I had the lap band procedure with hernia repair two weeks ago. The follow-up appointment with my doctor is tomorrow. My job considers the hernia repair a complication, and will allow extra time off work. What's the best was to communicate to my doctor that I am not ready to return to work. I don't know him that well, and have never been in this situation before.

Be direct with him. If I were you, I would say something along these lines:

Although my recovery is going well, it's taken longer than I anticipate to get back up to full speed. Because I had the hernia repair, my job will allow me another week off with your approval, and I'd like to take advantage of that. I just need a note from you.

I always write out "scripts" and practice for things like this! This is the script I would use. Note the lack of questions--if you state it as a fact, he's more likely to simply agree and move on. If you ask a question or seem uncertain, people are more likely to start trying to put their own interpretation on it (can you tell that I teach Professional Communications classes? )

Your doctor almost certainly isn't going to be judgmental one way or another--as long as you're walking and recovering, he shouldn't care if you take another week (or whatever) off from work. But if he does object, reiterate that because of the hernia repair, you don't quite feel up to going back to work yet.

I find that when communicating with doctors (or anyone, for that matter!), the more straightforward you are, the more likely you are to get what you want.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

The first time I read you reply, I thought, "Whoever wrote this really knows how to communicate..." (Missed everything in front of the first smiley face ).

I am sure I will have a positive outcome.

THANK YOU.

I'm glad I could help some! Let us know how it goes!!

Lizzy gave the perfect advice! Good luck with your recovery!

I had the same surgeries, and I told him that there was lifting involved, and bending, and I was not ready for that yet ! and I wasn't...

He gave me 3 weeks of.

Success! Thank you again.

Hooray! I'm glad it went well!

Yay!!