Requesting time off work - big gulp!

Agree with everyone else.  Very unrealistic to be back to work immediately following the surgery.  You'll need a lot more time off than you realize.  I took 4 weeks, and happy I did.  Could probably have gone back after 3 weeks, but certainly not in the first couple of weeks!  You have to take care of yourself.  If you are really worried about your job, you could always ask the doctor for a later surgery date -- maybe a couple of months to take care of both the probation issue as well as to coincide with a less busy time at work.

DD

4-6 weeks are the norm.... With 4 weeks being the most popular.  You will be able to provide  a medical documented reason for your leave.  I don't believe an employer can deny you a medical leave.  If you are worried I would call the Ministry of Labour and ask what your rights are.  Honestly take at least the recommend 4 weeks. Start off your new life the right way... With time to heel and time learn how to eat again.

I thought I would be able to go back after a week.  I was not prepared for how weak I was at one week post op. I would give yourself at least two weeks to recover. It really wears you out. 

Thank you to all of those *****sponded to my request.  I went to surgeon's office this morning and was told as soon as I got there that they had an earlier surgery date if I cared to switch and I jumped at it.  I am now going in for September 29th.  This way I avoid the busy time at work so that's one relief.  I saw Dr. Hagan and spoke to him about it also.  He said it was "pushing it" to expect to go to work the day after hospital release however, he did say that some return within a week, others not.  It is very individual.  So right now the surgery is on a Tuesday and I will plan on taking a week off and see how it goes...  This earlier date has put me in a tailspin and haven't had a chance to absorb it all.  Now I feel panicked.  I stopped in at my office to tell them and they are supportive so that's another relief.  Thanks again.

I'm glad they are supportive. I got out of hospital Friday and went to work Monday for a couple of hours. I work for myself so I could come and go as needed. You have a full day of just trying to get your protein in and vitamins the first two weeks. Listen to your body. I felt good and didn't need pain killers the day I left the hospital. I was lucky. Good luck!

I can tell that you are going to be a very valued employee at this job. Coming from an HR background I can spot good "customer service" attitude in you. Until surgery date keep smiling, show this kind of consideration to customers and staff. They will really help for continued support when you return to work. Keep us up to date on your recovery and good liuck with opti fast. 

Also, I am a patient of Dr Hagan, you are in good hands.

Thank you.  I love my new job and have been so worried about passing the probation period, up Sept.13th.  So I told them yesterday and they were very supportive and didn't mention the 3 months.... so I'm assuming I'm OK on that score!  Can't wait to get this op over with and getting used to my "new life".  thanks again, Kim  I will keep you posted.

Dear HKT53

I liked very much what you said to Kim T. It was different from those of us who gave advice -- it was very supportive. I am very sorry you are signing off and wish you continued success in your weight loss journey.

One would hope that a forum like this would be no place for unsubstantiated criticism. I welcome substantiated criticism when it is delivered in a civil tone and I am hard pressed to find any civility in the responses given to your posts here. Just shameful, in my opinion.

NB: Several posts have been pulled from this thread making my remarks appear out of context. Kudos to the people monitoring this site for pulling down inappropriate / imature remarks.

I had my surgery in February and took 2 weeks off and then worked modified hours for 6 weeks - I found I was really tired and I had to get accustomed to my new eating schedule.  I think I was still pretty foggy the first couple of weeks back, so the modified hours really helped me.  The company only paid me when I was there, so I didn't feel guilty about needing more time to rest.

Good luck - I had Dr Hagan, and he's great, very patient friendly!