Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Scheduling time off work



Recommended Posts

I've done my research and found the Dr. to do my DS. Next month I will be putting in a deposit and scheduling the date. My primary care Dr. knows and is going to do my follow up care. I got my passport and my companion ordered hers today. I've cut out most of the bad stuff from my diet and am ready to start the pre-op diet with minimum withdrawals. I'm so ready for this.

I am going back and forth on to tell or not to tell Facebook friends and co- workers. I'm ashamed of being 265lbs and 5"2'. Yes my co- workers see me daily but I can hide it from Facebook friends that don't see me regularly. I know I need to stop hiding and be happy with me and that's one reason I want to share my journey with everyone. I just don't want to fail again.

Once I schedule the date I will need to talk to someone to get the time scheduled off. Should I just go through HR and the FMLA for approval? I just started accepting friend request from co workers so they will know I'm on vacation if I post pictures and not home suffering with medical issues. I've been off the last two weeks for kidney stones and surgery and my co workers are very nosey so that's another reason I think of just coming out.

Did you go through your HR or Supervisor? I don't have any vacation time left because of the kidney stones so am unsure if my supervisor can approve a vacation so getting the surgery approved through HR maybe my only option. I have short and long term disability.

Thought or suggestions?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you have short/long term disability through your employer you should go through HR if that is the company requirement to get the st/lt disability stated. I don’t see the need to go FMLA when you have the ST/LT disability. Good luck on your WLS & the new you afterwards.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you have short/long term disability through your employer you should go through HR if that is the company requirement to get the st/lt disability stated. I don’t see the need to go FMLA when you have the ST/LT disability. Good luck on your WLS & the new you afterwards.

Thank you


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It is just my opinion, but I would schedule the surgery for the 1st week of January, take the time off, and use the vacay. Short-term disability usually has a wait time. Mine is 14 days before coverage kicks in. You will probably be back to work within 2 weeks, so it might be more hassle than it is worth. Besides, it can take up to 8 weeks for your companion to get his/her passport in the mail. That will take your timeline out to the end of December anyway.

I have also seen co-workers lose jobs over being gone from work too much. Many employers frown on taking extended time off after your vacay has been used. FMLA guards against this, but it is very hard to prove if they say that your work quality has suffered.

I didn't tell co-workers or Facebook friends. I didn't even tell my employer. I felt that it was none of any of their business, especially since I was self-paying for the surgery. I also didn't want HR to leak info throughout my company. It shouldn't happen, but does nonetheless.

Also, a lady at work had GB surgery about 5 years back. She told everyone at work. She got tons of support from everyone.....Until she started regaining weight back. Then it became brutal. Now, she is still down a lot, but noticeably larger than her smallest weight. Everyone talks badly about her now. When she takes a plate home at company functions, people stare and talk. Had she not told anyone, she would not have had to put up with as much scrutiny as people lose and regain weight all of the time. That is just the people at my company, and your co-workers might be different.

You sound like you've got it together, and I wish you the best of luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It is just my opinion, but I would schedule the surgery for the 1st week of January, take the time off, and use the vacay. Short-term disability usually has a wait time. Mine is 14 days before coverage kicks in. You will probably be back to work within 2 weeks, so it might be more hassle than it is worth. Besides, it can take up to 8 weeks for your companion to get his/her passport in the mail. That will take your timeline out to the end of December anyway.
I have also seen co-workers lose jobs over being gone from work too much. Many employers frown on taking extended time off after your vacay has been used. FMLA guards against this, but it is very hard to prove if they say that your work quality has suffered.
I didn't tell co-workers or Facebook friends. I didn't even tell my employer. I felt that it was none of any of their business, especially since I was self-paying for the surgery. I also didn't want HR to leak info throughout my company. It shouldn't happen, but does nonetheless.
Also, a lady at work had GB surgery about 5 years back. She told everyone at work. She got tons of support from everyone.....Until she started regaining weight back. Then it became brutal. Now, she is still down a lot, but noticeably larger than her smallest weight. Everyone talks badly about her now. When she takes a plate home at company functions, people stare and talk. Had she not told anyone, she would not have had to put up with as much scrutiny as people lose and regain weight all of the time. That is just the people at my company, and your co-workers might be different.
You sound like you've got it together, and I wish you the best of luck.

