Question on going back to work...

I'm having surgery June 29th. I'm just trying to get a feel of how long people take off of work? thank you, Elana

I had surgery on 5/25, I am scheduled to go back 7/12, but because its summer and(evryone has probably heard this a million times) they(my employer) gave me such a difficult time about taking a medical leave(I HAD until wait until May (per union contract) and it actually worked out for me.) I may stay off until AUGUST!!!!!!! I think how long you take off depends on the person, whay type of surgery you have and what kind of work you do. I see most lap RNY take off 2-3 weeks and open RNY's take off 4-6 weeks.

I had lap RNY and stayed off 6 weeks. You need this time to learn how to eat and get some rest.

Thats true Karen! Especially on learning to eat again

Hi Elana - I had lap RNY on 5/17, and this was my first weeek back (3 1/2 weeks out), but only part-time. I'm still not able to do a full week. Stamina is the biggest issue - I have energy and then all of a sudden I fade fast. I read somewhere that if you can't get through a day without napping or lying down, you aren't ready to go back to work. Hope this helps! Heather

Hi Elana - I also had Lap RNY on 5/23 and my first day back is 6/20. My surgeon gave me 4 weeks off and I took it. Granted my short term disability kicked in so all my time off was paid for. I PROBABLY could have gone back after 3 weeks. But this last week I has been learning to eat and getting out more. Eat person is different, but I would say 2 weeks off is the minimum for Lap, and 3 weeks for open. Josh

I had lap rny on 5-15 and was ready to go back in 10 days, however I took an extra week for my own sanity. So I suggest if you have the time take it, if not you'll be ok to go back sooner. Take care of you, Debbie

Elana...though I do not have to work I really suggest you take the most time you can w/o getting into it with your employer. It really does take some time to get to learn how to eat...what you can eat and what you cannot. Who wants to DUMP at work?! I know I wouldn't. Best of luck to you. Hugs! Shele

Hi Elana, I had lap rny on 5/8. I only took off 3 weeks and returned full time. I have a desk job so it was pretty easy for me. I did not have any troubles at all, there was maybe one day that I was super tired by the end of the day, but really I was fine to be back after 3 weeks. Learning how to eat and keep up w/ all the water takes some adjustments. Everyone is different as I am sure you have learned. Good Luck! Kristen

I had surgery on May 12th and returned to work exactly a month later on June 12th! I could have probably took another week off, but as long as your still on ligh duty so you dont over do it, you should be fine!