Weight loss surgery and work

So after several months Humber hospital finally called me and booked me in to see Dr. Klein on September 22nd; coincidentally I got a job offer the day before and it starts the next week after that appointment. I am not freaking out; how am I going to accommodate all of these appointments at this new job and I am wondering if it will be a turn off for my new boss. The work load is going to be tremendous and I don't want anyone to think that I am slacking off or need special accommodations for the surgery but it's taken me several years to get to this point and I can't cast it to the side, but at the same time it has taken me a year and a half to get this job.

Can anyone give me advice as to how they handled this at work in a similar situation? I am an insanely private person and do not wish to disclose to my employer that I am undergoing this procedure, much less anybody else above and beyond the small handful of people that I've told.

Do you work flex hours?  I scheduled all of my appointments except 1 on my days off.  As for privacy, I have told one person in my family.  Nobody at my work knows about this.  I am getting my procedure done on 9 September 2016 in Ontario.  On my sick leave note from the Civic Hospital all it states is "getting a procedure done".  So my privacy is respected.  Hope yours will be as well.  Good Luck.  I hope all goes well for you.

What will you tell them if they ask?

Your employer "can't ask" about medical conditions, they can require a doctors note but it doesn't have to detail the reason you're under their care, only that they are seeing you.

Of course they "can't" but they do.

There were some people who asked me and I said "women's surgery" I know it was a fib but that's how I handled the awkward nosey ones. As soon as I said that no more questions were asked. I justified it in my mind by thinking I'm a woman and I'm having surgery lol

Ooooh I like this. 

What about post. I know any time I've lost weight people always wanted to know how and why. 

Why are people so freaking nosey !!

I know right! 

When people ask I just say "I had to make some lifestyle changes, I've cut out bread, pasta, sugar, etc and I'm watching my portions as well as exercising" which is all true!! 

I was off work longer than expected and was very nervous about returning because I'd lost about 50 pounds then and didn't want to face the questions. The truth is most people just say "you look great!" Only 2 or 3 have asked questions. 

Good luck on your journey! It's amazing! 

Thanks so much!! Mind if I ask why you were off so long? 

I was in the same situation. I had orientation in August and then started a new job in September. My appointments were originally going to be in October/November. I worked with my centre (HRRH) to reschedule them to January once I had 3 months on the job. 

Like you, I didn't want to take any time off in my first few months and I was also very private about it. I think it's fine to push out your appointments while you get settled into work. Optics are important in those first few weeks and you don't want to miss any time.