your recovery after WLS...what was it like?

I am looking for specific information about recovery time, how much time you took off before going back to work, obstacles and challenges, and other info you would like to share thanks! al

Hey Al I took 5 weeks. They recommend 4 weeks, but honestly, I could have gone back in two to my desk job. It takes that long to work out the protein, water, and vitamin schedule... lol. At four weeks is when you transition from liquids/soft food to regular foods. I never vomited until at this time, just take it slow. Also, your head will mess with you. At about 2-3 weeks out you will go through a mourning stage for food. Just keep in mind that it gets better, much better (in some cases, like mine, too much better). Good luck. Dianne

Hi Al, I had my surgery in Nov 06, I took 2 1/2 weeks off, after two I was going crazy ready to get out of the house and back to work. I think alot of it though was I did so much pre-op with protein shakes and liquid/soft type meals that I was already used to it after surgery. I'm a little over 2 months out and haven't had any problems, dumped once and that was my own darn fault for eating so quickly. I just made sure that my daily requirements were packed in my lunchbox before I left in the a.m. and all my vitamins. I have a desk job also, so it wasn't so bad, I was just tired at night for the first few days back. Good luck Michelle

I had my surgery on a Wed and was back to work 10 days later. I have a desk job. I felt fine before that. I was driving in less than a week (ssshhhhhhh don't tell CHRIAS). I think it all depends on your activity level at work and pain and whether or not you're still taking your pain meds. I only needed to take my pain meds for 2 days after I got home, then another 2 nights after that just to sleep.

Al, I met you at the meeting on Saturday. I would tell you to take as much time as your employer will allow you to take. You will probably come out of surgery and feel a sense of euphoria for about two weeks. You can conquer the universe, run the country, and make millions during this period. Some people then go into a slump (depression) for around two weeks. This will pass (actually it never happened to me). The doctors recommend being out 3-4 weeks before returning to work. I took a full ten weeks. By the time I went back to work I had established a schedule for eating (six meals per day), hydration schedule, exercising every day, and had enough energy to get through a full day of work. I also had my head in order, and knew how to answer questions regarding my procedure. Some of your biggest challenges are going to be figuring out to handle your meals while at work, making sure you stay hydrated, making sure you get enough protein to keep up your energy, and dealing with co-workers. Also your relationship with family may change. A large percentage of my life pre-surgery was based on food, take-out, and and more take-out. I had to re-learn the importance of my spouse and family (and I had a lot more time since I wasn't spending the time chowing down). Keep attending the support meetings. There are good meetings throughout the month. Lock in on a couple and use them as both your reference and reinforcement for success. Pulling for you. Rob

My surgeon had recommended 4 - 6 weeks. My job when hearing that will always schedule us out for the longest period (less paper work for them if you don't make the 4 wks) so I took the full 6 weeks. I am glad I did as well. After a month I started on solid foods and it was better for me, mentally and physically to experiment with that at home and not at work. I also had a firm routine going after 6 weeks before the distractions of work came into play. So I would recommend, if you can afford it, to take the maximum time off. It comes in handy. As for obstacles and challenges? At almost 2 years out a lot of this is now vague so... let me guide you to my profile I wrote it all down there, as it was happening Best wishes Alfred!! Gigee

Nice meeting you on Saturday Al. The best thing I can tell you is start reading some profiles. I journaled alot of my thoughts & feelings the 1st year. I've gotten kinda lazy about the updates the last 2 yrs. If you read alot you will get a glimpse of what we were going through. You'll see you have alot in common with the rest of us. Good luck on your journey. ((HUGS)) Elissa

We met at the meeting on Saturday and I hope that you were encouraged by us all. I was out for 6 weeks and believe me when I tell you that that time helped me to learn how to eat with my new pouch, what I could and could not tolerate and trying to get in all of my protein and vitamins. In the beginning it can be hard so although physically depending on your field of occupation you may be able to return in 2-4 weeks the 6 weeks really gives you time to learn your pouch because getting sick at work is no fun (or anywhere else) but at least if you are at home you can lie down and try to sleep it off. Try to follow the main rules walk-sip-breathe and first and formost get on a regimen of vitamin and protein intake. Also try to avoid those with negative thoughts and ideas about the surgery. Whenever something happens that is out of the ordinary the press or people can blow it up more than neccesary. You may hear things about people who may have had complications, etc. but keep in mind that you were in the presence of a large group of post ops who have done great so do not allow people to try to use the negatives to make you question your decision . There are thousands who can echo all of the good changes WLS gave them. I personally no longer suffer from sleep apnea, high blood pressure, knee pain and I have such a great level of energy now. Your in good hands and I wish you a speedy recovery. Prycey Lady RNY 2/2/05 -

(((all))) Thanks everyone, y'all are a great group, and looking forward to spending more times with you all. al

Hi Al As a St. of De employee we are allowed 12 weeks of FMLA per year. However, take the amount of time you need to return to work. I should be back @ 3/5, hoping no more complications. I still have the feeding tube in, but it is clamped off and I am on the stage 2 diet. Now this is when it start to get tricking, keeping track of when you drink and eat along with keeping track of your vitiams and protein. You have a lot of questions and this is good, this will help you to prepare yourself for the surgery and the weeks that follow. Always keep in touch with your support group, they are the experts, (they lived through this). Take Care Terry