Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

What excuse to tell your work for medical leave?



Recommended Posts

So, I was approved (yea, huge fight) and I'm going in jan 9th!!!! I work in n the health care field and honestly, I don't feel it's anyone's business but who I want to include. My boss is a huge gossip, they talk about me anyway sine I've gained 50 lbs in 3 months ( band removal) and if I tell them, I tell them but I don't think I HAVE to in order to have 3 weeks off. When the band came out I said it was a hernia....now I'm thinking I'll tell them it needs to be revised? Any thoughts???? Thx

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

remember this you can have your hr person only know the truth, but in many many states if you lie about your reason for a leave, you can be fired for doing so and incur the expenses involved. But I know in many states you can say it is medically necessary. and nothing else. You do not have to give full disclosure.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ask HR what their procedure is. Where I used to work, ONE person in HR received the info and doctor's note saying it was medically necessary. That kept the medical info private, which it should be. One of the bosses in my department wanted the information. I said, "Absolutely NOT. We have procedures for documenting medical necessity, yet preserve individual privacy. I am following those procedures." That was the end of it... didn't say boo S_ _ T about it anymore.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I just told my boss that I had to have surgery. I didn't expand on that at all. They didn't ask for any further info. When a couple of my colleagues asked what was going on, I just told them that I wasn't really talking about it, and they backed off of the questions. I figure it may be kind of obvious at some point, but the longer I can go without having people watch me and scrutinize my body/food intake the better off I'll be.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I work for a large company however, our HR dept is off site at an 800 number!! I have a facility administrator and a charge nurse but that's it....they all have big mouths. When I had my first surgery I was only out for a week and took PTO and provided them with all necessary doctors notes, BUT this is state disability and everyone would know my business, including some of the patients cause they ALL talk! Maybe I should call 800 human resources?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I lived in Jersey for 10 yrs and even though on your form for medical leave you need to disclose your info to HR you do not have to go into detail to your direct boss on why you are leaving. You can tell HR to keep that info private. Its their job to provide you with that type of service but it is illegal to lie about why you are taking the medical leave. If you have an after surgery injury while on the job it is something about their liability... I can't quite remember but you can tell HR and not your boss or co workers for that matter..

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I told my immediate boss and HR the truth. My co-workers I just said I'm having some medical issues and left it at that. Like someone said above, people will figure it out soon enough, but I want to keep it quiet until then.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm sure that you have your reasons for not speaking about it. That is your choice. But, what if you can help your other co-workers or friends? I think that it shows great courage on your part to have the surgery. In my eyes, you're a hereo! I wouldn't be ashamed of taking positive actions to make yourself healthier and looking more beautiful! "Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid." I will pray for your success!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'd stick with an "it's not something I'm comfortable talking about" rather than making something up - then if the thing you made up really needs to happen in the future, you don't have to make up a third thing. It gets hard to keep track :). Best of luck to you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I just stated my job in September I told my boss I need to have surgery due to a hernia and some stomach issues. End of my discussion with him lol. He was every nice about it and said do what I need to do. I said thanks.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So, I was approved (yea, huge fight) and I'm going in jan 9th!!!! I work in n the health care field and honestly, I don't feel it's anyone's business but who I want to include. My boss is a huge gossip, they talk about me anyway sine I've gained 50 lbs in 3 months ( band removal) and if I tell them, I tell them but I don't think I HAVE to in order to have 3 weeks off. When the band came out I said it was a hernia....now I'm thinking I'll tell them it needs to be revised? Any thoughts???? Thx

Hi HIIPA Laws protect you and you don't have to tell them, it's not their business! Just tell them you are having surgery and that is all, they are not allowed to ask! If they do tell them you do not want to talk about it because it's personal!

Hope this helps! Be strong don't let the bully you with gossip!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Did any of you have surgery in Mexico? Did they question your note? How long were you off?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I just said, "I need to have a procedure I've been putting off." I didn't have to say anything to my immediate boss but we are friendly (not outside work), so I have her that pat answer when she had to sign of on the paper work.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×