First Day Back to Work

Okay I know I can't complain that much.. I had 6 weeks post op to rest and recover.. but today was my first day back.. (now keep in mind I did not give detail to my boss or coworkers as to what type of surgery I was getting) Besides being exhausted - one of my coworkers who just returned from vacation brought everybody a chocolate bar. My other coworkers invited me to lunch (so I asked them to order me Egg Drop Soup) . And now I am reading how people 3 years post op still need naps.. WHAT?? I dont have any time for a nap if I am suppose to work and work out and take care of my house and family!!!

Maybe they need the nap because they are 3 years older

Congrats on going back to work. I know it isn't fun!! I went back two weeks ago, but now I start school next week on top of work. I am just one ball of stress! Thankfully I have gotten in the habit of exercising every day, I think it is the only thing keeping me from pulling my hair out. The hardest thing for me is to keep drinking while I am at work. I get so caught up in what I am doing that I forget to sip on my water. Anyone have any tips???

This was my first day back,too. I found myself a little tired, but that was more about having to get up at 7 a.m. instead of sleeping in until 8 the way I had been doing, I think. My big issue of the day was relearning to navigate the cafeteria at school. I am SO lucky -- we have a lot of good and healthy options that will make having lunch easy -- but it is still going to be a learning experience because I was used to doing things a certain way. Today when I scoped out the hot entrees, the salad bar and the deli bar, I ended up with a chicken patty (took off the breading) and two slices of tomato. I could only eat 3/4 of the patty and half of one slice of the tomato before being totally full. (Not complaining, believe me!) It was very strange to look at my plate and realize what a small amount it was compared to what I ate pre-surgery. What was weirdest of all was that, even though I am still by far the heaviest person at my regular lunch table, I had the smallest lunch! It was very strange for me mentally. The next smallest lunch was a friend who had a regular sandwich and some yogurt with fruit and nuts in it (all very healthy) and I realized that was at least 6 meals worth for me! I didn't feel deprived at all, but it was just a mind-blowing experience to realize how much my view of what an edible amount is.

Wow.. I am not allowed Chicken OR Tomatoes yet.. It's SO frustrating what I am "allowed" to eat. Soft and mushy or crunchy/starchy.. fish/eggs/cheese.. I would love to have a fresh Jersey tomoto right about now.. I use to love Tomato sanwiches.. yup just tomatoes between toast w/ some mayo and salt.. I had egg drop soup and a wedge of cheese for lunch. and a english muffin (1/2) with 2 pieces of chees for dinner... going batty with the cheese and soup

Ah...ha ha ha. I have one of those jobs where if you're gone too long, they just might forget you work there. So I had to go back after one week. And even THEN, I had to use 1.5 days of vacation due to new ownership. And this is a big company where I have held a "professional" position for 11 years! I don't know, though. I was getting a little bored. (My husband doesn't come home until 6 and we have no kids.) Once the pain meds ran out, I needed something to do. Work seemed just about as constructive as anything else..... Your energy will come back. It HAS to, if you don't have a choice. And with taking care of house and family in addition to your job, it looks like you don't have a choice!

I started back last week after 6 weeks off, just woke up from my nap (530pm - 800pm) and am getting ready to go back to bed for the night. I'm exhausted! Luckily my hubby gets home at noon everyday and takes care of the house and my daughters now 16 and drives herself to school and cheer practice. I don't know how I'd handle it otherwise! Best of luck! I Am Stronger Than Myself Janice