Mandat89

Hi I saw my doctor a year ago about bariatric surgery. I have seen him two times after that about the weight. I currently Have GEHA and their requirement is 6 months of supervised diet. I brought the paperwork to my doctor thinking it would be all set since we had already attempted the weight loss. Now I'm thinking I probably won't be able to get approved by them anytime soon...I'm assuming the six months would have to start now and I would have to go every month for 6 months? The visits I've had won't go toward the six months? Is bcbs federal a better option for me since they only require 3 month supervised diet? Open season is November and I'm wondering if I should just switch.

How long did it take for you to get approved from bcbs federal? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Had surgery 3/14 redness around incisions, they're warm to touch. Have bad pain in the upper left part of my abdomen, internally. Can't get comfortable no matter what I do. Haven't slept much at all.

I called and left a message also paged him

So I am still waiting on my work approval for leave for surgery. I'm afraid they'll deny it since it isn't under fmla. This is because My hours for fmla are used until may from me bringing my mother in law to appointments for radiation and chemo. Can an employee deny unpaid time off for surgery that isn't fmla? If they do I'll have to wait until may or June to apply for fmla again. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thanks. Ya they were lol

Got approved

Got approved

Submitted feb 22 approved march 7

Called fep blue and they FINALLY told me my surgery was approved. They received the paperwork from my surgeons office on Feb 22, so took them 1 week and 5 days. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I got my pre approval today too and have surgery the same day!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'll have to speak to HR. The person handling it is a manager, he is looking into it and will tell me if I'm approved or denied. I spoke to some people and seems like they need to have a reason for denying me. I'm just wondering if someone went out on emergency surgery and wasn't eligible for fmla would they get fired? That's kind of extreme! I might just have to wait until my fmla is up again. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It will be up on June Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

How do I go about doing that Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I spoke to the job accommodation network and they said the condition and surgery is covered. We shall see if they approve my leave request and where we go from there. Going to court is not on the top of my list. Thanks for your help. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You're right. Very discouraging, I'm ready now! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Dang! Also says: However, it does require employers to make reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities if necessary to perform essential job functions or to benefit from the same opportunities and rights afforded employees without disabilities. Accommodations can include modifications to work schedules, such as leave. There is no set leave period mandated because accommodations depend on individual circumstances and should generally be granted unless doing so would result in "undue hardship" to the employer. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I see I guess from my reading the ADA I misinterpreted it. It says surgery is covered.. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yes that is the case. I have used 12 weeks since I applied last year. Looks like I'll have to wait. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yes fmla gives you a certain amount of time you can take within a year. I've used all those hours bringing my mother to cancer treatments last year. We can decide what type of leave we would like to use for fmla. It can be paid, sick, or leave without pay. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Join the march support group on fb!! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1391677344221994/ Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I dont either. It's been two days, they're still processing it Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

im waiting for a response from them too

Any surgery buddies? Mine is scheduled for march 14 2pm! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

We will be surgery twins lol Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App