BIG dilemma - HELP!!

[SippNSotaGirl 1]

I work in a small company (family-owned, not my family, 23 employees TOP!) with no HR or legal department. People here have NO sense of what are appropriate questions vs. inappropriate ones. I'm having WLS on March 26 to coincide with my Spring Break from school, and I've chosen to keep my WLS a secret.

My quandary is, how do I ask for the time off from work, and what reason do I give? I thought about waiting until the last minute and calling in saying I had an "emergency" surgery, but I'm not sure whether that will work.

Any ideas? Time is running out for me, so your suggestions are GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!!

[Chapamar 0]

Tell them you're going on vacation?

Tell them you're going to be with a friend during surgery?

[SippNSotaGirl 1]

I'm scared that the "vacation" time might not get approved. :thumbup:

[Who'sThere 331]

I have read posts on here about people who have said they needed to have a hernia repaired.

[ButterflyGrrl 0]

You might try saying you need "female surgery". Sometimes, that will keep people from asking additional questions because they know it's very personal.

On the other hand, how will you explain your drastic changes in eating when you return? And the rapid weight loss?

After my surgery I couldn't eat solid food for over a month. If people you work with are used to seeing you chow down at lunch, they will begin to wonder. Then later they will maybe find out you lied.

Just a thought! Good luck and happy banding!

[BetsyB 9]

It's not simply a matter of what's appropriate to ask; it's a matter of what is LEGAL to ask. A simple, "I need time off during my Spring Break for medical reasons" should do the trick.

[caramia71 1]

It is my understanding that legally they are not allowed to ask what type of surgery/medical condition you have. When I had my surgery I did not give details and they didn't ask.

Best of luck!

Carol

[ButterflyGrrl 0]

Legal or not, co-workers often ask questions. Sometimes to be nosy, sometimes out of genuine concern. It is best to decide how to handle these things in advance.

The OP may have to only ask her supervisor for the time off, but others in her workplace may ask her additional questions.

[SippNSotaGirl 1]

I've already decided that I'll explain the WL by saying that I've started to exercise, have cut back, and I'm eating healthier. All true, just not "the WHOLE truth".

I won't go into many details, but I'm the largest person here, and I'm made to feel like our high insurance premiums are all my fault. No one's come out and SAID anything, but I get the look. The owner even came to me asking for info about hypertension. I lied and told her, "I don't know anything about that."

It's the combination of a lot of little things that have made me decide to keep my WLS to myself. I would REALLY be happy if I can stay here long enough for this insurance to pay for the surgery, but find another job somewhere else soon afterward. I know I'd probably end up footing the bill for fills, etc, but I could plan for it with an FSA or HSA.

[ParrotheadCathy 0]

Well, a lot of people who get a lap band discover in pre-op testing that they have a hiatal hernia. You could claim that...and that would explain the post-op liquid diet comfortably -- you're healing from stomach surgery. And when they notice the weight loss, you can always say that it somehow seems easier to cut back on what you eat when getting the hernia repaired stopped the nighttime heartburn, etc. And the suggestion of "female" stuff usually makes people run in the other direction since they really don't want to know your "plumbing problems" lol.

[dooglette 0]

I actually had an EGD done and found that I have a hernia so while that is being repaired, I am getting banded too. I have not told many people at all that i am getting the lapband. As far as my office knows, Im just going in for the hernia repair. Last week I advised them that I am getting a personal trainer to whip me into shape and I received so much support for that. I hope this helps you!

[gingerjane 5]

Nosy co-workers are just that...NOSY. I would just say "It's a personal surgery - I'd rather not go into details..."

If they keep pushing, tell them you're having hemorrhoid surgery. They won't ask again. LOL!

I find nosy people who like to judge often become embarrassed when they realize they overstepped their boundaries.

[honk 780]

Slightly off topic but I had a coworker who had br##st reduction surgery and was out for about a month. This was at an enormous international company and she was on short term disability. No one ever said what surgery she was having but it was pretty obvious what surgery she'd had.

I find it pretty funny that you are being asked about high blood pressure as if they were told the premiums were high because someone had high blood pressure. WLS is an item on the insurance program so if they really wanted to save money they could change their policy. Not that I am trying to give them any ideas.

Edited February 4, 2010 by honk

[BabyDiva 0]

I am in the medical field and I will say this to you you can simply tell them that you are going for surgery you DO NOT have to disclose what type of surgery that you are having because of HIPAA laws. Which stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act its against the law for them to ask or discuss or even try to find out what type of surgery you are having or about any other health information concerning you. If you have time put in for it now use what time you have available to you. I don't see why they would deny you if you put in the time early enough. The other suggestions that others have gave you are interesting if you should decide to go that route!! Good luck on your upcoming surgery!! ~Smooches~

[tarasgirl 0]

Another surgery to say you had is gallbladder surgery. My mother had it and it changed the way she ate a bit, and she dropped some weight. It could just be that this surgery was "your wake up call" to better living. However, I'll go on record that I like telling them nothing. Because it's none of their business and it doesn't seem like a very friendly place to work. Best of luck to you.