Question:
Can my boss tell my co-workers about my WLS if I tell her it is in strict confidence?
I work for a big company. My boss is fair and understanding. I want to tell her the truth about my WLS but I don't want her to tell my co-workers. If I tell her this in the stictest of confidence, is she allowed to still tell my co-workers? — [Anonymous] (posted on November 18, 2001)
November 18, 2001
You are asking a "legal" question on a non-legal issue. A
boss/subordinate relationship is not a protected relationship in regard to
confidentiality (as is lawyer/client, doctor/patient, priest/confessor).
There is, so to speak, a moral issue in regard to respecting someone's
request to keep a confidence, but no legal obligation. My suggestion is,
unless you are absolutely sure that this woman will respect your request to
keep this matter just between the two of you and, at the same time, you
really do not want anybody else at work (or elsewhere)to find out, you do
not confide in your her. The best kept secret is one that is not shared.
In the meantime, I wish you the very best of luck with the surgery and the
results. Nancy
— Nancy Z.
November 18, 2001
What difference does it make once your post op for awhile? NOT telling
people will start them speculating that you have cancer, AIDS, or other
dreaded disease. Better to tell them the truth... You cant hide the big
weight loss, be PROUD of what you choose to do, the information may filter
to another needy MO person. It could save anothers life.
— bob-haller
November 18, 2001
I would be really disappointed in her/him if she/he said anything after you
telling them not to. I told my boss and the office manager and that was
all. I took off one month and when I returned about 30 lbs thinner
everyone was curious to know the secret to my new found success. I did
choose to tell everyone at that point. I am really happy that everyone
knows...my co-workers are sooooo supportive. So....pre-op if you are
uneasy with it dont say a word and warn your boss how you feel. After you
will be happy to tell everyone!!!!!
— Melissa S.
November 18, 2001
Was it Ben Franklin who wrote, "Two can keep a secret if one is
dead."? If you want your operation kept secret, keep it to yourself.
If you want it known, do nothing; unless they're all dumb as stumps,
they'll start figuring it out eventually.
— Chuck O.
November 18, 2001
i work in a small office but i told them all..i figured better hear the
truth from me!!! anyhow my friend didnt want anyone to know not even her
boss..i just said then maybe say, i have to go in for some surgery...if
they ASK what kind, say, something like...its intentinal or its bowels or
something like that.....you know dont lie but dont offer more than they ask
about....after all, they have to know why your taking off if you ask off
for any unusual amount of time...its normal to wonder where you are!!! As
far as legal???? This you might check with your big companys office
leave/vacation policy person...good luck
— Jackiis
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