What Do I Tell My Employer For Time Off? Want To Keep My Privacy

[ursiboo72 21]

Hello,

I am flying to San Diego on April 10 to have the sleeve surgery in Tijuana, Mexico with Dr. Garcia (my insurance excludes WLS). I have booked my airfare and now need to notify my boss. I'm taking a week off but I'm not sure what to tell him as the reason for requesting the time off. I don't want my boss or co-workers to know I'm traveling to have weight loss surgery.

My boss is pretty laid back so I know it won't be a big issue but I'm not sure what to tell him. I'm thinking I will just say I need the time to take care of some business at home (ie. home repairs). Any suggestions/advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

[iegal 460]

Nothing. Sit down politely and say - hey I am having surgery and need to take of _______________ days (or weeks) of work on _____________. Hippa regulations allow you NOT to say what you are having done. If boss persists, you can try - "that is personal information and I know you understand" OR I have heard of others say "hernia repair or gallbladder issues. I like to be honest.

Even if a cool boss, I would keep your business to yourself to minimize comments. Stop all speculation up front.

Congrats on your upcoming VSG.

[ursiboo72 21]

Thank you iegal for the advice.

[Ssilian 67]

I also heard that if you have a male boss, you can just say something like "I'm having female surgery." He probably won't ask any questions. Good luck on your surgery!! I still have a couple of months. Keep us posted!

[Lissa 2,631]

Several people have also told their boss that they were having hernia repair. That saves the gallbladder issue for later if you have those problems after surgery.

[ursiboo72 21]

Thank you all for the suggestions! Much appreciated.

[WhoozisAnyway 176]

I'm using the "female surgery" explanation myself. I work with mostly men and the second I say "female" it has stopped the conversation cold, lol!

[cissiesue 119]

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! I would just tell him you are having surgery and leave it at that, your not lying, or using a different surgery as cover. What happens if you do need to have female, hernia, or gall bladder surgery in the future? Just like some others have said, hippa, gives you the right to privacy. Its no ones business but yours! Good luck to you, and keep us all informed of your progress!!

[mynewbegining2 31]

I didnt even want anyone to know I was having any kind of surgery. I took 12 vacation days. I just said I was going to paint the house and I was going to San Diego for a couple of days. I didnt lie, I am painting the house (well not me but a family memeber) And I did go to San Diego. Thank goodness I didnt say I was getting my gall bladder removed. When I was dehydrated, ER did 2 MRI and said I had gallstones and my gall bladder needed removing Also said I had a small hernia.

[mynewbegining2 31]

Oh almost forgot. Good luck on your up coming surgery !!!!

[Helo-Tech 7]

first, congrats on starting a new life for yourself.

second, I feel 180* different about it, maybe because I'm a man, but I've been telling all my co-workers all about what's comming up in a month, all of them are very happy for me and are impressed that I am finally going to take this "weight" issue by the horns and whip it's ass.

Personally, I don't think there is anything to be embarrased about, everyone can see we're fat so it's not like they will be shocked by finding out we're doing something about it.

Just my $.02 worth.

good luck with your procedure

[chyna86 17]

Im going to Dr. Garcia in 4 days as well! I was also worried about telling my nosy boss so I skipped her and went straight to H.R. They asked what was wrong with me and I just kept on talking over him. Think that got the point across. Now your nosy coworkers are another story....

[Willow216 91]

Totally Agree with "No Regrets", I think I will take her advice also, I have just requested my leave since my surgery is next week and my office is the type that if I tell them they will be like "Great" "Good for you" then when you leave they talk dirt.

You can have your doctor give you a note stating surgery but they don't have to say what kind.

I am wishing you a safe and successful Journey!!!

[Willow216 91]

I'm using the "female surgery" explanation myself. I work with mostly men and the second I say "female" it has stopped the conversation cold, lol!

I like that one!!

[ursiboo72 21]

Thank you all for the well wishes! I'm so excited. I decided to tell my job I need the days to help care for my sister who is having surgery. My sister and I are getting sleeved on the same day :-)

I loved the suggestion to say 'female surgery or gallbladder surgery' but I actually just had female surgery this past October. So, I don't want to go back down that road with my employer/co-workers. That's the main reason why I don't want to mention the sleeve surgery at all because I have only been back on my job for 3 months. I know my boss will be fine with me taking some days off to care for a family member.

Good luck to you all on the weight loss journey! Share your pics and success tips