Had Plastic Surgery consult - ThinnerTimes

bridgetgirl · 09-22-2004, 03:56 PM

Had it yesterday with J. Timothy Katzen Md, great guy. He came highly remommended from alot of peeps at ObesityHelp, anyways, I had the consult and he is submitting to my insurance tomorrow! Woo hoo. Now its time to sit and wait. I will share with you what happens. Keep your fingers crossed....

I know alot of folks have had concerns because I am only 7 months out, but the plastic surgeon agreed with Dr. C, that I'm done and that I have pretty much pateaued...... Im done, no longer losing, just have to keep those new habits up, diligently. Crazy huh?

I told the folks at my job today, and my supervisor asked me what is the recovery time for such a procedure (body lift and thigh tuck)? I told her 6 weeks, she said, You know we cant hold your job for that long...."
They freaking held it for longer than that when I got pancreatitis after surgery! But ya wanna know what I did? I didnt say anything... ya wanna know why? Cause I dont care. I guess I could collect State Disabilty AND employment for a few months and take care of me, right? I am soooo ready to take care of myself now... Can you believe my supervisor's response though?

Christina · 09-22-2004, 04:03 PM

Bridget,

I believe it, but I would believe it more if you had MY boss. They told me the same thing a week after my surgery. Well they said they needed to know when I was going to be back to work because they needed to know if they had to place an ad in the paper. I was like.. ummm if someone is on disability doesn't that mean that you can't fire them?? His response was I can't guarantee that YOUR position will be available and if we don't have anything else you are qualified for then you will not be in very much luck. What the heck!!! Anyway congrats and good luck with the plastic surgeon.

Blueyz · 09-22-2004, 05:36 PM

Why do employers have to be so terrible?

Bridget, I am happy you did not say anything. You didn't let them get the best of you. As for your lift and all, I hope the insurance will cover.

Christina, your employer isn't very nice either. Maybe they are just jealous and don't understand the importance of this surgery.

You girls are better than your employers and I know there are many jobs where they will appreciate and respect you girls.....and the laws.

stakeda · 09-22-2004, 07:07 PM

Bridget & Christina,
Aren't your employers walking a "fine line" here? Aren't these statements against the law?

watergirl · 09-22-2004, 07:42 PM

You both need to check out the family medical leave act. If you invoke this, they must hold A job for you. They are time frames that you'll need to check on, if you've already taken it within a year, stuff like that. They don't pay you while you're out though.

Your working situations suck big time. You have more patience than I would have. Like everyone has said, you deserve better than this and another company would benefit from having you working for them, and gracing their halls with your presence.

lealphachienne · 09-22-2004, 09:16 PM

The FMLA doesn't cover for elective surgical procedures. However, you can qualify for State short-term disability. Either way, I believe they have to hold your job unless it's proven by the employer that you'll be unable to do your job.

QueenB · 09-23-2004, 08:49 AM

Wow that sounds amazing........the cosmetic work, not the issues with your boss. Explain to me how they go about getting your insurance to cover that kind of surgery, that sounds like a dream. I will keep my fingers crossed for you, keep us updated

barbana64 · 09-23-2004, 09:31 AM

Isn't it true that "reconstructive" surgery is not "cosmetic" surgery? Reconstuctive surgery may be elective, like after a mastectomy you choose to have breasts! Then after losing so much weight for health purposes, and elect to have the residual removed for additional health reasons, how can that be called "cosmetic" surgery? Bridget, if you definitely want to have reconstructive surgery, document the intimate problems you are experiencing with your regular doctor as well: Backaches, hygiene, rashes, sores, etc. should be addressed.

As far as your job is concerned, there are laws in place that protect you. Find out what the law is. Don't tell your supervisor anymore until you have a surgery date, then go through the proper channels at work just as you did when you had the RNY.

Good luck to you. You are a very bright light in many lives; you are supportive, proactive, open, sensitive and aware. You are learning how to do what is good for you too. Don't let a single person keep you from achieving your personal goals.

Barb C.
7/14/04-Dr. C.

bridgetgirl · 09-23-2004, 11:28 AM

Yeah the statement was a bit harassing, but I documented it... here!

Also, like you said Barb , I thinks it is considered reconstructive and medically necessary because of problems I am having with the skin.
Unfortunately if you work for a company with less than 50 employees, regardless of how long you have worked there you are not protected by the FMLA. We dont have short term disability benes here either. Your right Barb, Im not gonna say another word about it until I get THE date (or if I even get one at all.) I will file my disability paperwork, put in a request for time off, and if they have to "fill my position" while I'm away and ultimately fire me, I will file for unemployment and they can kiss my hiney! I just want overall wellness, and my employer is not in my long term future! Just the short term because they pay for my medical insurance! We'll see what happens, I will be sure to let you know how things transpire with the Plastic Surgeon and Insurance as well as my employer.

Queen B look at Barbana's response, just document, document! I have PPO insurance and the plastic surgeon I went to visit is a miracle worker when it comes to getting things approved! (At least thats what I hear.) The Dr said I may get a letter from Blue Cross asking more details about my rashes, but sometimes that happens and sometimes it doesnt. I would suggest every time you get an irritation, rash or whatever to take a picture of it and document the area and what is happening.

ahhhsukisuki · 09-24-2004, 07:28 AM

You Go Girl! Don't let anyone hold you back. They can hold your job if they want to and if they don't... well you only live once.You go and have your surgery and then find a better employer that will stand by you.