Very great points. Unfortunately by vacation does not reset at the beginning of the year with this job I earn 5 hours per pay period. I reached out to my HR department last night about new paperwork for the kidney stone surgery and the company said to contact them if you expect to be gone more than 7 days I thought it was two weeks and that's why I waited. I guess I'll find out when I apply for this. That will be awesome if it is only a week.
My passport took 9 days to get here without paying for the expedited processing so hers may boy take the full 8 weeks either. We can always hope.
I've gone back and forth on the telling for those exact same reasons. I don't want to be judged if I fail. I chose the DS in hope for better long term results for this exact reason. I have been embarrassed long enough by being over weight that I stopped going to weddings, reunions and other functions that people will see that I've gained weight. I'm missing out on life. I know my family loves me and I want to be able to support my husband and feel confident standing next to him. My husband is an artist and has art functions throughout the state. I had one of his art friends come up to me and say "your his wife? Looking me up and down saying I don't see him with someone like you" since then I've gained another 65 pounds so I'm even more embarrassed to go around that crowd even though everyone else has been extremely nice I hear then saying the same things in their heads. (My husband and I have been married 22 years) my kids only know me as being overweight and if I lose it I won't be so comfy to cuddle with. At this point I want the health benefits of being able to lose weight when nothing else has worked. My family knows how hard I have tried in the past with no results I eat less than they do and exercise more and what they lose I gain. I'm glad my family is on board with this plan it makes it much easier.


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would check out all ur resources and see what ur eligible for, I work 2 jobs and my full time job was FLMA and got full pay and my 2nd job is part time and could only get disability was short term ,approx 20 hours from FLMA requirements. I was out 3 weeks . Good luck

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using BariatricPal mobile app

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, fastfoodaddictnomore said:


Very great points. Unfortunately by vacation does not reset at the beginning of the year with this job I earn 5 hours per pay period. I reached out to my HR department last night about new paperwork for the kidney stone surgery and the company said to contact them if you expect to be gone more than 7 days I thought it was two weeks and that's why I waited. I guess I'll find out when I apply for this. That will be awesome if it is only a week.
My passport took 9 days to get here without paying for the expedited processing so hers may boy take the full 8 weeks either. We can always hope.
I've gone back and forth on the telling for those exact same reasons. I don't want to be judged if I fail. I chose the DS in hope for better long term results for this exact reason. I have been embarrassed long enough by being over weight that I stopped going to weddings, reunions and other functions that people will see that I've gained weight. I'm missing out on life. I know my family loves me and I want to be able to support my husband and feel confident standing next to him. My husband is an artist and has art functions throughout the state. I had one of his art friends come up to me and say "your his wife? Looking me up and down saying I don't see him with someone like you" since then I've gained another 65 pounds so I'm even more embarrassed to go around that crowd even though everyone else has been extremely nice I hear then saying the same things in their heads. (My husband and I have been married 22 years) my kids only know me as being overweight and if I lose it I won't be so comfy to cuddle with. At this point I want the health benefits of being able to lose weight when nothing else has worked. My family knows how hard I have tried in the past with no results I eat less than they do and exercise more and what they lose I gain. I'm glad my family is on board with this plan it makes it much easier.

Fast....I feel your pain. I also feel as though I used to gain weight super easily. I used to drop 4-6 pounds every week by eating well only to gain it all back with 1 cheat day. This surgery has really worked for me. I was ready for it as I am sure you are. You are going to do well, and maybe, just maybe.....new friends can look at your husband and say...How did you get her?

I wish you nothing but the best in your journey!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×