Telling Work

[ctown 2]

I don't plan to disclose that I'm having the VSG surgery at work, but I need to take two weeks off. How did you handle this at your place of employment.

I work in a professional environment but at a small company, about 150 employees. I know if I say I'm having surgery people will want to know why and I really don't think that discussion is one I want to have with co-workers.

[Montereygrl 104]

You do not have to disclose what you are having done to work, it is a violation if Hippa laws. You just need a dr to give you a note taking you off for 2 weeks due to medical need. Good luck.

[LI Gemini NY 607]

I set up the stage for time off....for like a month I said casually to my coworkers that I had some discomfort in my tummy and said I need to see a doctor. Then I told them my doctor said I had a hernia and I needed to have it repaired....so when I asked for time off everyone automatically assumed it was for the hernia. My office is pretty small too, about the same as yours. No one there knows that I had the sleeve.

[Ms.Yvette 96]

I don't plan to disclose that I'm having the VSG surgery at work, but I need to take two weeks off. How did you handle this at your place of employment.

I work in a professional environment but at a small company, about 150 employees. I know if I say I'm having surgery people will want to know why and I really don't think that discussion is one I want to have with co-workers.

Well I too decided on not telling anyone at my job. I have saved 2 weeks of vacation just for the surgery.

[newat52 1,612]

Simply that you need to have a medical procedure done. When you return and people ask you what happened, and they will, "I had a medical procedure, but I'm feeling better now, thanks for asking." Only the biggest baffoon would ask further and then all social graces are off.

[J.Diesel 220]

Are you able to take short term medical leave with a doctor note? You do not have to disclose any information besides medical reasons when your out. Your doctor will understand this request and should provide you a note for your employer.

[italian-girl 152]

I had to take 6 weeks off work so I needed to go on medical leave and disability. I work for a very large company but a very very small office. We have 6 employees ..so I made sure I could find help from other offices to cover just told the other offices I was going on medical leave for 6 weeks and needed to help find coverage. They all just said oh.. Uh yeah I can help.. None of those people even asked what for after I said medical leave... But the people in my office know I was open with them since I had been going to appointments since feb. but it's 6 people I've been working with for years most of the over 6 years.... But there is nothing they can do to make you tell them why. A dr note is all they need. And all it has to say really is a medical procedure is being done on mrs. ..... And she will need 2weeks of time off to properly heal.

[ctown 2]

Are you able to take short term medical leave with a doctor note? You do not have to disclose any information besides medical reasons when your out. Your doctor will understand this request and should provide you a note for your employer.

Yes, I can take medical leave. I'm not as concerned about the HR aspect as the nosey co-workers.lol... Thanks everyone this has been helpful!

[SeaLegs 38]

When I had my band placed, I did it over 2 weeks of vacation. I didn't tell anyone at first, but then when I was ready and more comfortable in my own skin, I was open about it. This time I have to ask for time off in advance, so when the schedule comes out, I'm sure there will be questions. Who is doing what on the schedule is a very hot topic! I am a nurse, so everyone tends to want to know everything, down to medical and other details, like who is my anesthesiologist, etc., with commentary. I tend to be a private person, not in the cliques, so this is hard for me, too. I might just say I've been having problems with my band for starters...

[Auntvick 45]

I told them I was having my gall bladder out, which may or may not happen with the surgery. Since I actually didn't, I will tell them that I have stones in the bile ducts if/when the gall bladder actually goes. It is none of their business, and they violate HIPPA all the time when they gossip about people. Good luck!

[ItzKat 1]

I have been telling people that I am working with a nutritionist and exercising... which is true. Once I got my surgery date, I just told them that I needed time off work for medical reasons. I don't plan to tell them anything. I work in a large office with mostly techy guys. They won't be in my business much.