I have just started the process and have 2 1/2 months until I can submit my paperwork to insurance. The surgeon's office said to expect that insurance approval/denial would take 2 weeks and that surgery could be scheduled within 2 weeks of that. When did you tell your employer that you were having the surgery? Did you tell them it was WLS? I want to give plenty of notice, but also don't want to really let him know that I'm thinking of WLS if it isn't going to go forward due to insurance, etc.

How long were you out from work (desk job)?

I told my employer after I had been approved but before I had been scheduled with a firm date. I knew the general range of when it would be, though. I did not tell them what kind of surgery, just "surgery."

I was out for two weeks from my desk job -- it probably would have been better for me to take three, I was still pretty exhausted and out of it at two weeks.

I applied for FMLA once I got insurance approval. The FMLA was approved in a day or two, I was scheduled and then I told them I would be out for surgery.

I too waited until the insurance approval was completed. Then I simply told them I was having surgery and would be out of work for 2 weeks. I don't have an application process to go through for FMLA, so it was pretty easy.

I took 2 weeks (including hospital stay & recovery), but could have gone back to work after the first week. Everyone is different though, so I would plan for more and then adjust for less if you can.

I asked HR today about the process for leave, because there is a possibility of surgery. Once I get approved and have a date, that is when I will tell my boss that I will need to be out due to surgery. I don't intend to tell anyone at work that I am having WLS - but I am guessing they will put two and two together since I will be losing weight after a surgery and a two week LOA.

I didn't tell my employer I was having surgery. I just scheduled my time off.