Meeting with HR

I have a meeting with HR tommorrow to discuss my leave of absence. I am sooo worried that my other Co-workers will find out that I am going to have WLS. I dont want anyone to know anything. I dont feel comfortable with tell folks about my personal life.

HR has to keep the nature of my surgery on a hush hush right? Or Do they have the right to tell my co-workers what type of surgery I am having?

I am soo not wanting them to find out ANYTHING!

I'm pretty sure HR has to keep employee health issues confidential. If they told anyone it would be a HIPAA violation, wouldn't it? I work in healthcare and we can't tell anyone anything unless the patient gives the OK.

Just tell people it's personal and they'll think you are having "female problems".

Im with RubyEllen

I think they cant say anything or they break privacy issues...

Congrats on your upcoming surgery

I work in HR and we are not supposed to share ANY health or medical information.  People are human beings, so it wouldn't hurt to let them know you want them to honor confidentiality, because you want to be private.

By the way, when you start losing what will you do when co-workers ask how you are doing it?   Again, it's within your rights to say "it's personal."   I have decided not to share numbers (what the scale says) to people.  If I say "I've lost such and such an amount", they'll ask what is my goal and try to figure out my weight.  I happen to thing its no one's business.  'Cept you guys, of course!  LOL

When I had my surgery and did paperwork for my leave with HR, I just stated that I was having surgery, period . I never specified what surgery. Nor did they ask. I later told a few of my co-workers, but it's totally up to you how much you want to share. Later on , when it was obvious that I was losing weight, I told some more people if they asked how I did it. Most people just say, wow, you're looking great, and I say thank you! Good luck to you on your journey!

Hi -
I am an HR Director and I can assure you that no one will find out.  You are protected by HIPAA  so the law is on your side.  HR finds out a lot but cannot speak of it. so don't worry and trust that your HR department is a professional one that adheres to state and federal laws and regulations. 

Best wishes!!!