Question:
I am preparing a packet of information to send to my employer

on why it is benificial for them to cover this surgery. Can anyone give me some ideas on what I can say. I have all the health statistics but I want to present it to them as bieng good for them as well. I know they fear bieng sued by anyone. They take great precautions not to be sued and if I could come up with an angle in which they may think morbid obesity leaves them more open to accidents without actually saying that I can't preform my job...... Does anyone have any ideas for me?    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 27, 2001)

January 27, 2001
Obese people have more time off sick, they are more prone to falls with injuries, back pain, etc. Also, if they have comorbidities, their sick time for those things are usually at an increased level. Weight loss surgery enables the obese person to be more active, better able to perform his/her job, and usually helps with the other health problems. As an example, I was off work more due to problems with my high blood pressure and diabetes. Now the diabetes is gone, and the high blood pressure is much better controlled--down from 4 medications twice a day for BP to 1. I feel better and am less sick than before. I am no longer exhausted from my sleep apnea, I no longer fall asleep while working at my computer. That alone makes for a better employee--better production.
   — Connie G.

January 28, 2001
This is a timely question as Eric has recently been in contact with me to start putting something like this together for our members. I do know a brochure is in the works, but I have not seen it as of yet. I am interested in what ever folks may feel is needed for help contacting their human resource department. Please email me at [email protected]. As for your specific question I would stay clear of the sue word and focus on healthy employees use less sick time and are therefore more productive.
   — Jilda H.