Question: Time Out of Work & Short Term Disability Pay

Hi - for all of you who have had weight loss surgery, how long were you out of work and did your company's short term disability program pay for your time out of work?  thanks so much!

JT, My company has an excellent short term disability.  I used it for two other surgeries I had.  But you have to be home at least two weeks to qualify for it.  My company requires that you get pre-approval and you have the fill out the FMLA forms anyway.  So see if you can submit for it now and find out if it will be covered.  It depends which surgery you are having.  I was only out a week from work so I used some sick and vacation days. Good luck, Bev

Thanks...I work for a company who has a generous short term disability program but I wondered if they would treat WLS as an "elective" procedure and not cover this.  I know they do not cover an absence for surgery that is cosmetic in nature.  I will have to call and ask them. 

I have not had my surgery yet. I have it schedule for Sept. 24th (2weeks from now); however I have already been approved to be out of work.  My employer required me to fill out my FMLA papers prior to me leaving. I spoke with my surgeon (who normally fills them out after surgery) and explained what my employer required. He had them in 1 month to the date prior.   The first date I was eligible to apply my forms were in.  I have 1 week of unpaid aka "waiting period" when I leave.  I am alloweed to use vacation or sick time, that I may have to cover myself during that week.  Afterwards my employer will pay my full pay for 4 weeks and 70% after that using salary continuation for an additional 6-7weeks if I need it, which I probably won't be out that long.  Each employer is different. You may want to contact your HR department or whom ever is designated to handle your FMLA claim and find out.