how'd you guys handle the surg w. your employer???

Pam,

I kept mine quiet and to myself until I got the approval.  I had just moved into the dept where I am now and my Boss is WONDERFUL!  I've been working my whole life to find her   You don't have to tell them what type of surgery you're having just that your having it.

I was scheduled off for three weeks but only had paid time for 2 weeks.  I was off a full week, the 2nd week I went back 1/2 days and the third week I was back to work.  I'm glad I did 1/2 days, it helped me get my mail and stuff caught up and by the third week I was ready to go back fulltime...but I REALLY needed the I took when I worked 1/2 days.  Not sure what you do but I work in insurance at a hospital and my coworkers are just as swamped as I am so no one does my work for me when I'm off.

It was a good month or so before I felt like I was functioning at my normal capacity...if I'm normal that is! LOL

Huggs,
Frankie

I told my boss I was having surgery and that was it.  He assumed it was fertility related since I had been through so much of that.  I did correct him. 

After surgery he eventually found out, Not through me.... trust me if you tell one at work...everyone will know.

Good luck

I think what you tell them depends on what kind of time you are taking, and your employer's policies. I had to use FML time, because I didn't have paid time to take off. Dr. Inman's office completed the papers saying I was having abdominal surgery. It did not say bariatric surgery. So I supposed had I not wanted to, I wouldn't have had to tell them. I did tell work though. Everyone was supportive of me, even a couple who I know deep down don't think it's a good idea. I was lucky to have the people I have here.

I had surgery on a Tuesday. I took 9 full work days off. I went back to work 1/2 days for my first week back because I couldn't manage a full-day. By the next week, I was fine.

I am very fortunate because I have an amazing boss!  My employer has been a BIG part of my struggle, and after I was denied WLS because the "Obesity Rider" wasn't on our plan, they have decided to renew and add it-- just for me!

They all know every step and every struggle I have been through in trying to get approval.  We are only allowed a certain number of sick days a year also, but we can share... and I'm almost positive that once approved, and I have a date, that the other co-workers, and my boss, will donate days for my hospital stay and recovery time.

I am so fortunate!