Question:
Anyone newly employed federally when you had your surgery?

I recently posted a question regarding whether or not to tell about my upcoming WLS surgery at my interview for a position with the Social Security Administration. Many of you told me to keep it to myself until I actually get hired. Well I got hired. I start on 9/22. My surgeon's office has informed me that I may be having surgery in late October or November. I was given two dates but they are still pending. My original date was 2/25/04. My probationay period for work isn't up until this time next year? What do I do? What do I tell my employer when I get a definite date (as I will not speak on it until my date is definite)? I will be having open rny and the position I have been hired for requires alot of standing and lifting at times (but not much). I have been waiting for this surgery for over a year and I don't want to have to start the process all over again if I can avoid it. At the same time, I have been trying really hard to obtain a government position and now I have one. As you can see, I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. I would also like help with leveling my blood sugar levels. I take glucophage in the am and pm and would like my levels to come down as much as I can. I am interested in a protein shake that I can drink for breakfast and lunch that will not or very little affect my blood sugar. Thanks a bunch for all of your help. I know you will be able to steer me in the right direction. Jeneen in PA    — Jeneen (posted on September 18, 2003)

September 18, 2003
I am a new employee for the federal government...I was hired in Dec and had my surgery in Aug...The only problem is you have to have leave to be able to take off that long...i was only off for 2 weeks but when you are on your probationary period you cant take leave without pay or it will be on your record and thats not good...but just talk to your boss and find out what they think...most people are very understanding
   — Eugenia K.

September 18, 2003
Hi Janeen. I work in an HR department for the federal government. When you find out your date, just tell your supervisors that you are having abdominal surgery. Tell them how long you'll be off. And tell them that you would like to take leave without pay or advanced sick leave. I assume that it is an office job, so you probably won't need to be off for a whole 6 weeks, however they may just tack on those 6 weeks at the end of your probationary period. Also, most federal agencies participate in some sort of leave transfer program, or a leave bank. I'd encourage you to apply for that, since it's the end of the year and a bunch of people will be donating use or lose leave. If you have further questions, feel to send me an email.
   — Michelle J.

September 18, 2003
Original Poster here. Thanks so much for your help. I appreciate all the help I get. Michelle I will be e-mailing you becaue I do have a specific question maybe you can answer for me. I will keep you all informed. Jeneen
   — Jeneen

September 18, 2003
JENEEN- RELAX YOUR EMPLOYER WANTS YOU AT YOUR BEST...i AGREE WITH MICHELLE, ONCE YOU GET A DEFINATE DATE TELL YOUR BOSS YOUR HAVING NECESSARY SURGERY. i ALSO WORK FOR THE GOV'T, NOT IN AN OFFICE, BUT IN LAW ENFORCEMENT...I AM STILL PREOP AN UNSURE HOW THEY WILL REACT. THEY SPEND ALOT OF MONEY HIRING THE RIGHT PEOPLE, THEY ARE NOT GOING TO JUST TOSS THAT AWAY...THEY WILL WORK WITH YOU... GOOD LUCK
   — mary ann B.