I wasn't going to tell work the reason I am taking time off. I have told only my closest friends and 3 of my 6 siblings that I'm having the sleeve. Today, my boss asked why I was so set on having the particular days off that I requested. It's a neighboring county's school spring break, so apparently, I'm not the only one who asked for the time off. I gave the bare minimum for details...just said I'm having fairly routine abdominal surgery. My boss mentioned I might want to tell HR, just to cover my bases, since it's a medical need for the time off. I'd rather not if I don't have to, since I'm using vacation days vs any sort of leave.

Did anyone have their employer request documentation for time off they took for their surgery? At this point, I doubt HR will ask for anything since I'm not asking for anything other than vacation days I've already got on the books...but I want to be prepared, just in case.

Also...it's not that it's a secret, just something I'd rather keep private for now, ya know? I feel like I've failed (clearly) at every other attempt to lose weight, I just want the chance to do this one thing with as few people scrutinizing me as possible.

~Kat

You could always tell them you're getting a hernia repair.

Wow, you have stepped on a land mine with this one! There are some VERY opinionated people on this topic! I also decided to not tell my employer, nor anyone else (except family) about my procedure! I have a coworker who had the band, & I hear people watching & scrutinizing her weight loss/or lack of...all the time! So I decided to not give them anything else to talk about! It's my business, & mine alone! Now, when people comment on my weight loss I tell them I'm eating high protein, small frequent meals, & water...which is all true! As far as work needing anything, they may need a medical release since you already said your having surgery...but just explain to your dr & he will just put abdominal surgery! Good luck on your journey!

I'd go with the hernia repair!! You're probably going to have to have it anyway, so it won't be a lie....

I thought about using the hernia repair excuse. But will that justify them taking it easy on me when I go back a week later. Lol

I thought about using the hernia repair excuse. But will that justify them taking it easy on me when I go back a week later. Lol

You should take it easy when you get back to work......

You could always tell them you're getting a hernia repair.

That's a good idea. I actually had a hernia repair a couple of years ago and have had other laparascopic surgeries for endometriosis, so it's not like it's outside the realm of my experience.

I work from home, so it's not like I will need a release to go back to work.

I'm really hoping the initial question will be the end of it. I know people have varying opinions about telling or not, and I respect that, I just am choosing to not really share a ton of information right now. Who knows what I'll decide later.

~Kat

I learned a long time ago not to tell anything at work that does not directly consern them. As for me I put in for a weeks vacation and said, I have plane tickets my dates are firm. No more questions ask.

If you are taking medical leave, legally they can't ask anything regarding the leave. HR on the other hand will know to approve the leave but they can't share anything other than the dates you will be gone with your boss - it's all about HIPAA!

On the other hand I understand nosy co-workers. Still none of their business but I do like the hernia surgery or just abdominal surgery.

I am going to try and take leave. My Dr's coordinator said she would be happy to fill out the FMLA paperwork. We shall see how that works!

I wouldn't lie about the reason. Also, HR can only confirm dates and not deets with your boss. You could explain you're using vaca for medical reasons and should you need to go beyond the scheduled vaca time what steps should you take for leave. Explain you don't anticipate that being necessary but want to know just in case. But don't lie.

Amanda Rae

I only said stomach surgery

I'm taking vacation time as well. 11 days including the weekends. That will give me 7 days post surgery, does anyone know how much time you think we will need? I've heard everything from 1-3 weeks. I have an office job, so I'm anticipating getting back sooner.

I'm taking vacation time as well. 11 days including the weekends. That will give me 7 days post surgery' date=' does anyone know how much time you think we will need? I've heard everything from 1-3 weeks. I have an office job, so I'm anticipating getting back sooner.[/quote']

When I talked to my HR they allow up to 6 - 8 weeks. I don't plan to take that much time, but its nice to know my options should my recovery be less than stellar.

Amanda Rae

I'm taking vacation time as well. 11 days including the weekends. That will give me 7 days post surgery, does anyone know how much time you think we will need? I've heard everything from 1-3 weeks. I have an office job, so I'm anticipating getting back sooner.

I'm a stay-at-home-mom/wife. I did my normal stuff, just couldn't pick anything up that was heavy. I drove my son to school, cleaned and did laundry. I did need a nap in the afternoon!! I couldn't keep my eyes open. Maybe you could do half days at first. At least you could get caught up at work, but not over do it.

I went through HR so I could qualify for FMLA should I have any post-op problems. I used 5 days of vacation, then switched over to disability. I figured I spent all these years paying into the system, that I should get some $ out of it! I took two and a half weeks off. Could have gone back sooner but my Dr does a two week follow up appt vs. a one week. I was happy for the time off and to not have used up all my vacation time. i told everyone I was having surgery and if someone asked what for I said hiatal hernia because I was diagnosed with one during my EGD.

The note my surgeon gave me was for 3 weeks off work. Honestly after about 3 days I forgot I ever had surgery, a desk job would have been no issue. The no lifting over 10 pounds was the hardest part, I forgot at one point abou a week post surgery and lifted my niece, she weighed about 15 pounds. Woops. I quickly put her back down.