How long should I take off work?? - ThinnerTimes

tryintolaughitoff · 10-25-2005, 12:20 AM

I work at a call center so my job is to pretty much sit there on the phone and talk to customers. I know that we need to walk after surgery and I can do that around my desk and breaks. I am just worried because I can only afford to take about a week off. I don't know what to do though because my insurance is changing at the end of the year and the new insurance doesn't cover GBS, so if I wait to save up I might not be covered anymore and I don't want to do that??

I work the 3pm-12 am shift so I have pretty much the whole day before I have to go to work.

Any suggestions??

Dara · 10-25-2005, 12:34 AM

Amanda:

If you're having your surgery done laparoscopically, you may be able to handle going back to work sooner than normal. I'm not so sure about an open procedure. I personally think the minimum amount of time off should be about two weeks, but everyone is different. I felt really good at two weeks post-op, but I had no stamina. I couldn't stay up all day.

I know there are people on the forum who went back to work really soon after surgery. You might try searching for threads about it.

In any event, good luck with your decision to be healthier.

2cats&adog · 10-25-2005, 01:04 AM

What about trying to schedule your surgery near a holiday like Thanksgiving, so that you can have more time off? I know that's not exactly how you would like to spend your holiday, but if you took off half the week before Thanksgiving, and the entire week of Thanksgiving, you might be able to pull off getting the most days possible.

...Or is there any way that your surgeon or PCP could write a letter to your boss that explains that you need more than a week?

Dara · 10-25-2005, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2cats&adog

What about trying to schedule your surgery near a holiday like Thanksgiving, so that you can have more time off? I know that's not exactly how you would like to spend your holiday, but if you took off half the week before Thanksgiving, and the entire week of Thanksgiving, you might be able to pull off getting the most days possible.

...Or is there any way that your surgeon or PCP could write a letter to your boss that explains that you need more than a week?

Trying to schedule your surgery around certain dates is certainly an option, but I think you'll find most surgeons give you a "take it or leave it" soonest date. You may have more luck if you try to schedule for a date far in the future. Then your surgeon may be more flexible. In any event, certainly call your surgeon's office and try. What's the worst answer you'll get? No? It's not like they're gonna cancel your surgery.

angieJ · 10-25-2005, 04:38 PM

Everyone's experience is different, but I only took 5 work days off of work (after lap RNY). It was a little difficult when I first went back to work to remember to be drinking protein, juice or water all of the time since I did not really get a chance to get used to the routine at home yet. I did have plenty of energy when I went back to work.

I wish you the best!

tryintolaughitoff · 10-25-2005, 09:23 PM

Thanks for everyone's advise!! I think I am just going to take the week but call and get FMLA if I need more...financially I'll just have to struggle for a while.

Doc J · 10-26-2005, 06:29 AM

I know laws vary from state to state, but in California, after you are out of work for a week State Disability Incurance starts and pays 66% of your pay. My company's insurance picks up the rest.
Check your state's disability insurance laws. It may allow you more time off to fully recover.

sbjim5755 · 10-26-2005, 07:24 AM

I'm taking two weeks off.....I was wanting to take more but the surgeon will only approve 2 weeks......If at the two week mark you are experiencing problems or pain....he will authorize more time. I hope to be back on my feet asap....hope you are too!!!!

Good luck.

tryintolaughitoff · 10-26-2005, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc J

I know laws vary from state to state, but in California, after you are out of work for a week State Disability Incurance starts and pays 66% of your pay. My company's insurance picks up the rest.
Check your state's disability insurance laws. It may allow you more time off to fully recover.

Thanks I will do that. I know that with my work you have to be out about three weeks before short term disablity kick in but I never though about check the state law.

tryintolaughitoff · 10-26-2005, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbjim5755

I'm taking two weeks off.....I was wanting to take more but the surgeon will only approve 2 weeks......If at the two week mark you are experiencing problems or pain....he will authorize more time. I hope to be back on my feet asap....hope you are too!!!!

Good luck.

Good luck tomorrow youw ill be in my thoughts and prayers!!