Employer FMLA / Short Term Disability

[Beautiful Mess 21]

It's the first month of a new year and I am ready to move forward with the Sleeve surgery. I've met with my surgeon, got my list of to-do's and have prepared myself for the self pay due to a lower BMI. As I was reading up on my employer's leave policy, I was shocked to learn that if I go on Short Term Leave, It will take all but 3 of my PTO days! This means I will have to go the next 11 months with only 3 available pto days There is no way I can manage this! I was really hoping to get my new year started off right with the surgery but man is this throwing a wrench in my plans!

Edited January 18, 2015 by Beautiful Mess

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Yes short term disability only kicks in after you have used up sick time. The downside of having PTO instead of sick/vacation/personal days is it then views all of it that way. Think about how your body works. I had a really easy surgical process. I could easily have gone back to work after a week off. My doctor advises his patients to take at least 2 weeks off.

[NewMeLinZ 66]

It's the same where I work, too. Before STD kicks in, they take 40 hours (full work week) and then I get the benefits started the following week.

[Beautiful Mess 21]

My job is pretty strenuous. One of my coworkers actually had the sleeve mid December and came back after 2 weeks and now says it was too soon. She's having a lot of issues though. I guess my only real option is to.....sigh.....wait.