Telling your employer about surgery

[jenc427 32]

Hi everyone!

Im new to the forum. I just received my surgery date for January 4th.

Im a little concerned about when and how to tell my employer about the surgery. I may not go into specifics but I do need to request time off for then and time away of the office for appointments. from now till the surgery, I have a lot of follow up appointments. Most of them falling right in the middle of the day. I dont know how my job will feel about me leaving the office so many times for an appointment.

Any suggestions on what to say or how to approach the situation?

[krisco99 7]

I have requested all of my appts, be late in the day last apt available. That way I can make the time up, to avoid using excessive vacation time before my surgery. Also, if your company has FMLA you should be covered for the surgery, luckily mine will and I will be able to use short term disability... if not you will need to save the vacation time you do have to cover any time you need off. I would talk with your HR department, let them know what you are doing and see what options they have to help you.

[The Candidate 3,215]

You are not required to disclose the nature of your surgery, if you so choose. Plus you are entitled under FMLA for time off to recuperate.

I chose not to disclose anything other than I will be having surgery, and will be taking six weeks. My work is very supportive and I've had no issues.

Good luck!

[judyoz 240]

I agree. No need to tell them what you are going to have done. Tell them there will be several preop appointments that you may need off for, but you will try to schedule them after work hours if possible. That is fair enough .

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

when/how to tell employer about the surgery/request time off

@@jenc427

WELCOME

the more the merrier

congrats on surgery January 4th

great way to start the new year

I have heard of FMLA, don't know the specifics - sounds like a good suggestion

how long have you been at this job??

good relationship between you & boss??

it is true an employer is NOT allowed to ask "what surgery you are having"

some employers might ask anyway (not knowing the rule)

you could say something while "smiling"

this has been an ongoing health issue, (true)

i appreciate your thoughts and concern but...........

I have heard some people used the "I need my gall bladder removed" or some other false problem - i would not say that

my opinion, just my opinion - the truth can/will somehow slip out eventually/ at some time in the future

you have about 5+ months before you have surgery

call docs office now

try to fix your appt times for early in morning or end of day??

hopefully at least a few appts can be adjusted

good luck with surgery

kathy

[MissRobin 93]

I first told HR who then gave me the go ahead to talk to my boss.

I told him the truth between the lines.

I told him that I have been having digestive issues for a long time (5+ years) so I am having corrective surgery.

For all he knows I am getting my colon or my gall badder removed.... but I did personally tell him that I am having the fundus of my stomach removed due to digestive complications. I did not tell him I am having a WLS

He is going to know something is up when I come back to work 3 weeks later and I am thinner (fingers crossed).

[ladyhaz 4]

January? Do they schedule that far out? I'm in the preliminary stage 4th appointment out of six for insurance I thought I would get on the schedule shortly after 6th visit. Am I wrong for thinking this way.

[snapdragon05 44]

I told my manager she was so supportive. It was great! I told quite a few people. I am not ashamed! Everyone was very supportive and said what a good decision to take care of myself. I felt it was easier to say it than not. Just my experience.

[Norma Galitzen 26]

My sister had the sleeve about 3 years ago and she chose not to disclose a single thing to her employer. She has been very successful and lost about 150 pounds but still, she will neither confirm nor deny. She thinks it is that personal.

Me on the other hand, I am choosing to handle my surgery differently. I decided to be forthcoming about my surgery and have told my employer and my co workers about it. Everyone has been EXTREMELY supportive and I am glad that I have been so honest. Besides, with 3 weeks of the pre op diet my co workers would have known something was up- Jello all day, every day!

[naturegirl 320]

I told my boss about my upcoming surgery after my first appointment with the surgeon. Since my doctors office is 1.5 hours away I have had to request more time off than I would like, but my boss is willing to work with me in altering my schedule. I've also slowly told my coworkers about what's going on. I felt that it was beneficial for them to know as our office will be ramping up in intensity as summer vacation comes to a close.

[Check22 5]

There is no need to disclose any info on why your going to doctor nor what type of surgery. Your HR dept will ultimately see the type of surgery anyway when you submit the paperwork for disability or FMLA. If you have FMLA or FLI deducted from your pay your covered for them. It's a federally protected act for you to take time off for your personal medical reason or care for a family member. You have to meet certain criteria to be granted and the amount of hours your covered by it. Your HR dept should have all the necessary paperwork and information on it, and just google it and it will link you to the website to read all about it. Good luck.

[jenc427 32]

I have requested all of my appts, be late in the day last apt available. That way I can make the time up, to avoid using excessive vacation time before my surgery. Also, if your company has FMLA you should be covered for the surgery, luckily mine will and I will be able to use short term disability... if not you will need to save the vacation time you do have to cover any time you need off. I would talk with your HR department, let them know what you are doing and see what options they have to help you.

Thanks for your comments! I have already attempted to change many of them and they keep telling me its the best they have because the specific doctors only come see patients at that time. I wasn't remembering that my company does have FMLA. I will speak to my HR person this week.

[jenc427 32]

You are not required to disclose the nature of your surgery, if you so choose. Plus you are entitled under FMLA for time off to recuperate.

I chose not to disclose anything other than I will be having surgery, and will be taking six weeks. My work is very supportive and I've had no issues.

Good luck!

I hope my work is as supportive!!!!

[The Candidate 3,215]

Good luck on that @@jenc427! It takes a big load off of your mind.

Edited July 9, 2015 by The Candidate

[majorsmama 91]

I only told my boss that I was having surgery. He even said he prefers to not know details. When I had appts I would just use sick time or a vacation day here or there. My company is generous with time off so it hasn't been an issue. But I always just say I have a Dr appt.