Surgery topic at work

I'm about to tell my manager at work that I have surgery scheduled at the beginning of Dec and have to be off for 4 weeks following it. Not sure how to start this conversation. I know I don't have to say much more beyond the fact I need surgery, but I want make sure they know it's all for the better, to improve my health. I like my job and my manager and they know I'm committed to the job. Any advice? What about my coworkers who I am friendly with?

I decided to tell my two coworkers as I know they will be supporting my accounts while I am off.

I am only taking two weeks off as I can work the second two weeks (and more if necessary) from my home office.

I told my Manager that I was having surgery. I didn't offer anything more. She asked if I was okay. I said yes, but that it was a procedure I needed done.

That's it.

I found that by telling the truth I was rewarded with tremendous support by my superiors and co-workers. This buoyed me as I did not have the support of my family. Also by telling the truth, you won't have to make excuses up in the lunch room as you are making Optifast or drinking protein shakes post-op. You may also end up encouraging someone else to get on the program by sharing. It is totally up to you, but know that a few months from now people will be looking and pointing at you as they see the change. Don't let them speculate, that would be toxic. Besides, this is a (as Martha would say) good thing!

As with any heath issue, the details are your own. People being off for surgery (in my place of work anyway) is common and it's no one's business but your own. Having said that, when I had surgery I had a very close-knit group of people who worked for me. I told them - not because I needed allowances, just so we were on the same page as far as my limitations. It really isn't an issue after 4 weeks - life at work continues as it always did.

When I got my surgery date I just went in to work and told my boss I would be off for surgery and recovery from November 16 to the new year. I'm really close to all my coworkers but I have only told one other co-worker and the accountant but I suspect people will start to gossip... I mean it's pretty obvious when I'm sitting there gagging down shakes that something is up haha.

I've also subtly started preparing people for the fact that I will be away without actually telling them.

Employer's aren't allowed to ask what the surgery is for and any discrimination faced from having surgery could be easily taken to the human rights board so they have to be pretty accommodating haha. I think it's ok just to say "I'm going for surgery that will enhance my well being but I will need some time off to recover so I can come back full force!"