Question:
Do I have to tell my employer the specific reason of wanting time off ?

I'm pre-op surgery date of May 24,2002 and I can't wait. I haven't had any problem with the Insurance or doctor's everyone has been wonderful, The only snag I'm acutally getting is from my employer, I work for a rather large company, but have only worked here for a total of 7 months, Vacation time is accrued time off, and I have been saving up on my paid time off for a while up till vacation I will have 45.7 hours of accrued time off, I asked for time off in excess of 40 more hours over my accrued time, ( In which I been denied and told to get with our director) to see if he could approve me for the advancement of the extra 40 hours), Seeing that I have to get with the director, I'm a little hesitant to tell him exactly what kind of surgery I am getting, and for what reasons, I don't want him to think this is elective, and on the other hand I don't want word to get around at work of how much I weigh and what my co-mobs are, How would you approach him and ask ?? I need some help, here I am 5'10" 300 lbs, diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood presure , you name I have it.... Knowing in my heart and Seeing that my surgery is out of state, I know I will need that time off, as well as 1 more week, to re-coop, that I'm not worried about, (working allot of overtime to make up for that week) , please give me your insight as to how you would approach him,, Please HELP !!!!!!    — [Anonymous] (posted on March 6, 2002)

March 5, 2002
Hi. I will give you some advice I learned the hard way...don't lie to your director/boss about the nature of your surgery (which I did and am now feeling very guilty and nervous about). Simply tell him you are having much-needed INTESTINAL surgery for an on-going problem and must have this time off. He shouldn't probe too much. I know in today's economy it is normal to worry about missteps at work, but if you are covering all your bases before surgery to account for the time off you will need, you should be fine - and even admired for taking such initiative. Also, try to have your surgery laproscopically if possible - your recovery time will be much quicker - only two days in the hospital as opposed to four or more. Good luck to you, keep us posted...
   — [Anonymous]

March 5, 2002
I don't have a surgery date scheduled, but becuase of the nature of my work I needed to inform management that I would be out for an extended period sometime this year. I talked with my supervisor and told her I was going to have surgery and preferred not to discuss the details. No questions were asked. All I need is a letter from my surgeon verifying the time off. I do have enough accrued leave so it is not a problem. I just don't think our co-workers and supervisors need to know all our personal information unless we choose to share it with them. Good luck on your surgery!
   — Chris B.

March 6, 2002
I think if you tell the director that "I need to have surgery <lower your voice a bit and lean in> of a personal nature" If you're a woman they'll assume it's "female". If you are a man they will assume it is prostrate, colon or some such thing. As it is really no-one's business, and all surgery is of a personal nature to the one having it, you will be telling the absolute truth. Since most people don't want to hear about other people's "personal surgery" they will probably just give you the time off and not ask for details. Best Wishes!!
   — Bobbie B.

March 6, 2002
I just wanted to let you know that from a legal standpoint, you DO NOT have to tell them anyting beyond the fact that you're having surgery. If they probe further, it's up to you, but legally they have no right to probe further. I just told them I would be out for surgery and there was no problem. I work for a Fortune 500 company, and they couldn't have been more accomodating. Also, before you rush into using all your vacation, make sure you look into FMLA, as they can usually subsidize you. Talk to HR about FMLA and find out what your options are, and also look at their sick leave policy, because you shouldn't have to sue vacation for this. Good Luck!
   — Deborah W.

March 6, 2002
When I was wanting to have my surgery, I was in the same state as you are; I'd only been there 7 months. Once I was there a year, then they would cover me for the entire 8 weeks I would have been off. Once my year came and went, I told my employer of my impending surgery. They were very excited for me and have been very encouraging to me post op. I even had to tell the people (all men) that I reported to and told them the reason. They were very inquisitive, but very responsive to my needs. They've also been very supportive. I guess it would all depend on the relationship you have with your company and your immediate reports.
   — dolphins94

March 6, 2002
You don't have to tell them what kind of surgery you are having, just that you are having surgery. Also, you might be able to get short term disability if you need more time off than you have accrued. Again, that's something your HR department should be able to tell you about.
   — garw