Going back to work after surgery

 Hello! How long were most people out of work before they returned? How realistic is it to return to work after 2 weeks? I just started working again and I don't want to take more than 2 weeks off, I don't even know if they will let me take the time off since I just started working there. 
Thank you for the feed back!

Patty

It depends on your individual cir****tances.  Compared to a laparoscopic surgery, it takes longer to recover from an open procdure (and "hand assisted" laparoscopy is an open procedure). It also depends on what kind of work you do.  For instance, stocking shelves probably requires a different level of physical readiness than does answering phones. 

 I took a total of 8 weeks off myself.  I was extremely listless the first 5 weeks, then started on my way up.  By the time 8 weeks came around, I hit the ground running , resumed a normal schedule and never looked back.  Everyone thought I was tough as nails, which is what I pefer to being known as a person who needs to be coddled or shown any favoritism.  

Once you finally get approval, you don't have to jump in to surgery right away.  You can take the time to tie up loose ends and prepare your employer as well as yourself for your absence.

I had a lap DS and went back to work at 3 wks. I was not ready to return any sooner.

I was off for 3, but I also had my gallbladder and an esophogeal ulcer removed.  Not sure if that contributed to the "no way in hell can I go back after 2 weeks" or not.  My doctor wanted me out another 4 weeks or so but I didn't have the  time off available.  Besides, I would have gone insane had I stayed home another month. 

 It will depend on what type of work you do and if it is flexible enough for you to get up and move, use the bathroom, eat or drink at will.

I worked a desk job and was back to work about 4 weeks out. I was tired at the end of each day once I went back but I could have started back earlier. I mostly took the time off because I could. ;)

I had a lap DS, was in the hospital less than 24 hours and was shopping at the mall 3 days post-op. I am apparently not normal. :p

I have been going back in fits and starts since 8 days post op.  Early on I would feel like going one day, then maybe not like going the next.  I'm 4 weeks out now and I go to work every day, but I go in later than usual.  I have to have time to crap, crap and crap (and crap and crap) before getting in the car.  It's not over until it's over- so I get in the car when I can and I get there when I can.  I work for my family so I can work it all out. 

I planned on taking 6 weeks off but went back after 4 1/2. I had an amazing and smooth recovery which I am grateful for. I was out shopping by day 5 and when I got home on day 6 I tidied the house, made dinner etc. My husband was going to do all this, but I felt like I wanted to be up and about rather than sitting on my butt. I took lots of naps and tired out really easily but other than that it was like I didn't even have surgery. Now that I am back to work I am finding that I get tired a bit quicker and the days seem quite long but other than that I feel pretty normal. I think if you do only take a couple of weeks off you will just need to be really kind to yourself evenings and weekends to make sure your body is resting and getting the time to heal that it needs.

Good luch with your surgery!

OK  Now yall have me thinking something is wrong with me.  i had surgery on Monday  Sept 17 with Dr Wade Barker in Dallas Texasand i am going back to work tomorrow Wednesday Sept 26.   i feel great !!!!!