How'd You Feel Returning to Work?

How long after surgery did you return to work, and how did you feel? I had Lap RNY Sept. 28th and I'm going back to work on Monday. My schedule is four ten hour days a week, but I'm just not sure if I can handle a ten hour day. I'm a secretary and sit at the computer most of the day , so I'm assuming I will be able to handle it. My doctor faxed the boss a return to work slip with a "no lifting anything heavier than 20 pounds" restriction, so everything is all lined up. Funny, I thought I'd go to so many movies while I was off work, but haven't gone to even one. Is it possible I'm afraid to smell the aroma of all that buttered popcorn and not be able to have any? I'm a die hard buttered popcorn junkie. Pam

Pam, Well... I am the exception. I did not follow all the rules, I BROKE all the rules! My surgery was on 9/26/05 and was an open RNY, I was not released from the Hopsital until 9/30. I returned to work on 10/3. I am a Legal Assistant for a Sole Practice Bankruptcy Attorney and there was no way I could miss more work than one week and right at the crucial time before the Bankruptcy Laws were changing. My bosses wife was VERY MAD at me for returning to work so fast, but there is no one else in the office and when the boss doesnt know how to do all that I do... then.... I gotta be here! I normally work 8-5 M-F, on 10/3 I worked 8-330 and took a nap on my lunch from 12-1. The rest of that week I worked 8-430 and again took naps everyday on my lunch hour. I have been working full days plus some since 10/10. On your first week back I would definitely suggest that you nap on your lunch hour and rest on your breaks. As for the popcorn... I am of no help there as I do not care for popcorn, so the aroma does not bother me at all. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers next week. Keep us updated on how you do! Anne-Marie

OMG Girl Your TUFF !!!!! I had open and it just drained me. as a matter afact I am still drained at 5 weeks. I am still sore. I give you credit Take Care Barb

I had lap rny on Sept 1, 2005 Thursday. Went home Sunday and returned to work Tuesday. I run a daycare 24 hours aday with 12 kids at a time. I did not lift as I potty trained 4 kids this summer before surgery. I went to sleep 7 at night as my husband would care for the children. I would start at 4:30 though. I have not had pain issues and did not need naps. I probably could of but didn't. Good luck and I am sure you will be fine..

I had surgery on the 19th, back to work half days on the 28th, but missed lots of full days from pain or feeling sick. Full time on the 12th, but again missed a few days from ickiness. But financially, I need a full paycheck ASAP!

I had my surgery on Sept 8 which was a Lap . I return to work on Oct 24 I took 6 weeks of and I'm glad i did because I need that time to regain my strenght and concentrate and what i need to do for me . Judy

My surgery was Friday, Sept 9...I left the hospital on Monday morning...was back at my desk on Wednesday. I worked 4 hours each day Wed, Thurs & Fri and was back full time the following Monday. I haven't missed any time due to any problems (Thank God I haven't had ANY problems at all). I am a financial controller/office manager for a company here on long island and if I hadn't gone back the employees would have come to my house and carried me back if not for any other reason than they wanted to be paid! I am not just short of 7 weeks out..have joined the gym (dr gave me permission at 6 week check up) and have gone every day since (5 in a row) I feel GREAT! Linda

Pam, I had my surgery 9/08 and took the full 6 weeks. I am glad I did, because I did not feel up to par until the 6th week. I had real problems with fatigue. But, I don't have a desk job, I am on my feet all day and work with kids. There is no way I could have done what some of these other people did, I was too wiped out! Good luck to you! Denise

Hi Pam I had lap RNY on Sept. 30 and went back to work a week later. I work 50-60 hour weeks, but I'm an editor, so a lot of the work is done from the computer. Honestly, if I could have gone back to work sooner, I would have. I was bored stiff at home. It was good to get back to work and get things back on track. Good luck! Kristine 265/240

Hi Pam, I had lap RNY on 9/20 - was off for three weeks and back to work part itme for the first week and then felt fine my 2nd week back. My only issue is being late in the mornings becasue it takes me so ldarn ong to eat my breakfast! I have to find a way to make that work! My hours are somewhat flexible as I am in property management. I was really ahppy to get back to work because I wanted to get back into mylife and figure out my new routine. GOod luck to you!