Valentina

@ kmmori: No. Thank YOU!! Being the OP of this thread took strength.

Again, I caution do NOT antagonize Adm. You will find yourself unemployed. There are soooo many ways for an Adm. to "get rid of" a "bothersome" employee. Maybe not today, or tomorrow, but they have time on their side. I am in no way suggestion you lay down to be walked upon. I'm only suggesting that you take the higher road and be direct, but gracious in your demands. You have already involved your supervisor, so leaving him/her out of the process now is not going to happen. Work WITH HR. Be the stand up employee that demonstrates that you can negotiate the time off you want without getting yourself onto Administration's "get rid of" list'. (and yes, such lists are a reality.) On this date: MY opinion.

I take it that 9/12 is unacceptable to you? Can you trade with another employee? Can you "bump" another employee because of seniority? Think! Think! Think! How can you get a closer date/????? Even though, in the Fall, you won't have the "summer heat" to battle.,,,BUT I understand how eager you are to "get started". I was too. I will put my thinking cap on. Do you actually have a surgery date or is that what you are going to discuss with your team at your next visit? Keep posting. I'm with ya!

Oh, I think this thread has been worthwhile. Many changes have taken place. Many rants have been vented. No longer is "the elephant in the room" going to be able to be ignored. Yes, this thread has been very worthwhile.

Hello, I would ask your bariatric team. They have the most experience with your particular ins. co.. I never had an exact amount to lose. At the end of 4 months, I just had to be lighter than I was when I started. Good luck and let us know what you find out.

Welcome to the Group! I look forward to watching your progress and your WLS journey. WLS is truly life changing. Hang on! Enjoy the ride! Wishing nothing but the most joyful journey for you, Friend.

If you are sure that the union will not step in and "take control", and you feel you have done everything as "rightfully" as possible, THEN It's time for other things "to take place"... Maybe it's time to have "emergency surgery" when you get closer to your WLS date???? There are many ways of coming in "through the back door", but keep in mind that doing so will not ingratiate you to/with Adm. I don't remember, sorry, but did you ask adm. what time period could you get the requested time off? Maybe working backwards like that might be an option. Stand strong and assertive---not aggressive. Hoping nothing but the best for you. Please keep me up on your progress. Yes, I really care.

Hello, friend, IF one works in a healthcare facility and it is a "closed shop"--meaning everyone HAS to belong to the union, once there is any issue with a situation that has been already negotiated by administration and the union, the union representatives will automatically be notified of the issue and "wham, bam", they will take over the situation. When I had my surgery --many life times ago (), I asked for 3 surgery dates. It was much easier to negotiate the time off when admin./myself had options. (just saying, that's what worked for me especially being the facility's Regional Union Rep.) I have witnessed this many many times. The process is lengthy and the original grievant feels totally left out. I'm just suggesting that the one should TRY and work it out graciously while one still has a say. It is never a good idea to antagonize the folks one works with/for UNLESS given no other choice.

I just passed my 5th year anniversary of my sleeve surgery. "Way back then", sleeves were not the "gold standard". Bypass was. Anyway If I can be of any help, just shout out.

Please be honest! The only one you hurt by not telling them everything or answering honestly is yourself. They are there to make sure you are prepared for life after surgery! If you have any "issues" - they will work with you at addressing them. Taking advantage of therapy or counseling is the best thing you could do for yourself! Yep! Exactly what she ^^^ said.

Thank you for that joyful post, ISG. Just reading it over and over, "makes me feel good". Some days that's not an easy thing to do, but thanks to you, today ---I feel good.

Meet you at the ,"Losers' Bench". sleep well, Friend. When you wake up, you be "one of us". maaawwwwhhhhhaaaa!!!!

