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what surgery can I SAY i'm having?



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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?

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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 by CherylRNY2215

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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 by jjinWA

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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!!

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