Hey all,

So my question is this: I work in a laboratory where I am not allowed to have food and liquids (or cosmetics, or basically anything ingestible or that goes in/ near the face). Only higher ups have offices across the hall where they can eat and drink at. I asked work for an accommodation so I could have a desk I can drink at but it seems like it's becoming a big deal and was asked how long hydration will be an issue. My work knows I've been ill and I actually had a surgery prior to my sleeve but only a few people know about the second surgery because most people don't have sympathy for bariatric surgery.

Anyone been in a similar situation or have tips/ ideas on how to get enough liquid if I can't drink at my desk? My job already requires hours in animal rooms where I can't have food or liquid but if I can drink the few hours I imput info at my desk, I will only have the ability to get sips sparingly through the workday. I've already had issues with dehydration and at work I can wear waterproof tyvek suits that make you sweat for up to hours at a time... I just foresee issues

How often can you stop and go to the restroom or take a smoke break? (I hope you don't smoke, but what if you did?) Those types of breaks are your opportunities to get something to drink. In a few months, you'll be able to drink enough at a time to really make it possible to stay hydrated with relatively few breaks.

Usually maybe 2-3 times a day stopping in the hall to catch a drink, before I was out I often I wouldn't get a chance for lunch until 3pm or after (I usually start work at 7-8am)

Ideally you'll leave to "visit the hall" about every 2 hours for a drink or snack. For an 8 hour work day that starts at 8, you'd leave at 10, 12 (lunch), and 3, going home at 5. If your day is longer you'll need to squeeze an extra break in there. But on this schedule, you're not going out much more than you have been. And if you drink, and have a couple bites of food, then that will help tide you over in case of late lunches. Drink all the way in to work, and all the way home.. and you should be ok.

Since that doctor put in the work release to allow me to drink, my HR won't let me go back to work

"I think we’re going to need a little more information from your doctor like how often you need to break to drink water (whether you’re capable of being in the lab an hour, two, etc) and this will likely be life-long."

But the note also clearly stated not to hesitate to contact her with questions, so I am an annoyed HR wants to use me as a middle man.

I'm worrying because although where I work one side of each hallway is split offices with mini fridges and no food/liquid restriction and the other side of the hallway has offices attached to labs where I currently sit, it feels like that are making it seem like I have an unreasonable request and can't do my job.

It sounds like your job may be on the line. Try to get the doctor to write another note that says you need 10 minute breaks at 10:00 and 3:00, and lunch should be at noon. Something that specific may help HR understand that your requirements aren't excessive (like breaks every half hour or some other craziness).

It might be best to take off as long as possible, so you are more able to withstand working with only occasional breaks. This early out, every week will have you feeling much better and stronger, and able to drink more at a time. At around 5 weeks, much of your tummy swelling will go down, and you'll be able to drink much more at once. (For this reason, 2 more weeks of down time might be helpful). At lunch time, avoid solids. Drink milk or diluted protein shakes instead (knock out fluids and protein at the same time).

57 minutes ago, Monkeyfulbrighter said:

Since that doctor put in the work release to allow me to drink, my HR won't let me go back to work

"I think we’re going to need a little more information from your doctor like how often you need to break to drink Water (whether you’re capable of being in the lab an hour, two, etc) and this will likely be life-long."

But the note also clearly stated not to hesitate to contact her with questions, so I am an annoyed HR wants to use me as a middle man.

I'm worrying because although where I work one side of each hallway is split offices with mini fridges and no food/liquid restriction and the other side of the hallway has offices attached to labs where I currently sit, it feels like that are making it seem like I have an unreasonable request and can't do my job.

This sucks.

Since last posting 10 days ago, I continue to not be allowed to return to my job

Has anyone had any issue with work?

After my job got my doctor's note and then talked to my doctor on the phone, the military site I work at didn't want to risk liability because my doctor expressed that I need to drink every half hour (which sometimes I don't drink that often here at home).

I need a new letter stating when my doctor estimates I'll be able to go at least 2 hours in the lab and the military wanted to know when I'd be 100%.

They keep saying my job isn't at risk and they opened up a leave donation bank so I finally started getting paid again but knowing my doctor- she always is very conservation with healing and I guess she'd say at least a month until she'd want to lift the restriction.

I'll be 5 weeks post-op tomorrow. Honestly now that I have help with expenses I don't mind the extra time off because I have some lingering issues from getting an infection after my operation and I'm weak but I just hate how blown out of proportion everything seems.

So glad you're getting paid!

Sounds like things are a bit out of your control right now, so you might as well sit back and relax (and heal up). Enjoy your vacation while you have it!

Under Fmla (family medical leave act) you have 120 days of job security that's the law. Happy healing!!

Sent from my SM-G935P using BariatricPal mobile app

5 hours ago, Geri Marie said:

Under Fmla (family medical leave act) you have 120 days of job security that's the law. Happy healing!!

Sent from my SM-G935P using BariatricPal mobile app

FMLA is unpaid and in DC, no one can afford to be unemployed for long. Because I had 2 surgeries in a row, my FMLA has about 2 weeks left of protection, but I am trying to job search just in case. I work with animals and it seems like every job you need to lift 50 pounds and be fit.

I also wish I knew more than every few days how to plan the upcoming week.

FMLA is unpaid and in DC, no one can afford to be unemployed for long. Because I had 2 surgeries in a row, my FMLA has about 2 weeks left of protection, but I am trying to job search just in case. I work with animals and it seems like every job you need to lift 50 pounds and be fit.
I also wish I knew more than every few days how to plan the upcoming week.

Man you should move to sunny Florida! Everyday is a vacation. [emoji6]

Sent from my SM-G935P using BariatricPal mobile app