I will be having revision surgery in Oct. With Dr. Aceves. I wasn't working when I got the lapband three years ago, so this wasn't an issue. My co-workers know that I am having surgery, but not the details. I've been told that my surgeon will need to clear me to return to work with a letter. I don't want to reveal what type of surgery I had or explain why I had it in Mexico (I work at a US hospital!) Did any of you have this dilemma and how did you deal with it? Thanks.

You might talk to your family doctor and explain what you are doing. Ask if he will follow you post op and write a return to work slip for you. In actuality, your employer only needs an MD to clear you to return to work. There is no need to reveal the exact medical reason you were out of work. Only that it was for medical reasons and that you are cleared to return.

The letter only has to be submitted to your HR Department and by law they are not allowed to divulge why you were out. (I am an HR Manager - by the way). You can submit it to your HR department and tell the person that you do not want any information about your "medical condition" to be given out. Your HR person should be fine with telling your manager that you received clearance to come back and it should be no issue.

I hope this helps! Good luck!