Question:
If you are working FT, do you use vacation time or can you get disabilility

I am working FT and was wondering if this is considered a medical necessity so that disability pays for time off. I am just starting my quest to have this surgery. I have my first consultation with Dr. Lirio on 02/04/00. I have so many questions: How long are you out of work? How does the time off work? My insurance needs a comorbid condition which I have but also needs a letter from my doctor saying that I have been trying to lose weight under his care for twelve consecutive months. I have been trying to lose weight my whole life. Any help anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks    — Diane A. (posted on January 18, 2000)

January 18, 2000
Leave benefits will differ by employer. You should check with your Human Resources persons. If you are employed by a company with greater than 50 employees, you're eligible for Family Medical Leave - up to 12 weeks leave in a one year period. You can take it intermittently as well, and your job is protected. You must do it 30 days in advance if you foresee the event. I plan to use my paid time first, then FMLA. I will return to work as soon as I can (professional; desk job) and work 1/2 days until I can return to full speed. Be sure to check with HR about yourself FIRST. Any screw up could be possibly cause a denial. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 18, 2000
Hi Diane, I was covered under short term disability. My first week off was a vacation week (common with Short Term Disability policies), the remainder of my time off up to twelve weeks was covered by the policy. I am out of work for six weeks. Good luck Marjie Wassermann 12/9/99 -32lbs Dr. James Colberg Jefferson University Hospital Aetna US Healthcare approved in 3 days
   — Marjie W.

January 18, 2000
I had almost two weeks o vacation time saved, then the remainder of my time off was short term disability. I even got to use some of it while I started back to work part time... I started back to work on the third week after my surgery, but only part time... My time off for disability and medical leave were pretty easy quests... just had to submit paperword via my employer and they did the rest! best of luck!
   — Jamie T.

January 18, 2000
Hey Diane, From what I have been told by both my insurance and my employer and other post-ops, this is covered under diability insurance. At least out here in California. Any surgery that leaves you unable to work for more than a specified period of time qualifies for disability insurance. Plus, I too am having to go through the continual Medically supervised diet thing. Even though I have dieted vertually my entire life. Just hang in there. Eventually you and I will be thin. Oh, and yes I too have 3 co-mobidities. I am diabetic, have hypertension and severe obstructive sleep apnea, yet I still have to go thru this stupid waiting period with documented medically supervised attempts at weight loss. Personally, I think the insurance companies think that we have not tried to lose this weight before. Yah, my idea of having fun is being uncomfortable, gauked at and have the chance of dieing young. I know, I sound a little sarcastic. Becki
   — Becki S.