How much time did you take off from work?
I have a desk job also. I took 3 weeks off, and that was about right for me. Everyone is different, but I think my experience was pretty typical. Here's how it went for me:
The first week was rough - you are in pain, weak, swollen, emotionally & mentally drained, and exhausted. Just trying to get fluids down is an arduous task. Although I could barely sip 2 ounces of water without feeling full, I longed for food and the sensation of chewing. I spent a lot of time wondering why I had done this to myself!
The second week - still a little sore, but not really in much pain to speak of. Still very swollen and still having difficulty dealing with food. Trying to handle the protein drinks, vitamins etc. was about all I could manage. The most overwhelming thing was being extremely tired. I've been told that much of that is the after effect of the anesthesia.
The third week - physically felt MUCH better -- no pain, other than an occasionally twinge on the left side. Beginning to get the hang of coordinating the vitamins, water, protein drinks and mushy food - although still not eating or drinking the amounts on the NUT's diet. Still swollen and being surprised by the tiredness. One minute I'd be feeling fine, then suddently overcome with exhaustion. All normal - according to my surgeon. I asked him at my first postop appointment how long the swelling and tiredness lasts -- he said about 6 months.
I went to work at the end of the third week and did fine. By the end of the day, I was very tired, and ended up going to bed at about 6:30 every night for a while! I could have stayed home a few more weeks and just slept a lot, but I was bored and obsessing about the scale, my swollenness, will I ever eat normally again etc. etc. -- It was much better for me mentally and emotionally to get back to my normal life and routine as quickly as possible.
Hope this gives you and idea of what you can expect - (maybe - - of course everyone is different, and if you have any complications, that would certainly factor in...)
Anne-Marie
The first week was rough - you are in pain, weak, swollen, emotionally & mentally drained, and exhausted. Just trying to get fluids down is an arduous task. Although I could barely sip 2 ounces of water without feeling full, I longed for food and the sensation of chewing. I spent a lot of time wondering why I had done this to myself!
The second week - still a little sore, but not really in much pain to speak of. Still very swollen and still having difficulty dealing with food. Trying to handle the protein drinks, vitamins etc. was about all I could manage. The most overwhelming thing was being extremely tired. I've been told that much of that is the after effect of the anesthesia.
The third week - physically felt MUCH better -- no pain, other than an occasionally twinge on the left side. Beginning to get the hang of coordinating the vitamins, water, protein drinks and mushy food - although still not eating or drinking the amounts on the NUT's diet. Still swollen and being surprised by the tiredness. One minute I'd be feeling fine, then suddently overcome with exhaustion. All normal - according to my surgeon. I asked him at my first postop appointment how long the swelling and tiredness lasts -- he said about 6 months.
I went to work at the end of the third week and did fine. By the end of the day, I was very tired, and ended up going to bed at about 6:30 every night for a while! I could have stayed home a few more weeks and just slept a lot, but I was bored and obsessing about the scale, my swollenness, will I ever eat normally again etc. etc. -- It was much better for me mentally and emotionally to get back to my normal life and routine as quickly as possible.
Hope this gives you and idea of what you can expect - (maybe - - of course everyone is different, and if you have any complications, that would certainly factor in...)
Anne-Marie
I agree with all of the above. It is a personal thing and depends on each individuals situation.
I would absolutely request the full 6 weeks (as I did) - just in case.
I would consider whether you sit most of teh day, whether you are exhausted from healing, and finally, how your eating and drinking is going.
I went back after 2 weeks with a note from the doctor saying "I could work as tolerated" - which means I could leave work at any time I wanted if I had a bad day. I ever needed to and did fine.
Julie
I would absolutely request the full 6 weeks (as I did) - just in case.
I would consider whether you sit most of teh day, whether you are exhausted from healing, and finally, how your eating and drinking is going.
I went back after 2 weeks with a note from the doctor saying "I could work as tolerated" - which means I could leave work at any time I wanted if I had a bad day. I ever needed to and did fine.
Julie
Starting weight : 273 lbs - BMI 42.8
Day of Surgery : 265 lbs - BMI 41.5
April 20, 2008: 175 pounds - BMI 27.4
November 11, 2008: 158 pounds 24.7
Hi! I took six weeks off - and by week 2 i did feel pretty good but I stayed out all the six weeks and felt really great by the time I went back to work - you really need that time to get back to "normal" without feeling so tired because in the beginning right after surgery you feel pretty tired and I couldn't imaging going back to work after only 2 weeks. But everyone is different so you may need less time. But I say take all the time you can - you deserve it!
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Karen B.
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