What do you tell work?

So I just had surgery on my arm on March 9 (unrelated to WLS) and had to take quite a bit of time off from work. I feel like starting my WLS without telling work is stressing me out, but I realllllllllly don't want to say anything to them for fear of what they will think and say. I don't want them to think that my work will not get done. I'm doing everything in my power to make sure everything is done. Working through lunch, working late and as a last resort, using leave. But just coming off the arm surgery and all those appts pertaining to it (pre-op, surgery, post-op, etc) then going directly into my WLS appts makes me feel like they think I'm a hypochondriac or something and can't handle my job (I'm an Admin Asst at a University)! UGH! I don't want nor like anyone to think bad of me. What do you all tell your work (if you haven't told them about your WLS)?

Thanks,

Terri

I have been told that I was taking too much time off before (about 2 years ago) because of all my doctors appts, my kids appts, etc. and slightly reprimanded because of it. I just don't want to push the envelope again. If you know what I mean. lol Universities can be weird sometimes.

You don't have to tell them what surgery you're having,  and technically they can't ask specifics. Definitely file for FMLA, to make suresure your job is protected.

I didn't hide what surgery I had, so I can't get specific on what to tell them,  but make sure to protect yourself with FLMA before taking off. 

I'm scared of that too since they technically don't have to put you back into your same job when you come back (just one like it). And again I don't want them looking at me like a slacker.

I don't. It is none of their business and a HIPPA violation for them to ask. You have personal time off for a reason. Just use it. If you are finding you are exceeding your balances then that is a separate issue.

I have enough time, for sure. I've been here for 9 years. I guess I'm just worrying to be worrying.

Actually not a HIPAA violation. An employer is not a covered entity, and not subject to HIPAA.  May violate FMLA, but employers are allowed to ask for enough information to determine if the employee is eligible for FMLA. 

I was saying that your manager and coworkers don't need to ask unless you specifically tell them. The benefits group is a different situation for claims fmla etc.

My boss was not allowed to ask me. I did tell her though because I didn't mind her knowing.

FYI when you file for FMLA, they require you to write which surgery you are having, so... if you use FMLA, someone at your University will know. I never told my co-workers, though, and I like to hope that the HR person didn't blab, but you never know. Good luck!

My fmla did not specify my surgery. Everything I had was sanitized and I had no problem. They can't legally even ask what surgery if you have the necessary documents