I'm having surgery March 8. I haven't requested time off work YET. I work in a small law firm about 7-8 people. All gossip-ers... Very opinionated group of people, not the most pleasant to say the least. I want to request the time off but don't want to disclose the exact procedure I am having. Any ideas? Thoughts? Anyone else have this issue? Help

Please!!

Could you just say you are having gall bladder surgery? Or some other sort of surgery?

You don't have to tell them what you are doing or why.

It isn't secrecy ..... it is privacy.

You do not have to tell anyone why you are having surgery. Thats your private business. My immediate boss still doesnt know and I was out for 3 weeks. You could say gall bladder but its a common procedure and one of the 'gossipers' may have had it done or know someone that had it done. I personally have had my gallbladder out and was only out for a week. If they ask, could you just say "Id rather not say, its quite personal" and let them just wonder?

I didn't tell. None of their business. If they get too nosey, just tell them you are completing the final stage of your gender re-assignment process.

"Would you like to see pictures?"

That should shut them up (or give them something really juicy to discuss!)

I missed only three days of work and I didn't tell anyone why I was out other than our human resources department which required a doctor's note for my file since I was out the three days before a weekend. My doctor's note simply stated, "abdominal surgery." That is all they know and all I plan on sharing with them.

It seems as though a number of people have played the gallbladder surgery card or the hiatal hernia repair card.

I'd say you're getting both done

If you do a search, you will find many posts about this subject and the creative things people have advised their employers.

I *thought* about saying I was having a hysterectomy (folks - esp. males - don't ask a lot of questions - but ended up just saying abdominal surgery and not telling more... I agree - it's not being secretive, it's privacy.

Thanks for all the ideas. I think I'm gonna say hiatal hernia if they ask, just because its less common then gallbladder surgery.... And provide a note that describes it as "abdominal surgery".

Get creative....none of their business at all!

I work for a mid sized hospital and just emailed my boss and said I was having surgery, one person asked and I said it was a long story and she didn't ask anymore questions.

How about don't lie but don't offer deets? I'd either be open or be closed. I wouldn't mislead. A personal medical matter?

Amanda Rae

I've thought about the same thing. I know I can get away without too much detail for the time off.. But won't it be obvious after the surgery? What to tell people when they comment on how much weight your losing?? It's not something I want to discuss with my co-workers.

Do you have to specify that your leave is for medical reasons?

Yeah, in my office everyone is very open about their vacations etc. so I think they will ask... But I will request it and if they ask why so long, ill say medical leave. And keep I private. Because I will be using my PTO I figured that if they required a reason why I'd have to give them specifics.