How am I going to get the time off for a tummy tuck?

Whispera, MSN, RN · Sep 4, 2011

While you get 2 weeks off, it's pretty possible you won't get them as soon as you start working. In other words, you'll earn them bit by bit over the first year you work. Even if you "have" them from day one, an employer isn't likely to let you have 2 weeks off all at once, especially if you've just started. It's not that common to get your vacation all at once if it's more than a week. There have to be special circumstances. I think, after you've worked awhile, get Family Medical Leave (you're part of your family) or general leave due to medical reasons, and then you could take the time off you need. I don't know how it might work if your tummy tuck is elective surgery. You wouldn't be paid for more time off than you've accumulated though.

How about getting it done before you start working?

Nascar nurse, ASN, RN · Sep 4, 2011

If you just started a new job you probably won't even get the 2 weeks until you have been there a year. You probably also don't have much if any sick time available and you are not eligible for FMLA until you have been employed a year. Sorry. Maybe your policies will be different then what I am used to.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Sep 4, 2011

Pushing that med cart will trim the gut. Wait until your vacation time comes up in a year, and see if you really need to pay someone to whittle off what 200 pounds of drugs and wheels will do, and get paid to do it!! You can't really go back to shoving those carts around right after 3 weeks- does the plastic surgeon know how heavy those things are ?

tyvin, BSN, RN · Sep 4, 2011

I don't mean to sound crass or rude but why don't you try it the old fashion way (that's my suggestion). You could save yourself money and see results in 3 to 6 months if you stick to a plan. What makes you think a tummy tuck is the answer ... I know 2 nurses who had tummy tucks and 1 year later; well you guessed it. The discipline has got to come anyway to insure success.

NurseLady1 · Sep 4, 2011

Thanks for all of the info WHISPERA , sounds like a plan. I wish I would have had it done over the summer, but I didn't have the $ then. I start the job next week. I guess I will just have to wait.

NurseLady1 · Sep 4, 2011

I don't mean to sound crass or rude but why don't you try it the old fashion way (that's my suggestion). You could save yourself money and see results in 3 to 6 months if you stick to a plan. What makes you think a tummy tuck is the answer ... I know 2 nurses who had tummy tucks and 1 year later; well you guessed it. The discipline has got to come anyway to insure success.

TYVIN, I wish there was an alternative, but my issue is loose skin from the stretching of pregnancies, not really fat. I will just have some patience and wait until the timing is right. Thanks.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Sep 4, 2011

TYVIN, I wish there was an alternative, but my issue is loose skin from the stretching of pregnancies, not really fat. I will just have some patience and wait until the timing is right. Thanks.

:heartbeat Just be sure the doc knows how heavy those carts are when you have it done- don't want to have something bust loose:eek: :)

Skips, MSN, RN · Sep 4, 2011

TYVIN, I wish there was an alternative, but my issue is loose skin from the stretching of pregnancies, not really fat. I will just have some patience and wait until the timing is right. Thanks.

I figured this was the reason instead of wanting to get rid of fat. I have loose skin from pregnancy, too. (:

Old.Timer · Sep 4, 2011

I don't mean to sound crass or rude but why don't you try it the old fashion way (that's my suggestion). You could save yourself money and see results in 3 to 6 months if you stick to a plan. What makes you think a tummy tuck is the answer ... I know 2 nurses who had tummy tucks and 1 year later; well you guessed it. The discipline has got to come anyway to insure success.

I think you might be confusing a tummy tuck and gastric bypass.

Sounds like OP did do it the old fashioned way and is now left with a lot of loose skin.

No amount of discipline and sticking to a plan is going to fix that.

I say wait a year till you qualify for FMLA and then have the plastic surgeon submit the paper work calling it "reconstructive surgery". It is....... they're reconstructing your tummy.:)

StarLite1980 · Sep 4, 2011

NurseSBA,

I sympathize with you. My sister was in the same situation after having four kids. She was so skinny but had all this loose skin, and her six pack that she once had was gone. It was really uncomfortable for her when she wore pants, because the bundled up skin was a problem. She had a tummy tuck and it was the best decision that she made. However, the recovery time was longer. She was physically fit because exercise and healthy habits are a part of her lifestyle. After 4 weeks she was able to go on brief walks. It took about 8 weeks to do a very light jog. It took a year before she was able to do pilates and other abdominal exercises. After 4 weeks, I doubt you will be able to push a medicine cart around or lift any patients. Take your time and really plan this out, you never know if you will have complications. If you have been able to deal with the loose skin for 10 years, one more year won't hurt. Hopefully by then you should be able to take a medical leave of absence. I wish you the best of luck.

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Sep 4, 2011

I had the "mommy makeover," including a breast lift, buttock lift, a complete abdominoplasty and major liposuction after my last child was born. Best thing I ever did for myself. My recovery time was about a month, but I think it was closer to 2 months before I picked up another shift.