What's the average time to return to work?

Hi all, just wondering what the average time is that most return to work after Lap RNY and how it went. My surgery was on the 21st and my 2 week post op appt. is on the 7th. I'm afraid he will say it's ok to go back but I don't think I'm ready. Am I worrying for nothing? Comments will be appreciated.... P.S. Went thru my first dumping syndrome tonight.

Hi Pat, I can understand how you are feeling - at 2 weeks out I sure didn't feel ready to go to back to work either! I had a open DS and had very little pain with it - I was off all painkillers by the time I left the hospital on day 6. I am sure everyone's experience is different, but my partner and I own a business and I was feeling guilty not working when I was feeling fine by week 3 so I went back and it has been great. I think the pressure to go back was greater for me, but there really was a HUGE difference in how I was feeling between week 2 and 3. I think I have been very lucky so it would probably not be a good idea to gauge your recovery based on mine, as most people take a little longer than this. Many people start out by going back part-time, maybe you could negotiate this with your boss? I doubt very much that any WLS would think that you should be going back to work at 2 weeks post op, but if your surgeon suggests this to you, you might want to let him know about your fears. GOOD LUCK - Anne

Anne, thanks for your response. I can see why you went back so soon and glad that it went well for you. It is your own company so you can work back into it at your own pace. No one to put pressure on you. I think my fears are from their lack of support thru all this. They were upset every time I had to go to "another" appt. to get ready for the surgery and b/c I was approved so quickly by my ins. and scheduled for surgery so quick after that they felt like I didn't give them enough notice for when I was going out. All they care about is how soon I will be back so they don't have to do my work. So, I don't think they'll understand if I'm in the bathroom b/c my bowels aren't working right today, or if I'm tired b/c of lack of fluids or vitamins or, or, or..... And we won't even go into the stress level on my job. See why I'm not ready to go back. I need to think about what is best for my health b/c they won't. And boy what an inconvenience it would be if I have a complication and had to go back out. Sorry, rambling..... Anxiety !!! I think you're right though, I'll let my Doc know how I feel. Thanks again. Pat

Hi Pat, I had both open and close surgery on Jan 18th. I will be returning to work on Feb 22nd. I feel pretty good. The company I work for will not let me bac****il the Doctor clears me and the company nurse. They want to make sure that I am healthy enough to work. I understand your fears. I don't think that they will OK you after two weeks. The doctors first wanted me to go back March 7th! Keep me posted.... Jen

I had my surgey on the 18th, and came back to work on the 31st . I had too. I was kinda depressed and feeling sorry for my self, and was sliding into a deep depression. It did me a world of good to get back to work as soon as I did, and I am feeling great. I think my Dr. would have let me stay out longer if I wanted, but I didn't. So I pretty much think it's up to you depending on your Dr. And tell him how you feel, that your not ready, and I'm sure everything will be ok.

Hi... My doctor encourages everyone to return to work as soon as possible. I was scheduled to go back to work after 2 1/2 weeks but came down with bronchitus on the weekend before I was due back and ended up staying out another week. This is my first week back (surgery 1/5 and returned to work on 1/31)... I am very tired, but I'm not sure if thats from the surgery necessarily or from still having a cough. I have been going home a little early everyday... only spending 8.5 to 9 hours here instead of my normal 11. Good luck to you and just explain to him your concerns - I'm sure things will work out Patty

Hi, I had open RNY and I went back to work after two weeks. I was happy to go back because I was feeling depressed and sorry for myself and VERY bored. I have a job that I'm sitting all day at and I work at my own pace in my own office though.

I could have gone back in 2 weeks after my check up..but my Doc left it up to me..I was a bit sore on the left side and regular pants hurt still...but I feel great otherwise..so I am being treated to an extra week..returning the 14th!..(5 days shy of a month....how time flies when you're having fun!). Sher'