RNY RECOVERY TIMES

Hello everyone,

I started on this forum back in the late summer/early fall. Depression and busy life led me away but I am back.  2012 is going to be my year. My new life.

I am curious about recovery information from those who have had an RNY.  I have talked to people who have had a VSG about their recovery but I hear it is harder for RNY patients.

How long did you take off from work? When did you go back?

Thank you. 

Mel

Hi Mel,

I had RNY approximately 7 weeks ago.  I had it done laproscopically.  I was off work for 6 weeks due to the nature of my job.  I think for lap RNY, my doctor will request 4 to 6 weeks off.  My recovery went really well and quite quickly.  I didn't need any gastric tubes which was nice.  I spent my last few weeks off trying to figure out a routine for eating/taking vitamns etc, more than per se recoverying.  I do hear that open RNY takes longer to recover due to the large cut they make and the gastric tubes needed. 

I am not sure about VSG recovery times, but I do think there is a big difference between having surgeries done laproscopically versus open when it comes to recovery.  Lap has an easier/quicker recovery time.

Giselle

Hi Giselle,

Thank you for replying to my posting.  I love technology today that we have laproscopic minimally invasive surgery.  I actually edited a video on it this year and I was really fascinated by how it works.

I haven't had my first appointment yet but I am starting my forever weight loss journey in January and I know that through discussions with my surgeon I will pick the right surgery for me however my partner is pressing on me to not consider recovery time when picking a surgery.  He wants me to take the time needed to heal.

Thanks again.

Mel

Hi Mel,

I had RNY 11 days ago,  and had open surgery due to previous surgeries that the Dr. felt was best for me cause of previous scarring. I had the NG Tube for 3 days, the drainage tube for 5 days and still have the G Tube, which will be removed this coming Monday along with all my staples.

Recovery for the most part has been ok.  The swelling in my esophogus is a bit frustrating, but it is getting better.  The Dr. has me off for 8 weeks, but i might try and go back to work before than as i have a office job that doesn't require too much strain or activities. 

I would really base your recovery time on how you feel and don't pu****!!  Take this time to heal and get to know your new diet.

Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions or if i can help more??

Lana

Hi Lana,

Thanks for replying.  Good luck on Monday.  I am glad to hear that you are recovering well but sorry to hear about the swelling.  It must be hard to drink those smoothies with your esophogus swollen.

Thanks for the advice.  A time to heal.  As I said to Giselle, my partner really wants me to focus on that and not worry about how long I would be away from work.  I'm a workaholic. I have a hard time taking vacation. 

What made you decided RNY?

Thanks.

Mel

Hello

I had RNY in 2009...I was off for 5 weeks...I have an office job...just to let you know!

Hope it helps

B

Hi B,

Thanks for the information.   I am glad you wrote that you had an office job.  I was curious as to how soon people go back to certain jobs. I assume a hard labour job would take longer to go back to work.  

I have an office job as well...mostly.  Every few months I have a project that I need to go out of the office and do some manual labour but not frequently.

Thanks.

Mel

 My job is mostly sitting at a computer as well.  But sometimes I have to lift file boxes on and off shelves.  So I do some lifting which I think is a no no for awhile.

Giselle

Hi Giselle,

Do you know how long you have to wait before you can lift things?

Mel

 I don't recall Dr. Nohr saying but I thought I read in some of his paperwork no lifting for 8 weeks.  I felt okay to lift at 6 weeks.  Only occasionally though.  Not a lot of reaching and grabbing above your head and lifting.  You will find that you will feel weak after lifting to much.  At least I did.  I felt some pulling in my belly area where the cuts were.  I would go by how you feel.  But I don't think I would do any heavy lifting before 6 weeks.

Giselle