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Conflicted- Holding off Surgery for work?



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Hey Everyone!

Looking for some advice. I'm tentatively scheduled to have surgery mid September. We have a busy season upcoming at work from September-November where it's not ideal to take off of work. I was set on still having the surgery until I was assigned a new account..now I'm torn.

I really don't want to delay my surgery until Nov because the weather will change and I wanted to take advantage of being able to walk outside. Plus it will be close to the holidays recovering and the possibility of putting on even more weight.

On the other hand I feel a bit bad for being out during this time. I would probably only take 4 weeks off ( dr gives 6). However this would put me out until the end of October.

Anyone dealt with this? My husband is saying I shouldn't put my job before my health and to do what's best for me.

Advice appreciated!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Edited by sassysleeved

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I agree with your husband. Your health has to come first. If you are not healthy then you won't be able to do a good job. My Dr. said 6 weeks as well. I might take 3 weeks off and work from home 3 weeks. But the more I discuss with everyone and the Dr. it is strongly urged I take the full 6 weeks. I have rushed recovery on other surgeries due to work and family, which didn't turn out well for my health. You have to take care of yourself!

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I don't know your situation, whether you are at risk of losing your job, or having retaliation from your boss and/or co-workers, and how your finances would be if you did lose your job. You have to take all of that into consideration, and you're the only one who knows where all of that stands.

That being said, if you will be OK financially, career-wise, etc. and your only concern is that your company might be in a bit of a pinch with you out, remember that your company will send you packing at any point in time that it is in their best interests to do so. I give my all to my company to the best of my ability, but if it comes to a choice between my company's best interests and my health, my health wins every single time. Company loyalty is great, but it shouldn't come at too high of a price to you personally.

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Everyone is dispensable when it comes to a job. Your job will fire you and not care that you have a family to take care of. If you die, your job would replace you but your family will be forever changed and you are irreplaceable to them. Your husband is wise.

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Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the feedback. I don't think I'd be fired but they'll be disappointed lol. I will give them notice though so I can get someone up to speed on my accounts.

I agree employers are not loyal and will eliminate your position in a second. I just saw this happen to a co worker. If that was my case I'd get severance pay as I'm salary.

Thanks again it's leaning me to sticking to my first mind.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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I tend to agree with your husband. I faced some kick back at work because I was asked to delay my surgery - but I had encountered some other medical issues during the pre op phase and had already waited a year. I was simply unwilling to wait any longer.

let us know how things go for you. I am personally glad I went ahead with my surgery when I did.

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I would say don't delay the surgery but I don't know how the situation is at work. I applied for another position at my place of employment and I'm waiting for an answer .... I haven't told them that I plan to have surgery but I don't even know for sure whether I'm getting the job or not ...

God bless!

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File your FMLA paperwork; they cannot fire you.

"When all is said and done, usually more has been said than done. "

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I wouldn't delay either. Who knows what the situation will be in Nov. Someone else may be out at work, your insurance could change, you could be laid off. Don't take the chance!

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You'll be out of work for six weeks? Are you having more surgery than just the sleeve? That seems like an incredibly long time to be out. My program says definitely take 2 weeks, but prepare to take another week if I'm still too tired, but almost everyone I talked with only took 2 weeks off. When I had my gall bladder out (laparoscopically, like the sleeve surgery will be) I took three days off. Six weeks seems like a long time; I'd go stir crazy!

Edited by leebick

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Today is my last day of work before surgery Monday. Last two weeks have been crazy and tons of unexpected things have come up but they will survive without me. I have them plenty of notice so feel no guilt about this. It's time for me!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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