Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Anyone have any experience with FMLA?



Recommended Posts

Before you go asking why I'm wondering let me explain. I've already brought up my surgery (whenever it's set!) with my supervisor. My job is set up through a labor union contract and they are SUPER SUPER strict on absences and such. If I am going to be gone more than 2 days, I need to fill out an FMLA to be sure it's an actual medical leave. I know I'm only gone a week but he really said I should do it for the job security (and yes I am still going to be able to use sick time for it and be paid).

That being said, I'm only 25 and have never had any major medical things come up. I looked into filling this out and I'm SO confused. My HR department is not very helpful and basically told me to read the government website on it. I did that but am still unsure of how the process works. Could anyone shed some light on it for me? I asked in another forum elsewhere and the people there treated me like I was some sort of idiot for not understanding. Any info is helpful =)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For FMLA, you'll have to get the required paperwork from your employer. You will have to have your doctor fill it out then give it to your HR department.

To qualify, you have to have been employed with your currently employer for at least 1 year. When on FMLA time, your employer does not have to pay you nor do they have to promise your same job upon your return. All they are required to do is give you a job of comparable pay and ability upon your return.

Hope that helps!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For mine, i had to fill out the papers, faxed them over to the drs office they completed there part then faxed them back to the HR, I was approved medical leave, and short term disability. I am taking 2 weeks off, first one paid PTO and the second paid @ 66% of my usual pay per short term disability (STD). When i get ready to go back i have to get my dr to fill out a paper to return to work. Do u have a specific question? It is confusing, it was my first time too, and my supervisor didnt know how to do anything! Luckily the HR was able to help. The HR has to deal with it alot, with pregnancy usually, the questions on the form kinda seem like they may not pertain to us, but to have this surgery it is a medically necessary leave of absence that they should grant. My job did. I answered the questions as best i could, didnt feel like i did them right, but i was as truthful as possible. Let me know if theres anything else i can try and help with!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Before you go asking why I'm wondering let me explain. I've already brought up my surgery (whenever it's set!) with my supervisor. My job is set up through a labor union contract and they are SUPER SUPER strict on absences and such. If I am going to be gone more than 2 days, I need to fill out an FMLA to be sure it's an actual medical leave. I know I'm only gone a week but he really said I should do it for the job security (and yes I am still going to be able to use sick time for it and be paid).

That being said, I'm only 25 and have never had any major medical things come up. I looked into filling this out and I'm SO confused. My HR department is not very helpful and basically told me to read the government website on it. I did that but am still unsure of how the process works. Could anyone shed some light on it for me? I asked in another forum elsewhere and the people there treated me like I was some sort of idiot for not understanding. Any info is helpful =)

Hi! I wouldn't say I'm an expert on FMLA, but consider myself pretty familiar with it. I am also a union rep at my work location.If you are a covered employee, working for a covered employer, and your location has paid sick leave, YOU CAN use your paid sick leave in while you are off on FMLA leave. "The leaves run concurrently" You must use your employers normal practices for applicable leave. Meaning that if your employer offers sick pay, and you apply for FMLA, they can NOT deny your sick pay soley on the fact you requested it be protected under FMLA. This is not a company benefit, its the law. (I've got arbitrators decision's on this case if needed) Basically, you will need to inform your employer of your upcoming surgery. Your employer should provide you with their normally used form for your Doctor to fill out or may request you to have your doctor to complete a Dept. of Labor form (can be found here: http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/employeeguide.htm ) or possibly both. If you are covered by a union contract, ask your rep. We deal with this often.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The company that I work for has an external agency that handles FMLA or any kind of leave. All I had to do is call them and they did all the paperwork including sending the surgeon's office papers that they need.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Here's the most commonly used form from the Dept. of Labor website concerning FMLA:

http://www.dol.gov/w...ms/WH-380-E.pdf

That is so great! Thanks so much! You guys are all so helpful I love it :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×