I had chosen to not tell my co workers about my surgery, however, I did tell my immediate supervisors. I had surgery in mid-September and have gotten the feeling now that people know about it. Yesterday, four people came up to me at work and asked how I lost so much weight. Now, I have lost about 20 pounds since surgery so it's possible that they were genuinely asking. However, some things that were said made me feel that they were asking to see if I would tell the truth. One person said "how come you didn't say anything? I was waiting for you to tell me."

If it's discovered that one of my supervisors disclosed to the rest of the staff about my surgery, what are my options? I don't believe that it is right for people to be discussing my medical issues. I already have felt alienated and an outsider at my job for other reasons (I'm new, I'm in a different office a few times a week), but now I feel even worse. Plus, if people do know the truth, I feel like a complete fool lying to them. Which technically isn't lying- I've said I'm eating less of a portion and exercising.

Help! I'm sure others have been in this situation before...

That’s not right at all! You have a right to your privacy and if any other employees know about what you discussed with your supervisor that is a Hippa issue and you should act by contacting HR. I hope you feel better soon just know you did what u felt needed to be done. You are strong. You can, you will and you must!

I would be pizzed about this. This is def a HIPPA violation. Schedule a mtg w the supervisors and tell them you know one of them let the cat out of the bag and that it violates HIPPA. Ask them if they would like it if one of them had an STD and people started coming up to them to ask how they got it???

People are going to be nosey, happens everywhere. If they already know and are interjecting themselves into your privacy - just say - 'you are my co-workers and if this is genuine concern that is appreciated - but my health is between me and my physicians and I expect you to respect my privacy. I am following my Dr.'s orders' Then walk away. You don't owe ANYONE any of your business ever.

So I fell the same and I work in HR. sometime I feel like the FMLOA coordinator told people. No one has said directly but like you said little things they say. Or I could just be paranoid

HIPAA only applies to covered entities - health plans or health providers that transmit data electronically. If a supervisor disclosed your health information it is not a HIPAA violation because employers generally are not subject to that law.

i assume it is a violation of company policy and overall bad decision for a manager to disclose the information....but it is not illegal.

You could ask your manager if the made the disclosure and report to HR for a policy violation. Or if your weight loss has been rapid, people may have made an assumption. Either way, try not to stress about it...

I would be angry too, but if you report it, then that would inform additional people about your surgery. I'm not sure where you started as far as your weight, but no one noticed when I had lost my first 20 pounds. It does sound like the cat is out of the bag. Workplace drama is the worst. I'm sorry this happened to you. Focus on your goal and if someone asks, just tell them you're eating smaller portions, which is true. Then I would change the subject and move on.

Edited October 29, 20178 yr by Strivingforbetter

First you have to find out for sure the person who said “why didn’t you say something “ asked that person what are you talking about and if they say something about surgery say wow who told you that listen to what she has to say smh and walk away. Have all your ducks in a row before you go to HR. Good luck

You didn't need to tell your supervisors about your bariatric surgery in the first place...

When you requested time off, you could have mentioned you were having an elective surgical procedure and left it at that. They legally aren't required to know any more info than that.

Well, now that the information about your bariatric surgery has been potentially leaked to those who have no need to know, perhaps it will keep you accountable.

Good luck to you.

On 10/28/2017 at 4:02 PM, pp11150330 said:

I had chosen to not tell my co workers about my surgery, however, I did tell my immediate supervisors. I had surgery in mid-September and have gotten the feeling now that people know about it. Yesterday, four people came up to me at work and asked how I lost so much weight. Now, I have lost about 20 pounds since surgery so it's possible that they were genuinely asking. However, some things that were said made me feel that they were asking to see if I would tell the truth. One person said "how come you didn't say anything? I was waiting for you to tell me."

If it's discovered that one of my supervisors disclosed to the rest of the staff about my surgery, what are my options? I don't believe that it is right for people to be discussing my medical issues. I already have felt alienated and an outsider at my job for other reasons (I'm new, I'm in a different office a few times a week), but now I feel even worse. Plus, if people do know the truth, I feel like a complete fool lying to them. Which technically isn't lying- I've said I'm eating less of a portion and exercising.

Help! I'm sure others have been in this situation before...

I would be shocked if this was not a violation of privacy. The thing is proving that this occurred. In healthcare this would be a HIPAA violation! It is no one’s business. You are following a plan- that’s all you have to say. I hope things get better!

Megan

I had a coworker that had bariatric surgery and she didn't tell anyone. When asked, she said she had her gall bladder removed. When you make a lifestyle change, eventually people will put the puzzle pieces together. Whether they ask to be supportive or just to be nosy and gossipy, remember that this is YOUR journey. Don't let anyone make you feel uncomfortable because you decided to do a great thing for yourself. Most of the time the opinions that matter, aren't from the people you work with. XOXO

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I had a coworker that had bariatric surgery and she didn't tell anyone. When asked, she said she had her gall bladder removed. When you make a lifestyle change, eventually people will put the puzzle pieces together. Whether they ask to be supportive or just to be nosy and gossipy, remember that this is YOUR journey. Don't let anyone make you feel uncomfortable because you decided to do a great thing for yourself. Most of the time the opinions that matter, aren't from the people you work with. XOXO

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Yea exactly to take this last part even further. People with shitty opinions about your journey probably won't be there for the best part of it so effff them..

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It's not a HIPPA violation as Hippa only pertains to covered entities but it could be a violation of company policy or privacy laws depending on your profession and location.
That being said in order to report it to a higher up or HR you would need pretty solid evidence, for 2 reasons. The first being you don't want to accuse and potentially get in trouble an innocent party and the second being they may ask for detailed information when making a complaint such as who said what to whom and when. It's also possible that someone overheard or saw something while in a supers office but was not told directly by your supers.

I think your first step would be to just go talk to your supervisor and express your concerns. It's possible the people in to office just noticed you lost the weight. My boss and supervisor know and 2 co-workers but nobody else in my office but people all over the building have noticed and commented on my weight loss.

I would be pizzed about this. This is def a HIPPA violation. Schedule a mtg w the supervisors and tell them you know one of them let the cat out of the bag and that it violates HIPPA. Ask them if they would like it if one of them had an STD and people started coming up to them to ask how they got it???
People are going to be nosey, happens everywhere. If they already know and are interjecting themselves into your privacy - just say - 'you are my co-workers and if this is genuine concern that is appreciated - but my health is between me and my physicians and I expect you to respect my privacy. I am following my Dr.'s orders' Then walk away. You don't owe ANYONE any of your business ever.

Excellent advice! Stiil not sure this is a HIPPA violation. Its unethical but since they arent providers.... ? Talk to HR or consult your Employee Handbook.

On 28.10.2017 at 11:02 PM, pp11150330 said:

However, some things that were said made me feel that they were asking to see if I would tell the truth.

[...]

Plus, if people do know the truth, I feel like a complete fool lying to them. Which technically isn't lying- I've said I'm eating less of a portion and exercising.

That's why I would never advice someone making up stories about "lifestyle changes" and "eating healthy and exercising". No need to broadcast it but I don't think there is a reason to lie about the surgery or hide it.

On 10.11.2017 at 3:40 AM, kfulcer said:

I had a coworker that had bariatric surgery and she didn't tell anyone. When asked, she said she had her gall bladder removed.

I wonder what she will tell you if her gallbladder really has to be taken out some day. That it grew back?

SCNR

I wonder what she will tell you if her gallbladder really has to be taken out some day. That it grew back?

SCNR

Lol. I never thought of that!

She was a very shy and very sweet person, so I dont think anyone would give her trouble.

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