Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

in my State, Hawaii. we have state disability insurance. had it in Ca too, for that matter. anyway, Dr. and my employer filled out all the required paperwork and sent it in. No problems at all, and I didn't have to burn my vacation time-I just used enough of those hrs to make the pay the same as usual. For your state, use the link below:
http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVERSION&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&dDocName=id_004088

(cut and paste into your browser if needed)

and scroll down to medical leave.

"Medical leave
People on MA-EPD who become unable to work because of a medical condition may stay on MA-EPD for up to four months. They must have a written, signed doctor's statement that says they are expected to return to work within four months. If they cannot return to work within four months, they cannot be on MA-EPD".

It looks like you can collect up to 4 months. Talk to your Dr. this is very common and straight forward.

Hope this helps.

Paki

I hadn't been at my employer a year yet--so I did not qualify for FMLA, but I did take off 4 weeks. I had 2 weeks vacation, the rest was short term disability--which I as well got paid 60%. My Dr. filled out all the necessary paperwork--most of it I did actually...they basically just had to say what I was having done and sign it. It's pretty normal, and should be something they're used to filling out. Best of luck to you!!! :)

Erica

I took one week paid vacation time then converted to short term disability that was 60% of my income. I was off work a total of 4 weeks but the first week back was hell and i should have taken 5 weeks. Now keep in mind I had the open procudure so my recovery was longer then others.

My doc signed off on all the necessary papers.

I was off work for two weeks. If I had the leave and was able I would have taken 3 which I think would have been optimal. However, I am a single mom with a car payment and a mortgage and 60% of my pay was not an option when you live paycheck to paycheck. I was in a bit of pain and exhausted that first week when I went back to work, but I got through it somehow. 3 to 4 week off work in my opinion (if you can manage it) is the best..then you can go back to work and actually feel good and be ready to face challenges. I went to work everyday exhausted and came home exhausted, but you know we all manage to do what we have to do to survive!!

I had my surgery on a Thursday and returned to work the following Monday. I am fortunate to have a desk job, and I wasn't inconvenienced at all. (Now, I can save all my vacation and sick time for when I get my loose skin removed!) My advice would be to be as prepared for a smooth and quick recovery as you would be prepared for a lengthier one...

I had my surgery on a Wednesday (Oct 7). I went back to work for 1/2 day on Friday (Oct 16). After 4 hours I was total exhausted, went home and collapsed. The following Monday (Oct 19) I returned full time but I really was not ready. I also have a desk job but just could not focus when tired.

If you can get 3 weeks off paid or partially paid, take it. I had no vacation or sick leave remaining and FMLA/short term dis. did not apply because I'd only worked for my employer for 10 months (1 year minimum required for FMLA). Thus, all my leave was unpaid. Still, I have no regrets.

I returned to work after 2 weeks and it was way too soon. If I could do it again, I would have taken a minimum of 3, but ideally 4 weeks off. It is major surgery and it takes some getting used to to manage meals when back to work.

I wish you all the best with your surgery!