How Long were you off work after surgery?

Hello Everyone, This is my first post here. My nurse at the hospital told me about this site and I am so happy she did... I had my surgery ( roux-en-y gastric bypass) on Fri. Jan 12, 2007 I originally thought I would return to work after 2 weeks but at my pre-op appt. I was told to stay off work 4 weeks in order to recover and to get use to my "New" way of eating. SO I let my boss know, she wasn't happy about it cause I am fairly new to the company. However, when I interviewed I did tell them I was in the process of being approved for a surgery. Hubby feels that I should rush back in order to secure my job but I feel like I need more time (the 4 weeks). So I was just curious how long most people stayed off work after the surgery. Thanks for the feed back

Hi - I had lap surgery on 1/8/07 and went back to work on 1/17/07 ( 9 days after surgery) - I basically sit at a computer or in meetings all day. I do however commute in to NYC_ about 1 hr each way on the bus. I had no trouble w/ food or adjusting to when I had too eat. I was actually looking forward to come back to work, I got bored at home and it's nice to focus on something other than the wls and food. I guess it depends on how you feel, I felt great and had no problems. You have to do what's best for you - good luck.

I had open RNY on January 8th. I'm going back Friday the 26th. School starts for me the 25th. I probably would of taken longer, however at my employer, if i had not been there 2 years, my disability would be at 50 percent. I could of waited till May (my 2 yr hire date) to have the surgery and taken off with 100 percent pay. I just needed the surgery to fit in with my school schedule (winter break) and I decided to take 2 weeks vacation. That way I got paid my 100 percent pay. I work at a group home where everything is just a lot of verbal redirection. It honestly depends on the type of work you do, too. You need to listen to your body as my surgeron told me. Remember you, yourself is the most important aspect here. There are many jobs, but only one you.

Hey there Michelle. I had my RNY on Dec 29th and planned on returning to work 2 weeks post op. I got dehydrated and malnurished my second week and had to take third off. I returned on Monday and am doing pretty good. I get tired a little and weak at times but for me it is not too bad. You need to listen to your body and not be concerned about work too much. I know work is necessary but your health is more important. I was covered under fmla because the surgery was medically necessary so my employer, as awesome as they were in helping me, really could not have let me go for being off. Good luck Sabrina

It depends on what you do. I work as a nurse and my doctor wanted me off for 6 weeks. I had surgery on Jan 2 and I am going back to work tomorrow. I had to convince my doctor that I could do it and if it was too much I would back off. It really is going to depend on how you feel. I know I am ready to go back to work, but not too sure about my 10 hour shifts. Your body will let you know and just talk to your doctor. Dont do too much too fast!! Nikki

I had open rny on Jan. 3rd --- I took 2 weeks off from both of my jobs & went back. I also have a busy little one & husband.... so far so good!!! I think everyone is different!! Best of luck!!! Sheri

Hi I just wanted to Thank all of you for your replies...I decided to take off the 3rd week and see how I feel...

It is amazing how employers thoughts change closer to the date. Employers are only worried about their monetary loss not you personally. I was going to just miss 8 days of work. After my boss told me I would have to use all my vacation time for the year. I realized how important this is for me. Disability will help, I will not return until I am 100% healed and have created an excellent exercise regime. Jobs will come and go and you need to take care of you. After week three, remember if you don't feel great use your time off. This is your opportunity to maximise the result of your surgery. I sure know I will. The lack of my employer of 13 years to be completly supportive has given me the desire to only worry about me. God Bless Kevin

My surgeon says general rule of thumb for them is recommended 4 weeks. Since I have an employer that is understanding about life events outside of work, I was able to take the full 4 weeks off. It's unfortunate that some employers are so selfish as not to consider the health of the employee. OK it's one thing if they are gone all the time, but this is not an everyday thing we have done here. I think your decision of 3 weeks is a good one and if you don't feel quite right yet, maybe you should consider 1 more week.