Note from Doctor

what exactly did the note from the docotor say?  Does it specify what type of surgery you had or where it was from (weight management center)?  I don't want to have to tell the people that I work with?  I am hoping that it is discreet to the 100th degree.

Most Doctor's notes for time off work are very simple and short. For privacy and confidentiality they usually just write "Jane will be unable to work from April 13-May 13 and may return to regular duties on May 14th". The reason is not important just that your doctor has indicated it. I don't think employers can legally ask or insist on knowing why.

Just let you doctor know that you don't want your employer to know the specifics and I am sure they will accomodate.

does your surgeon write the note or will i have to go back to my family doc?

i agree with kristie.. NO ONE needs to know why you're off... and i think.... think... legally... your doc doesn't have to say why you're off!!!!  just you're off from when to when... that's it!!! good luck!!!
(cuz i know... the ppl i work with aren't gonna know either!!) and if they do.. it's abdominal surgery i'm having.. that's all i'm gonna tell em!!!

 Actually, employers can legally ask what type of medical condition is causing you to miss work.  I went through this back in the fall.  I even called Service Canada and the Privacy Commission and they confirmed that they are allowed to ask.

My family doctor wrote it and all it said was that I would be off due to surgery he did not put any dates as he wants me to say home a few months to work on my health.

When I had to take time off work for another surgery my family doctor wrote that I would be off work  for April 1st to June1 for medical reasons. Your employer DOES NOT have the right to ask why or what the reasons are for needing time off as you are under your doctors care. Its your human right to keep medical information confidential.

 Yes they DO.  Not all employers can.. but depending on what kind of company you work for, they have every right to ask what the medical reason is.  Trust me.. I just went through this. 

My friend is a human rights lawyer and said they don't have the right to know when I asked her. I'm not sure who you work for or who gave you those answers but medical information is always private. If you chose to disclose thats a different story. I'm just the messenger and am only going by what I have been told.

 You are halfway correct as I didnt clarify myself.  Your employer does not have the right to know, but they have the right to dismiss you if you don't provide the information when asked.  :)  So yes, in a round about way, you are disclosing it.  To protect your job.  Most employers aren't a-holes :)  Mine however, wanted to know why I was going out on medical leave after just coming back from maternity leave and if I could not provide a sufficient enough excuse, I'd lose my job.  When I contacted a HR lawyer and the Privacy Commisioner I was told that UNLESS I worked for the government, she had every right to do that.