Time off from work

Hi All: I was just wondering how much time everyone took off from work. I plan on having lap RNY. I was planning on 3 weeks. I have a very high stress/long hours job and did not know if 3 weeks off seems too long or short. Also do I need to bring whatever meds. I currently take to the hospital with me? Thanks, Chryssie

Hi Chryssie, First off you don't need to bring any meds with you to the hospital. You will be asked (a few times) for a list of the meds that you currently take at your group session and at your pre admission things. I typed them out so I could just give them to everyone instead of trying to remember and re-writing over and over. As far as time off goes. I took 4 weeks off from work. I could have gone back at 3 weeks but I didn't miss work as much as I thought I would. You might want to do 4 weeks if you can with a high stress job and long hours. It will take you a while to get your eating and drinking into a good routine and while going to work did help me alot with getting a good routine established, trying new foods etc. was better done at home. Are you going to be there on Tues? Hope so........ Linda

I took a week off and went back half days and built up to full days after three days. My job is mostly walking around and no real lifting. I am also lucky as if I got too tired I would go to my office and rest. I am self employed so I get no paid time off and was very motivated to get back to work. Dave

Dave: All I can say is WOW. That is unbelievable. My job does not require any lifting either. I work on a computer all day. However the stress does a number on my tummy now and I am pre-op I can only imagine post-op. You have really worked wonders with your weight loss tool and are inspirational to all of us. Thanks, Chryssie

Linda: You look so great!!! Thanks for the info. Good idea to type a list of meds. I am open to 4 weeks. The surgery & recovery is more important than any job. I will be at the Tuesday meeting. I would not miss it. Have a great weekend and see you soon. Chryssie

Hi Chryssie! I have an 18 year old daughter, her name is Christine goes by Chrissy. I have to just tell you how much I love how you spell your name!! Anyway, the biggest thing everyone tells me is the recovery from lap is much easier than open. Now you don't know for sure if he gets in there he may have to perform open right? Is that what they tell you? I took 6 weeks off, just because I can and I figured I wouldn't get much of a chance to ever do that. Even then, going back I went back part time for a week. I too sit at a computer and it does place a strain on my back and stomach. Also, this is baring any complications. I had an incision infection AND 2 strictures so that also set back my recovery time. OK, there's a point here. The point is, EVERYONE'S DIFFERENT!! You have to go by your own body, if your job allows you the time then take advantage of that. Why pu**** Let your body heal. It heals from the inside out. This is also my mantra of what to bring to the hosp.. A small fan, it's a lifesaver as the rooms run warm and so do we on pain meds. I also say take advantage of thier ice chips, keep them by your bedside. Your time is coming so soon, didn't we all tell you it would?? I am so happy for you. The best is yet to come! love and hugs Cheryl

Cheryl: I will with out a doubt take a fan with me. I sleep with one everynight because I like the sound it makes. I got hooked on the ice chips after my son was born. I can not believe that my time is coming. I figure by the end of August I will have "crossed over" to the loosing side. I have short term disability at work so really whatever time I need is mine. I started a new position (same company for 6 years) in April so I have a new supervisor & manager. I did go to my supervisor and tell her my upcoming plans. The summer is a busy time with everyone out on vacation and what not. I didn't want to just spring this on them. She seemed cool with everything. Thanks for your words of wisdom. I am so glad all of you are here. Have a great weekend!!! Chryssie

Hi Chryssie, I am so glad you brought this subject up! I am scheduled to go to the group meeting with Dr. Bell on 6/10, and I have no idea when the surgery will be scheduled. I had surgery at the end of 2003, and I had to use 6 weeks of my time, so I don't have a lot of time now. I have about 4 weeks +/-, so I'm hoping not to deplete that. Good luck. JA

JA: I will also be at Dr.Bell's group meeting on June 10th. From what I understand surgery usually follows with in 2 months of the group meeting. So I figure I will have surgery by the end of August. Will you be at Tuesday's support group meeting at Yale? Have you met Dr. Bell yet? I really feel he is the best Dr. for me. You will love him. Best Wishes, Chryssie

Hey there Chryssie... I'd recommend you take as much time as you can. You've got a whole new life and routine that you need to adjust to. Having said that, I took off 2 full weeks and in week three I went pack for 1/2 days. I had intended to start back full time in week 3, but I just didn't have the energy. I wasn'ts so much in pain, just kind of exhausted easily. I had open, but again, most of my issues pertaining to 'doing a day's work' didn't relate to the incision or pain. Some of the difficult things with going back: planning organizing and finding time to eat right and pay attention to what I was eating, including tracking it, taking it kind or easy and trying not to get too stressed out, sitting in one position for too long, back pain from not using my stomach muscles in the beginning, drinking enough liquids while at work and getting tired easily. In retrospect, I think I should have taken 3 weeks off and then went back 1/2 days in week four. Maybe it wouldn't have been quite so exhausting. My surgeon encourages us to go back to work as soon as possible, as he doesn't want us sitting around unnecessarily. So, I did my best to get back in the swing of things. Good luck to you whatever you decide! Lisa C