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 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...

If your supervisor said something then you can totally go to HR. Because legally your supervisor just needs to know that you're taking time off for medical reasons. They don't need to know what you had done and they definitely don't need to broadcast your personal business.

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

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

What state do you live in? I'm not sure if laws vary from state to state but, in IL... we have what's called FMLA. My HR person has told me that I don't even have to disclose the reason for my leave with my supervisor. She has stated that the only people that need to be informed is my doctor and HR. Our HR coordinator takes care of everything else, as in, informing my supervisor when I can return to work, ect. The reason I know so much, I had a bad experience with my direct manager and the same thing that happened to you. In fact, he would openly discuss my health issues with other colleagues and customers. I had to report him. At our company, this could be a terminable offense.

I would call your HR immediately and explain the circumstances.

Good luck, remember, you don't have to go through this!

On 12/16/2017 at 8:39 AM, summerset said:

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

SCNR

If she ever has to have her gall bladder out, she can simply say she is having abdominal surgery...and leave it at that. I don't think nosy co-workers need to know every detail of your private life, including medical conditions or surgeries. She might have a tummy tuck after she gets to goal and maintains it. Some idiots feel qualified to judge you for 'cosmetic' surgeries...she should make up a story about going to see her Great Aunt Edna in Bora Bora. She doesn't have to explain herself!