Hi, Sandra: I was wondering, does your boss know what type of surgery you're needing? He may feel that since it's "JUST weight loss surgery" that it may be something you can put off for a long time, like say a face lift or something. If he could only understand how serious this is, perhaps he would be a little more flexible. How about hiring in some temporary help, since we get our surgery dates usually pretty far in advance (at least mine is, it's not til August!) then you would have time to train someone to take over while you're gone, just the same as if you were having to take maternity leave. I truly wish you the best on getting approval, both from insurance and your work! God Bless