Question:
Does anyone actually consider this surgery

I am so frustrated right now. About a month ago I found out my surgery would more than likely be in November. At that time I went to my supervisor and told her I was concerned that she would not approve my LOA for a whole month over the holidays and she assured me that "my surgery is a priority and would take precedence over the vacation requests of my co-workers." She has constantly been in the loop as to my progress with the process and I have not withheld anything from her. I feel I owe that to her and my co-workers so that nothing is a surprise. Now, yesterday, my presence (sp?) is requested at a meeting with my supervisor and HER supervisor (BTW, who is also MO). I am flabbergasted to be confronted with "If this surgery is elective, and only you know if it is or not, then we are requesting that you wait until after the first of the year." This! After I have finished the "pre-reqs" for the surgery and am just waiting on a date now. I have told everyone (and I do mean EVERYONE) that my surgery will be in November. The ironic thing is that I work for the hospital where I am going to be having my surgery. The doctor's office I work in is a part of that hospital and so is the bariatric surgeon's office. As a matter of fact, the big cheese is the supervisor of the surgeon's office, and she made a big deal out of saying that she didn't look in my chart. That it would be against confidentiality rules to do so, and that only I know if my co-morbities warrant immediate surgery. Unbelievable. I know I am on the "thinner" side of MO, as I am 5'7 and weigh 282 lbs, BMI of 44.5. But still, I have been so sick the last year and even have a warning in my personnel file for absences last year and this year due to weight-related illnesses. What, if anything, do I do?    — RedHeadBeauty (posted on October 5, 2002)

October 5, 2002
I would tell them that if it was completely elective obviously your insurance would not be covering it. You feel that it is in the best interest for your health to have the surgery on your scheduled day. Do you have a human resources representative that could help you? You can also remind them that over 300,000 people will die this year from obesity related conditions.
   — Linda A.

October 5, 2002
This doesn't sound like elective surgery to me, considering how sick you've been this year. Try that angle.
   — Lois G.

October 5, 2002
Melissa, you have been so sick this past year due to weight related illnesses and have recieved written warnings about your employment! That to me justifies that your co-morbidities warrant immeadiate surgery! Good luck and God Bless!
   — garnet156

October 5, 2002
First of all, Of course this is medically necessary. But, I am going to play the devils advocate here. Is is medically URGENT. CAn you not wait until after the holidays to make this leave of absence easier on your co-workers?? I do not know the answer to that, You will need to make that decision yourself and talk with your doc too. I planned my surgery for the holidays becasue that is when my companies business goes way down. It was actually easier on them to do so. I talked it over with my boss and asked her if she wanted me to wait to after the holidays, but she did not. I am a nurse, and I know how short staffed hospitals can get- especially around the holidays. BUT, they are always short staffed. If you do give into this and wait until after the holidays, make sure that you have a guarantee (in writing preferably) that states when you will be permitted to take the time off. Otherwise, you will get caught in the never ending "this is a bad time" scenerio. Good Luck. This is a hard spot to be in.
   — Vicki L.

October 5, 2002
What concerns me is how quickly insurance companies change their policy or how quickly employers change insurance companies. Not to mention, some of the pre op tests may have to be repeated. I cerntainly would not postpone.
   — faybay

October 5, 2002
Of course it is medically necessary...As part of the Family and medical leave act (FMLA)...companies have to let you off work for these types of things (with short term disability as well)..I'm not positive of all the rules surrounding it, but I do know that they can not make you fear job loss because of you taking time off work. I hope that helps.
   — thekatinthehat

October 5, 2002
You know that it is medically necessary and you stick to that knowledge. Dont ever think that it is elective and then they won't either. Never let them know that waiting is even an option. Your insurance has approved it based on it's medical necessity and your surgeon is doing it based on medical necessity that is what you tell them. This whole thing is scrutinized more then any other surgery and the fact that it was deemed medically necessary is all they need to know. You keep your date and you have your surgery and that is it. Don't get caught up in the fact that it is a blessing and boy I can hardly believe that I am lucky enough to be getting it that is the wrong mind set and leaves your own mind open to your own questioning. You were selected based on hard and strong criteria and found to be a good candidate for this surgery that is all anyone needs to think about in regards to it. Good Luck!!!!
   — Peggy A.

October 6, 2002
I work for the post office as a letter carrier. In this year alone I have had knee surgery and several illnesses I know was brought on by being overweight. I have been written up several time for abscences. My surgery is Dec. 17 our busiest time of the year. Through a whole lot of research. If you submit FMLA paper work they cannot deny you the time off. I am looking at it may not make them happy at the present, but when your on the other side and start feeling so much better. They will appreciate all the effort you have made to make yourself a better employee for them.
   — Lisa B.