Question:
I am afraid to ask for time off work to have the surgery.
I just started this job last October, and I feel bad about have to take time off for doctor appts and the surgery. How do I approach it? I am okay with telling them what I am having, I think. But how do I do it, and how can I stop from feeling so bad about it? — Erin Z. (posted on January 10, 2003)
January 10, 2003
Hi Erin, I am in a similar situation. I am pre-op, waiting for a surgery
date. I just started this job in June 2002. And in December I decided to
look into having the surgery. What I did was, made the first appt for the
consult with the surgeon. Then I went to my boss, sat down with her and
explained everything to her. That I would be needing to make appts for the
preops and things. She was very understanding. I also told her I would
work AROUND work as much as possible , such as evening or early morning or
saturday appts when possible. I would take the earliest or latest appts I
could get, and go into work late, or leave a little early. And I've kept
her informed every step of the way, giving her as much notice as possible.
I think most bosses will cooperate if you explain the whole deal up front.
She is very excited for me. Try that approach, it may work. Good Luck to
you. :-)
— KellyJeanB
January 10, 2003
I don't know if you've started the process yet of actual appontments, tests
etc., but I know the amount of time that took pushed back the date several
months--so it won't seem so early on you are taking sick leave. I wouldn't
say a thing until I have a confirmed surgery date--which for me was 6
months from first referral date, due to insurance, surgeon's shedule etc..
Good Luck
— Wannabe A.
January 10, 2003
We obese folks tend to put other people's needs in front of our own. In my
opinion, you have every right to take off time for medical reasons. Just
make sure your company doesn't have a "waiting period" before
they will enforce the FMLA law. As long as they have the same waiting
period for all employees, they could potentially tell you that they won't
hold your job. Check into this ... but if you're protected by FMLA, I say,
"GO FOR IT!" If you're a good employee, your employer should be
nothing but supportive.
— Terissa R.
January 10, 2003
I know that in NY state FMLA goes into effect after 12 months on the job. I
am only with my job 7 months. I have had very positive results with being
open and honest with my employer. I don't feel that it's putting anyones
needs ahead of my own. I need the surgery, I also NEED the job I have, so
it was to my benefit to be upfront and honest about the whole thing, from
the beginning. But, that's just my opinion.
— KellyJeanB
January 11, 2003
I had my consultation May 8th, and surgery was December 26th, so there was
quite a bit of time between starting the process to actually having the
surgery. Your FMLA will likely kick in at 1 year at your job...maybe you
could find out how long of a wait you are looking at with your surgeon, and
go from there.
— thekatinthehat
January 11, 2003
Hi Erin,
In my opinion its none of their business why ypure taking off or what type
of surgery ur having. If you have sick time then you sre entitled to use it
to take care of your health issues but if you feel you must give an
explanation just say you are having GI problems that require surgery. Good
Luck
— Lisa F.
January 11, 2003
Hello Erin, Iam trouble with time off with work as well, my WLS date is Jan
20. I was recently hired for this new Position in Oct 02, after losing my
up mgment position, off work for 6mos being MOB my worse fears took over.
My current employer (Iam a F&B Director for Native American Casino in
Ca) was told piror to hiring and also so far have been supportive, but Iam
hoping after two weeks to be at my desk, just fear being away will be
grounds to terminate piror to my six mos probation. Donald
— Donald W.
January 11, 2003
Yes, this is my third time responding to this.. LOL.. sorry. I just feel
that people need to be upfront about things. OKay maybe not tell EVERYone
what kind of surgery you are having, if you don't want to. However, your
job absolutly has the right to know why you are taking time off, they have
a business to run, and need to know they have reliable people working for
them. And I think reliable means be letting them know that you are planning
on taking time off, even if it's just to say for medical reasons. If she
wants to keep her job, which she says is new, I think she should be honest
with her boss and explain as much as she feels comfy with. As far as how
long it takes to get a surgery date, every place is different. I got my
first consultation date within 2 weeks (in Dec) and we are looking at Feb.
or possibly beginning of March for a surgery date. Not every place takes
6 months. ::Tossing in my 2 cents::
— KellyJeanB
January 11, 2003
I would suggest being upfront with them about why you need time off and the
expected time off you will need. This will allow time to arrange coverage,
etc while you are out. My employer was very supportive and excited about
my surgery. They ended up with a healthier, more energetic employee. Best
of luck.
— GPoynor
January 11, 2003
Hi,
I'm scheduled for a Lap RNY on 2/18/03. I told my immediate supervisors
and principal, and all were supportive. We already have my coverage in
place. I decided to do the surgery at the beginning of a school vacation
week to minimize the time I will be away from school. I'm planning on 3
weeks total, actually missing 2 weeks of class time and salary. When I
spoke to our human resources director about disability coverage, she told
me to be sure the surgeon disables me as of the day my school vacation
would be over so I get paid for the first week. I'll be w/o money for 1
week, then will get the disability check. Better than nothing I guess.
Anyway, when I looked at the disability form, they want a reason that you
are going to be disabled.I suppose they ultimately need to know, but I
wonder if they have the right to say no dice if they think WLS is elective.
I teach in a non public school, mostly women, and I tend to think whether
appropriate or not, they are more sensitive to weight related issues.
— Fixnmyself
January 11, 2003
I also agree that it is best to be upfront. I too teach and will be having
mine on Feb. 18. It is OPEN so I will be gone 6 weeks. I actually
discussed this with my principal in July and he said "Go for it."
"We will support you all the way." They have be4en great abouit
letting me off for any doctor appointment, test, etc. I've also had to
take time off for hospitalizations for my mom who has been hospitalized
quite a bit in the past year. Again, they are very supportive if they know
why I am gone, and that it is not for some "dumb" reason. If
employers value you, trust you not to abuse the sick leave, etc. they are
more willing to work with you. Remember, you get more bees with honey than
vinegar. I think that saying applies to honesty with your employer too.
Best of luck to you as you make your decision.
— Donna B.
January 11, 2003
I had an open RNY and was off from work 2 weeks (I have a desk job) and my
surgeon wrote a letter to my supervisor stating that I was having surgery
(unspecified). I told her Gallbladder and duodenal ulcer (they have to
resect intestines which would explain the weight loss).
— jengrz
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