Isn't it wiser to offer an angry bull an apple than to put a stick in his eye? What I mean by that is IF you decide to "fight" about getting your time off (which I believe you should be able to do), you might win the battle but lose the war. Are you unionized? If so and if your union gets involved and represents you in your grievance, you could possibly (very possibly) not have a word to say about the proceedings. Remember, the union has to represent the entire membership. You are just one member--yes, as important as any other, but still a single member up against the masses. AND if your grievance goes into "union court", you will be there well into the FALL if not longer. I would suggest (with a background of being an union negotiator and rep for many years), that you take a deep breath and try to work your request for time off in a peaceful manner FIRST. One this day, this is MY opinion. I wish only the best outcome for you. Praying you will have a joyful WLS journey. Really I do.

Yes. I obtained a new doctor and NUT and am starting the full liquid stage today and am on protein! Yay!!! At the grocery store shopping now. They both agreed that 5 weeks of no Protein is dangerous! Thanks for thinking of me!!! Always and anytime, my friend. Great job of standing strong when you KNEW something was wrong.

May your guardian angels watch over you. I say a wee prayer for all of my WLS "sisters and brothers". Tonight I'll light a candle just for you. Meet me on the "Losers' Bench". You will like it there where you can sit and rest for a moment. Be Strong. Be joyful. Your journey is about to begin. How exciting!!!!

Careful! Is your state, "a right to fire state"? If it is, and you want to keep your job, tread lightly. Work WITH your employer and see what progress you can make in getting the time off peacefully. Unionized? Doesn't matter IF you're in "a right to fire state" and your union did not put "binding arbitration" into your last contract. How much notice are you giving them right here at peak vacation time? What if 500 employees all wanted to have the same time off for a "non emergency" surgery? In most states healthcare workers have different standards and guidelines as far as scheduling a 24/7 around the clock patient caring facility. I know I am playing the devil's advocate, but you need to think of these things when negotiating for the time. Do you have any seniority? I would just like to suggest that you try to talk to your supervisor before getting nasty. What do you have to lose by trying it this way---first? I wish you the very best and hope your surgery dreams come true.

Try adding a little lemon to your water. Sometimes that will help.

You'll love it. I promise---well, I hope anyway. Sprinkle it on your entrée. Mix it into soups and stews. I shake it onto green salads. I forgot what stage you're at. I love the cheezy/bready taste it adds--as well as more Protein. Let me know if you like it or not. You can buy informational books about it on Amazon. Good luck, Friend.

Any update? Thinking about you and hoping the best...

I understand. You will no longer have the perfect body that the Lord gave you when he put you here. A little piece of "you" will be------where? "Medical waste". However I think of it as a "diseased" organ that needed to have an "abscess" removed before it killed me. I also felt that way about my uterus, appendix, and gallbladder. All gone due to some pustulating infection. When you think of a disease removed--allowing you to lead a more healthy life, I hope having part of your stomach removed won't be quite to traumatic. No. I don't think you're a weirdo, because that would make me one too-----well wait!!! Maybe?-----nope, we both are just fine. Hoping you have a joyful journey.

I called my insurance company first to see what their requirements were and if I met them. Then I made an appointment with a bariatric surgeon. Of course, keep in mind that that was almost 6yrs ago and things change. It's like looking for a new car. What's the sense of looking if you can't afford one? Once you meet with the surgeon just answer his questions--honestly and to the point. That way you will always tell the same answers. Good luck and let us know how your journey is progressing.

I know what a bummer this must be for you. So sorry you have to experience it. However, you will be surprised how fast the time will go. Start prepping your home and yourself for the upcoming and drastic change in your life. There's much to do. Much to read. Many questions to ask. Lots of research to do. Keep posting and asking. Your surgery will be here before you know it.

No excuse. It is their obligation not only to the community, but more importantly--TO YOU--the individual patient to become and live up to the merit of a "Center of Bariatric Excellence".

It is your RIGHT to see your surgeon --one on one. I realize that surgeons do their best "bedside manner" work when their patients are asleep, but your trust and confidence with his team--which ultimately HE is responsible for, is waning. I would be a wee bit assertive and see your surgeon and exchange with him your concerns, experiences and confidences lost. Good luck and stand strong!