FMLA/time off question

[blessedbeauty85 6]

My surgery date is 1/4/13, and when I was reading over my pre op information packet, it said that they only grant 2 weeks off of work for FMLA. My question is....is 2 weeks just a standard number that they throw out there to give you an idea of your estimated down time? Because what if my body feels like I need more time off? I know everyone recovers differently.

[atelux17 135]

I was given 6 wks off, but I'm a nurse & have a physically active job.

[abridgie 73]

I was given 4-6 weeks off because i'm in the job field where i could possible be hit and he was worried about getting hit in the stomach but honestly i was ready to go back to work by the second week

[Kayargh 112]

I believe the 2 weeks off is an average time that your body needs to heal enough to start light duties at work. I found I needed 3 weeks - i was blessed to have no complications but did have a large hernia that took more time to fix than the sleeve took to perform. I really could have done with more time off however that had more to do with the exhaustion that set in rather than my actual surgery site.

[blessedbeauty85 6]

Well those of you who had more than 2 weeks off, did your surgeon ask you if you were ready to go back to work at your first post op appointment and you requested more time? Or were you just given a certain amount of time from the beginning?

[RareGold3000 185]

I was off work for 4 weeks, since my job is not a desk job. My FMLA paperwork that the surgeon signed was for 4 weeks. They suggested that time frame at my first appt with him. As many people will say here, 2 weeks is good if your job is not too physical or strenuous.

[blessedbeauty85 6]

I was off work for 4 weeks' date=' since my job is not a desk job. My FMLA paperwork that the surgeon signed was for 4 weeks. They suggested that time frame at my first appt with him. As many people will say here, 2 weeks is good if your job is not too physical or strenuous.[/quote']

I just do a lot of driving and I see on here a lot of people complaining about being tired or exhausted going back to work and I don't want to place myself, or those in my care at risk operating a vehicle.

[jen1211 203]

That is a question that you need to ask your physician. There is no way I will be ready to go back at 2 weeks but I work 12 hour shifts and do a lot of lifting

[abridgie 73]

i was given 4 weeks off and i go back for my post op on Jan 7 then we decided if i can return but i'm ready

[Ballermom 803]

i was given 4 weeks off and i go back for my post op on Jan 7 then we decided if i can return but i'm ready

I m too wondering who fills out the FMLA papers your Surgeon or Pcp. Have a very physical job. My Surgeon said 4 weeks but what if I need 6?

[notmeanymore 629]

I took 3 weeks. I have an office job but it can be physical at times so just to be safe I took 3. I just told my surgeon that Id like 3 weeks off and he said 'ok, no problem'. It was fine with my HR dept and when I filed for FMLA, they actually approved me for 6 weeks but Im going back after 3 weeks. Even though Ive had no complications, Im glad I took 3 because Im at 2 weeks now and am just now starting to not need naps.

[Dcline 23]

my surgeon filled out my FMLA. I asked for 3 weeks, but he called and said because I am a teacher and will be exposed to germs, etc. that he wanted me to take at least 4 weeks.

[ebonisekim 1,713]

I don't kno 2weeks might be standard I can take off up to 12 week and get more time if doc says so but I think you might need more I don't kno I plan on taking 4 months so I can have my meals and Water intake under control

[Tesla1979 12]

The surgeons office filled out my FMLA. They just asked me how long I wanted to be off my response was, at least 6 weeks. (I'm an MRI tech in a hospital setting & it's very physically demanding) I didn't want to do any lifting on pts & tear anything, & I'm exposed to some very bad diseases & didn't want to be around any of that with open wounds. With all that being said, the dr office filled out my fmla paperwork for 8 weeks!!! It was great to have that time to concentrate on myself & healing, getting used to the new way of eating & all the fluids. If I worked at a less physically demanding job & no germs, I could've went back to work within 2 weeks easy. Best of luck on your journey!!

[NysiOklahoma 7]

Mine offered two weeks for non physical jobs, I went back after 6 days, I have a very non demanding desk job and a very very supportive support group at work.