Work knows I am going to be out, and I know i'm going to have a bunch of questions asked. I'm also a volunteer firefighter, so I will be out of those duties for about two months (it's very, very strenuous on the body). What surgery would put me out of commission for two months?

Your hr people at work will know because the physician has to put what surgery on the paperwork if you're using FMLA. I'm also a volunteer firefighter and EMT I live in a small town so most already knew. Plus I told everyone so I didn't run into awkward issues later.

Edited March 18, 201511 yr by CherylRNY2215

First, you probably don't have to tell anyone the specifics. Being female, you can always just say "It's a female thing...". That'll probably stop anyone in their tracks from asking more questions. Or, just tell them the truth.

I'm in HR and you don't have to tell anyone. You can request that your surgeon put "General Surgery" on your FMLA paperwork. I have only said I'm having surgery. If pushed for info I'm telling them it's personal but is for the betterment of my health.

I told my surgeons office that I am keeping the type of surgery private from my employer. Privacy laws protect us from having to disclose this information for any reason. I told them that I have problems with my heart, too much me is the problem ????, and that my surgery is to make my heart healthier. I just don't want to share this with everyone...

Most common surgeries that tie somewhat to WLS are gall bladder and hiatal hernia. My daughter tells everyone that she had gall bladder surgery. About the same in symptoms. I agree about not sharing the truth. Up to each individual but I and my daughters have not shared our WLS to anyone but our spouses and each other. Glad we did.

Edited April 11, 201511 yr by jjinWA

I just got approved by my insurance and now am waiting for a date to tell my work. I completely understand. I work in an environment that people are very nosy and judgmental and I have been telling them I am having a hiatal hernia surgery. It has worked so far. I am going to be out of work for 3 weeks, but my job is not that strenuous. I tell them I have ulcers too and that I will be on a doctor supervised diet after too so I have that covered. That being said, I do wish I could tell the truth and trust the people I work with to be understanding, but unfortunately I know that is not the case. Good Luck!!