So I'm nearly halfway through by insurance requirements for surgery. In month 3 of 6, labs done, gallbladder sonogram done, upper GI scope done. I started looking at what I need to do to get a leave of absence approved at work and I completely forgot that because I'm at a new job that I don't qualify for FMLA until the end of August. Its only an extra 2 months but it seems like when you decide you want to go through with the surgery that waiting that 6 months is long enough. Trying to look for silver linings - I'll have accrued that much more sick time and vacation time to pay for the several weeks off.... okay that's all I can think of....

*Sigh* Just bummed a little and venting.

TIRED OF BEING FAT

Edited April 6, 20188 yr by KCgirl061

All FMLA says is that they can't fire you while you're out, and companies can find a way around that anyway.

Are you sure you're not talking about being eligible for paid time off?

All FMLA says is that they can't fire you while you're out, and companies can find a way around that anyway.
Are you sure you're not talking about being eligible for paid time off?

You know, I might just need to call HR and get myself educated on the matter! Thanks

FMLA - Family and Medical Leave Act covers unpaid time off for an individual's medical condition or medical needs of a family member. If your company has at least 50 more employees and you have worked for them 12 months or 1250 hours, you would be eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during which they must hold your job open.

PTO - paid time off -or sick leave, may be something your employer offers which would give you paid time off while you are ill. It could be a combination of vacation and/or sick leave. You probably want to talk to HR to find out what you would be eligible for.

I'm a desk jockey and I took less than a week off. Most desk jobs folks take about 2 weeks off.

I'm getting 3 weeks off. I could have technically had 6 weeks off, but hate being away from work for so long. I work at a desk too... but I wanted time for myself and to get into a routine. My company has short term disability, I get 100% of my pay during those 3 weeks. Maybe look into that?

Well I contacted HR and they said that I could qualify for nonFMLA leave of absence if the surgery is NOT elective. But I’m guess they consider it elective. The surgery coordinator says they can’t change the classification of the surgery it’s up to the employer’s policies. [emoji853]

Your Dr is the one who determines if it's medically necessary or not. Obesity is a clinical definition, and if your Dr declares you obese, that should be it. Waiting periods might come into play, but HR shouldn't be making a judgment call as to necessity. I called our provider, gave the facts, and a determination was made. I needed less than 1, but took 4 and wish I took 6. I haven't had that much time off since I was 16 years old. It was marvelous! I

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Do you even need medical leave? Do you have enough PTO that you can just take the time without justifying it to HR? As others said a week is really all you need.

If you have a co-morbidity, then it can be classified as a medical necessity. I'm lucky that my boss is a Cardiologist and he's writing a letter on my behalf, as well as the surgeon as to the medical necessity (using Cardiomyopathy to prevent any future cardiac events) to get me FMLA and Advanced PTO (where they pay me, and as I acquire PTO I just pay it back). Maybe you can get your PCM to write a letter as to how it's a medical necessity and not elective. Good luck!

I don’t have any comorbidities, I qualify only because my BMI was over 40. Because I’m a nurse I will need 3-4 weeks off so I can’t simply take vacation time for it. It only ends up being about 6 weeks later than I originally had planned so it’s not a big deal.