Hi guys, I’m in the mist of doing all my pre-op for the sleeve surgery. My doc, told me that by October I would be having surgery. The only thing is I do not want to tell my employer, that I’m having the surgery, because I feel that it’s not their business to know my private life. Furthermore I do not, receive vacations days at my job, I am risking to take a week off though. I know that I don’t have a date set, but what are some suggestions that can help me ?.

FMLA (family medical leave act) is a federal law. You can get up to 12 weeks off in a year for medical leave and have the security that your job cannot be given away to someone else. You have to have been employed at the company for a year to qualify. I don't know if some businesses are exempt, but it is definitely worth checking out. Do you have an HR department? If not, call FMLA and get some info. Your doctor signs the paper stating that you are required to be off work from date to date, due to medical necessity. There is no requirement to say what the condition actually is. It can be a mental health issue, as well.

I never told my employer what my issue was. I agree that it is no one's business except your own. Good luck.

Thank you so much, we do have an HR department I will further look into. I have been with the company for about 2 years and I’m only a part time key holder. I will definitely look into asking my doc. on how to go about this as well. Side note my store manager is going on maternity leave the exact month and won’t be back till Jan and also my job locks out nov. & dec. where I can’t request any “vacation time”. So I’m praying for a miracle ?

You can just tell them that you need the week off for medical reasons without having to tell them what the medical reasons are.

My FMLA papers had a section to be filled by surgeon which states i need this time for recovery from surgery. And NAMES this surgery as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy! However this information is considered PHI and protected by HIPAA. Thus your HR required to keep it confidential.

Just tell them you're having a surgery that is private and you'd rather not talk about it, or that you need a week off for medical related issues.

PERFECT! That should be all he/she should have to know!

The note I got from my doc just said that I needed 2-4 weeks off for recovery from surgery. It didn't say what surgery.

Also, talk to your doc about how much time you need. My doc was fairly insistent that I take 2 weeks off and telework (if possible) for a third week. I was not allowed to drive for two weeks (but I understand a lot of docs are less strict and just don't let you drive until you've been off narcotics for a few days). I couldn't have driven anyway. No possible way I could have reacted quickly enough if something had happened because a lot of the leg movements actually come from your core - and mine was WAY too sore.