Leaving work
Use the FMLA for the surgery & recovery time afterwards. Unless there's some medical test or something like that for preparedness, it'll be the only time needed for anything prior to surgery. Remember this is a public forum, you don't want to put out there that you might use some FMLA to be with the kids, it's considered fraud. You never know who's watching. 
No one surgery is better than the other, what works for one may not work for another.
T-Rebel
I had surgery on a Tuesday. I took the day before off just to get the EKG, chest x-ray, & final pre-op stuff done. I took 3 weeks off after. Definitely don't waste any vaca days or sick days before. Save them for after. Good luck!
Lanie; Age: 43; Surgery Date (VSG): 8/12/14 w/complications resulting in RNY next day;
Height: 5' 6" SW: 249 Comfort Zone: 135-140 CW: 138 (10/13/17)
M1: -25 lbs M2: -12 M3: -13 M4: -7 M5: -11 M6: -10 M7: -7 M8: -7 M9: -3 M10: -8 M11: -4 M12: -4
5K PR - 24:15 (4/23/16) First 10K - 53:30 (10/18/15)
