I’ve done all of my pre-op stuff (I’ll be starting the diet on October 31), and my surgery date is scheduled for November 14.

I’ve been keeping my boss up-to-date on my appointments, and I’ve been saving all of my sick leave (currently up to 157.75 hours, with 0.25 hours of comp time, and 58 hours of annual leave).

I only expected at least two weeks off, and some change. When I call the hospital to make sure before I put the leave in the system, the nurse said that she would like me to take 4 weeks off!

Whoa! Not that I mind having 4 weeks away from some of the idiots that I encounter on a daily basis, but has anyone else been told that they need this much time off.

I know I don’t HAVE to take the whole 4 weeks off, but I’m so tempted.

The boss said that it would be totally ok, I just need to invoke the FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) so I can use my annual leave and comp time with my sick leave.

Has anyone else had to use their FMLA as well? Or does anyone else have an experience like mine?

4 weeks seems excessive. are they just performing the sleeve surgery or do they have to do any extra procedures like repairing a hernia or anything ?. if your just having the sleeve surgery i would say that 2 weeks is enough. also do you have a physical labor job or a sit down job. depending on what kinda of work you do this can increase the time needed before returning to work.

I’ve done all of my pre-op stuff (I’ll be starting the diet on October 31)' date=' and my surgery date is scheduled for November 14.

I’ve been keeping my boss up-to-date on my appointments, and I’ve been saving all of my sick leave (currently up to 157.75 hours, with 0.25 hours of comp time, and 58 hours of annual leave).

I only expected at least two weeks off, and some change. When I call the hospital to make sure before I put the leave in the system, the nurse said that she would like me to take 4 weeks off!

Whoa! Not that I mind having 4 weeks away from some of the idiots that I encounter on a daily basis, but has anyone else been told that they need this much time off.

I know I don’t HAVE to take the whole 4 weeks off, but I’m so tempted.

The boss said that it would be totally ok, I just need to invoke the FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) so I can use my annual leave and comp time with my sick leave.

Has anyone else had to use their FMLA as well? Or does anyone else have an experience like mine?[/quote']

I am using my last 4 vacation days then FMLA for 2 weeks. Doc says 2 weeks bur I'm taking 3

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My doctor suggests 4 to 6 weeks. I want the entire 6 weeks. We have temporary disability insurance that we pay for out of every paycheck. I can use that for the entire 6 weeks. Yah, having it taken out sucks but getting some of it back when you need it is awesome

Im takeing four weeks.

I dont want to have to deal with the Post Op diet and posible potty issues at work.

I have the sick time Im going to use it.

Because of our contract, If I take one week, two weeks, whatever. I need to use FMLA to protect my job.

Good Luck

IMABear

It's always good to utilize your FMLA, which protects your position at work while you are away. I took two weeks, felt well enough to work after one, but was grateful to have the extra week to learn how to eat. I was really ready to go back to work by then. I'm a people person and really missed my people. I'm so glad you have such a supportive boss... mine was great, as well.

I have to use FMLA and plan to use sick days (I will be out for two weeks) - that is what the dr. suggested -

FMLA has NOTHING to do with pay.

FMLA is a federal regulation that protects your job.

I am an expert on FMLA.

Let me know if you have any questions -

but your boss is WRONG crossing FMLA with any of your company policies regarding pay.

FMLA leave – What is it and what is covered?

The FMLA allows eligible employees of covered employers to take up to 12 weeks (including intermittent leave) of unpaid, job-protected leave annually for certain family and medical reasons, including

• the birth or adoption of a child,
  
• caring for a seriously ill child, spouse, or parent, or
  
• the employee’s own serious health condition.
  

Unpaid?!?

Screw that.

I'll use my sick leave.

I don't think I'll have to worry about not having enough. I'll accrue 8 more hours between now and my surgery, and possibly 8 more during my leave.

Ok, I'm good now.

Unpaid?!?

Screw that.

I'll use my sick leave.

do you have short and long term disability?? fmla protects me sunlife (plus saved vacation days) makes sure i get paid!!!!

FMLA has NOTHING to do with pay.

FMLA is a federal regulation that protects your job.

I am an expert on FMLA.

Let me know if you have any questions -

but your boss is WRONG crossing FMLA with any of your company policies regarding pay.

A company has every right to set pay policy to run concurrent with FMLA leave. Most companies require an employee to utilize (and often exhaust) vacation/sick/PTO time while out on FMLA leave, and any accruals are suspended during the leave as that is not actual work time.

OP, FMLA is unpaid, job-protected leave for up to 12 weeks as long as you've worked for your company for 1year and clocked at least 1250 hours. You'll also be required to submit medical certification from your surgeon with specifics about your condition and the duration of your requested leave.

A good HR person will walk you through this process. Good luck to you!

I work at fed ex so I'm taking 6 weeks off! Not using any vaca or sick. But going on part time disability.

I checked on the OPM website (because I am a federal employee) and we are allowed to use FMLA with sick and annual leave.

Even a bad HR person will know the federal regs -

ultimately FMLA is separate from a paid benefit - there is a prevailing perception that is addresses pay - the reg does not address pay - it only addresses job protection -

NOT all companies are required to give FMLA - it’s very detailed - and you can google the reg (do it before a long nap - because it will put you to sleep)