How much time off from work?

[Swanton_Bomb 522]

How much time did you take off from work? I started the process for WLS in April and I had no idea that it took so long. I have two different insurances, one for doctors (GHI Emblem Health)and one for hospital (BCBS) and I thought I would have a surgery date in 3 months because that's what GHI allows if you are supervised directly by a surgeon. Unfortunately, I then found out I have to follow BCBS. I am a teacher and I wanted to get this done during the summer, but now I can't, and there is just no way I'm waiting another year. So medical leave it is, even if it pisses off my boss. I have plenty of time in my "bank", so there are no worries about that, but it is best that I minimize the amount of time off. I don't do heavy lifting, but lots of stairs (plus commuting on public transit) and I am on my feet all day. I'm wondering if two weeks will be enough or if I need three or even four. Any thoughts?

[GeminiSky 80]

I have a desk day job and im hardly on my feet, I took a total of 3 weeks but I also had RNY. It really depends on the type of job you have I would assume for you since you are on your feet all day and active probably 3-4 but I would also look at your short term disability benefits, etc.

[nibble 201]

It takes 10 weeks for the stomach to heal. The longer you can stay home to rest and heal the better for your overall health. I am 4 weeks out and now able to avoid a nap, but then I am also 70. :-). Having said all that, go back when your doctor clears you to go back to work. When you DO return, try to go back on a Wednesday or Thursday to make it a short week. Those first couple days will be exhausting. Hopefully you won't have complications that delay your return plans. Just be sensilble about it.

[Swanton_Bomb 522]

Thank you for the advice. Much appreciated.

[Jess01 19]

1 week

[BostonWLKC 806]

I had mine over winter break from school. Bypass 2 days before break and back to work after break about 10 days later. Was perfect but could’ve done sooner if I had to.

Was a good time to do it for me- when we return it was a short week too!

[Swanton_Bomb 522]

Thank you all for your advice. I still have three more weigh-ins before I can apply to the insurance company (soooo nervous about getting approved). I've done all of my tests and evaluations except for bloodwork and that can't be done until the 5th month. I would feel so much better if I knew I was approved and could work on my surgeon with a date. I know the beginning is exceptionally touch, and I just kind of want to get it over with.

[newlife082318 10]

Next time you see the doctor, or even the coordinator, ask if everything is met and approved by your Christmas break since you are a teacher, if you could do it then. They may be willing to work with you. My surgery isn't until next week but I'm hoping I'm only out 2 weeks. I have a desk job and can close my door and nap if I need to. Hopefully you can try and do some of your lessons from a chair (unless you are a PE teacher). Stairs might be tough. Can you take an elevator for a few weeks?

[hope2 35]

I am planning on going back on day 4. I have a job that is very flexible to my needs. Saying that if I need more time I can take it. I went back to work day 3 after a hysterectomy. I am the type of person who needs to move.

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[AshMarie794 164]

I am taking a total of 12 days off work. But I have a desk job so that I think plays a part. You could always go back with restrictions if you have a job that you had to be on your feet or do any bending and lifting.

[rosie6 10]

On 8/10/2018 at 4:01 PM, Swanton_Bomb said:

How much time did you take off from work? I started the process for WLS in April and I had no idea that it took so long. I have two different insurances, one for doctors (GHI Emblem Health)and one for hospital (BCBS) and I thought I would have a surgery date in 3 months because that's what GHI allows if you are supervised directly by a surgeon. Unfortunately, I then found out I have to follow BCBS. I am a teacher and I wanted to get this done during the summer, but now I can't, and there is just no way I'm waiting another year. So medical leave it is, even if it pisses off my boss. I have plenty of time in my "bank", so there are no worries about that, but it is best that I minimize the amount of time off. I don't do heavy lifting, but lots of stairs (plus commuting on public transit) and I am on my feet all day. I'm wondering if two weeks will be enough or if I need three or even four. Any thoughts?

You must work for NYC as I had the same issue. GHI says that you can have it with 3 months supervised however the city has contracted with BC/BS to approve the procedure and they have a 6 month rule that they use. Makes no sense to me that GHI says three months when they know that it s not an honest statement . I plan on taking off one week . Two at the most and I commute as well. I think that if you get up and start exercising for 20 mintues per day starting day 1 it helps you get your energy and strength back faster. What hospital are you using ? My MD submitted the pre approval at 3 months and it was denied , but his office kep the case open and I was approved three days after they submitted the 6 months of medical notes. My surgery is Sept 25

Edited September 16, 2018 by rosie6

[ChellNC 162]

After my surgery I was only out of work for 2 weeks and I have a desk job. I should have taken off 2 1/2 weeks. Those first 2 days were extremely difficult even though I only worked a few hours. Thankfully my boss is very understanding and has let me be flexible. But I wish I had taken off more time.

I think the anxiety about receiving the approval is normal. We just need to know we can have it.

[Lindsey1215 0]

I took off 4 days including the surgery day. I had a completely uneventful recovery and feel great. My surgeon said he’d write me off for 2 weeks if I wanted but I felt so good and really needed my mind busy, the liquid diet is harder than it sounds!

[Swanton_Bomb 522]

On 9/15/2018 at 10:41 PM, rosie6 said:

You must work for NYC as I had the same issue. GHI says that you can have it with 3 months supervised however the city has contracted with BC/BS to approve the procedure and they have a 6 month rule that they use. Makes no sense to me that GHI says three months when they know that it s not an honest statement . I plan on taking off one week . Two at the most and I commute as well. I think that if you get up and start exercising for 20 mintues per day starting day 1 it helps you get your energy and strength back faster. What hospital are you using ? My MD submitted the pre approval at 3 months and it was denied , but his office kep the case open and I was approved three days after they submitted the 6 months of medical notes. My surgery is Sept 25

Yes, I work for NYC too. Thanks for the info. I was so disappointed when I learned it was going to take twice as long! My doctor told me no exercising except walking for a month, I can't imagine doing that on day one. Your surgery is in just a few days, best wishes for a quick recovery!

[Russ D 115]

I was back full time (on my feet, active 8-hour days) in twelve days. That hurt, but I did it.