Road Blocks

Just got hit with a big obstacle towards WLS. My work took me aside and let me know that time off for this surgery would be considered elective and would be not paid. It is a very small company (less than 50 employees) and I'm not sure if they have the right to do this or not. Will have to research it...without losing my job in the process.

Gary - I am so sorry. I hope everything works out for you I will tell you that today was my first day back at work from surgery. I took a little over six weeks off but I had 100% pay while off. I do not know if you are having open or lap but I had open and could have went back at about 2 weeks. Good luck, Nancy

Gary, I do not know the answer to your question but just wanted to come on and say {{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}. My sinking suspicion is that the answer is yes that they can do that. Maybe there will be someone on the board that is familiar with HR that can answer your question. Have you tried asking this on the Q & A board? It is frequented more by a lot more people and maybe someone will have the answer there for you. Also, go to the library and search the Q & A maybe someone has asked it before. Ask also on the main message board.

Gary, I just went into the library above and put the word elective in and it popped up a bunch of posts that may help you. Especially the post that is titled "Family", six down in the list. Some of the answers are about FMLA but there are people that talk about the same thing that you are going through. Keep scrolling down until you come to the titles of "Pre-op family, friends and co-workers". There is some info there also. I did not have much time to look around for you because I need to start getting ready for work now. Hope this helps you.

Hi I have a friend going through the same thing. Our surgeon told her that work can not deny you medical time off. Dont let them stop you from this surgery!

Thank you all. I will be researching this some more this morning.

Hi Gary, Everytime I had a stumbling block I told myself that when one door closes another one opens. I don't know your weight or anything, but I would think this is medical necessity, otherwise why would you elect to do this? I would talk to my bariatric doctor and see if he can steer you in the right direction so you won't loose your job and you will live a long and happy life with a new "Lifestyle". Hugs Linny

Hi Gary, At under 50 employees they do not have to comply with the FMLA (Family & Medical Leave Act) so they do not have to give you time off. Can you use vacation time? Good luck, Ronna

After thinking long and hard on this I am going to get my tests out of the way and then schedule my surgery so it falls on my 6 month anniversary so I can use vacation and sick time for recovery. I would rather not risk losing my job right now...guess I just need to be patient.