Question:
Does anyone know if in VA you have to tell your employer what type of surgery?

I don't what anyone to know what type of surgery I am having but I have to have a medical certificate filled out by my doctor when requesting leave. Do they have to know?    — Tonnie J. (posted on July 5, 2002)

July 5, 2002
When I was getting my STD paperwork ready, I had to tell my HR coordinator what type of surgery I was having. The HR person is not allowed to share that info with anyone else, so your secret should be safe.
   — Keisha G.

July 6, 2002
I told my employer that I was having back surgery as that is the purpose of my wls surgery. I didn't feel it was their business to know the exact details. Of course that is my opinion only but frankly I'm ashamed of my weight and I've never met my boss or the people I work with face to face (will be meeting them in November) and hopefully I'll have lost a lot of weight by then so I dont feel as I do about myself. But the people in my immediate office where I am located know exactly what I've had done and they've been awesomely supportive so I guess I have it both ways!!!!
   — Bambi C.

July 7, 2002
Tonnie, I live in VA and have never heard of this. Perhaps you could ask your doctor to put something different on the medical certificate, like abdominal surgery? Also find out where the certificate goes to..if its to HR, they are supposed to keep it quiet.
   — Cindy R.

July 7, 2002
I live and had my surgery in Virginia, too. I simply put "abdominal surgery" on the FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) form and that was fine. The only ones who have the legal right to know details are the insurance people and that must remain confidential. It's up to YOU how much you tell your employer and co-workers. Just remember, you can never UN-tell. God bless you for your courage to improve your life! CJ
   — cjtich