshadow the fact that you are doing something that is "good" for you. It really is OK for you to decide who and what you want to share this with. Good Luck!


Today I had the rest of my stitches removed and I can honestly say I hardly felt it. The NP said everything looks great except some redness (which is fading) and one very small scab. She said to continue applying the Silver Sulfadiazine cream 2 x a day. I am going away for a few days next week and I asked her about taking a dip in the ocean. She said even though she thinks it would be fine, it might be best if I waited until 8/8 when the scab should be healed. I will be 4weeks post opt then. She loved the Olga bra I had on and said it was fine to wear at this stage in recovery.
. that I for me I am at the stage in my life where I am selective about who I share things with. I was raised to be forthright and honest and I am.