Question:
Do I take the job and then tell them I will be having the surgery?

I have been waiting forever, it seems, to see the surgeon. I have an appointment on Jan 6th. Now here is my dilema, I also want to accept the full time position at the place I am working. I only work week-ends now. This would be a job of a life time as my hubby is in the military and this job would transfer from base to base. What do I do- take the job and then take medical leave? Can they fire me? Isn't that decieving?    — Jan S. (posted on December 18, 2002)

December 18, 2002
Just because you have an appointment to see the surgeon on January 6th doesn't mean your going to have your surgery the next day!!! You'll be lucky to get in by Spring!! Also, even if you do take off for the surgery, if you plan on coming back, you'll only be off work for a certain period of time (2 to 6 weeks depending on your surgery and doctor) so why not take the job??? I would.
   — Patty H.

December 18, 2002
I was already scheduled for surgery when I found out that I was being laid off. I started a new job barely TWO WEEKS before my surgery. I accepted the job, then let them know that I was SCHEDULED for surgery in two weeks. I let them know up front that I did not expect any kind of paid leave and that if the timing was a problem I would reschedule. They said no problem at all and were more concerned that I was all right.<p>I don't think that it is deceptive since as the previous poster said it may be some time before you actually have the surgery. You may not get paid leave if you have it done before their waiting period, but it doesn't sound like that would be a big problem for you anyway. Good luck and congrats on your new job!
   — ctyst

December 18, 2002
I was in a similar situation. I went to my initial consult with my PCP and then was given a job offer with the Federal Gov't 2 weeks later. I accepted the job and during orientation and before being sworn in, I made it known that I will be having WLS coming up. I wanted the service to know that I had a prior committment before I started working. By doing this, I let them know that they would be accepting me knowing that I will be out for a few weeks for the surgery. That way, they can't refuse me later - "Hey, I let you know that I was going for surgery prior to being hired on and you still extended the job offer knowing that I will be taking leave soon." Take Care, Be Well, and Be Happy.
   — John T.

December 18, 2002
The only issue I could see is if this job has a probationary period. I work for the State of WI and all civil service jobs have a 6 month probation during which time someone can be let go for any reason, although in a court of law I'm not sure letting someone go due to surgery, elective or not, would stand up.<p>I would take the job, go to the consult and play the process out. When it comes time to have surgery give them a reasonable amount of notice and make it clear you will be back. Assuming you won't have any vacation or sick time accumulated then you will need to ask for an unpaid leave. If you do this officially (sign paperwork) then the Federal Family Medical Leave Act will apply, which will protect your job. I'd go for it all! How many times do things fall into place like this! Congratulations on everything!
   — zoedogcbr

December 18, 2002
I say do what is best for -you-. I have learned too often, and too harshly, that employers will certainly do what is best for them. What is the worst that could happen? You take the job, announce later that you are having surgery (don't have to say what kind) and they let you go? On the other hand, they may keep you. If you don't take the job, you won't get it for sure. As my daddy always used to say, "The worst they can do is say no...". I say take the darn thing. It may work out that you get the job of your dreams AND are able to have the surgery. One thing is for sure, you will never know if you don't try! Good luck on your new career ;)
   — Greg P.

December 19, 2002
I started my new job July 29th. I had surgery October 1st. I did not even tell my employer until I got the date set. Which was 1 1/2 weeks before the end of August. The response she gave me, since I told her I was afraid to let them know until *I* knew for sure, was that she can not fire me just because of a medical thing. I was amazingly suprised, cried and hugged her! If you have been working for this place already, I would not hesitate though, to tell them. GOOD LUCK! LapRNY Oct1st, 2002, 257/196/140
   — Kathy A.

December 20, 2002
hi there :) i had been enployed at the same place for nearly 6 years when i decided to pursue wls. i was on pins and needles becuase at the time i chose to get the ball rolling, are company had announced its decision to close the facility and move to china. they projected that it would be an 18 month process but that they would be downsizing employess throughout the 18 months so from day to day i never knew if id walk in and get my walking papers.i very privatly persued my doc apts, preop tests etc and prayed that i wouldnt run out of time or that insurance wouldnt stall me out. all went very fast and very well and i got my date. i told my employer that id be needing medical leave just 2 weeks before my surgery. i thought for sure theyd be pissed and that id get my notice while i was on medical leave. i returned from medical leave and was actually one of the very last ones to go. wow!!!!!! i wish you the best of luck in your decision, me personally i was afraid theyd catch wind of my plan an then id suddenly get my notice so i kept very quiet. :)
   — carrie M.

December 26, 2002
I was with my employer for only a few months before I had my surgery. I didn't tell them anything until I had the date on paper. I told them everything and believe it or not, they were very encouraging. I was even entitled to STD. Don't say anything to your employer until you have finalized a surgery date.
   — dolphins94