New to the Bypass board

I am new to this board, I have been on the sleeve board for awhile, but I just found out that I got approved for the bypass.  So I have so many questions.  I live right outside Lake Lure, Nc and my surgeon is Dr. Edwards at Mission Hospital.   My questions are how long were you out of work after surgery?  I have heard so many bad things about the bypass but I have also heard good things, can you guys and girls tell me your experiences?  Any advice?  Thanks for all your help!  Julie

Welcome, Julie!  There is a lot of information to be gained here and I have also made some dear friends to boot!  This board is for all NCers who are interested in WLS, any kind of WLS, not just bypass surgery.  So there is really a wealth of information to be had. As far as my own personal experience, it was a bit out of the ordinary as I did have some complications that were mostly due to medical mismanagement (not on the part of my surgeon, but on the part of the surgeon from another practice who stood in for him in his absence).  So I was out of work for a long time.  I would say the average is 2-4 weeks.  Please feel free to read my profile for more details on my surgery experience. There are lots of links on the RNY Board for more information on the procedure itself, but please stay here and get comfy with us.  There is always room for more!  (That's cuz we keep shrinking!  LOL)

Welcome Julie.  I am a relative newcomer myself.  I can assure you that you are in good hands here.  Everyone is very helpful and caring...even including me!   lol

WELCOME!!  I teach.. and had my surgery during the summer, but I could have easily returned back to work after 2 weeks at the most.  My best advice would be to listen and comply with what your surgeon has to tell you..   As for my experience, this was the BEST and easiest thing I have ever done for myself.  I know that you hear all of the horror stories, but I stand as a living example (with many many others here) of what RNY can do for you that is great!  I have lost weight and I look better.  Yeah.. that is all well and good.  But the real benefits are more than skin deep.  I feel better.. I am healthier and I am happier.  If you have specific questions about my experience, please do not hesitate to contact me!  PM me or email me at [email protected].

Welcome to the board Julie.  I had bypass two weeks ago and am doing fine.  I had it done lapriscopicly and did not have any complications, I was sore for a while but that is to be expected.  I am able to return back to work now the average is 2-4 weeks. Good luck on your journey and if I can help let me know. Lisa

Hi Julie, I had my surgery on a Monday and went back to work, sitting at my des w/someone driving me to and from work the following week.  Just worked half days.  I was back full time in 2 weeks.  The surgery itself is not as hard as you thing (if no complications).  Just sore, but that is helped by walking a LOT!!!! Dianne

My surgeon required 4 weeks out of work. The second 2 weeks was to learn how to manage the eating and drinking schedule. To get into the correct habit prior to returning to work. Belinda

Hi and welcome!  Everyone is different, of course, but I only stayed out of work for 9 days.  I have a desk job so there wasn't much physical activity involved but I have had no problems at all since having my RNY.   Just follow your surgeons guidelines and I'm sure you will do fine as well.  Congratulations on your approval and get ready for a fantastic journey! Best wishes, Donna

My experience has been a good one also. I had to have mine done open due to previouse surgeries. I am a mail carrier and lift a lot so I was out of work for 6 weeks. I have enjoyed the wonder of melting off the inches. It is hard to believe it wont come back if I follow the rules. My advice is...do a lot of reasearch, ask a lot of questions..read  what is said here and on other boards and the more you know, the less amount of surprises which upset you. This surgery was the best decision, other than Christ, I have ever made. Good Luck on you wls journey. Myrtis

Welcome,
I too am new to this site.  I had gastric bypass 5 years ago this Aug 18.  I had an open procedure. So I out of work for almost 9 weeks-even though I had a desk job.  I have had some success witht
the procedure, but I must say I have found a lot of disappointment too.  The surgery caused a hernia that didn't hurt before it was repaired, the doctors discovered it when I had some upper gastric area pain and decided to repair the hernia because they can be fatal.  Since the hernia surgery I have pain every day and can't even sit for extended periods of time.

As far as weightloss I loss 70lbs but have regained about 20lbs.  I am not working out more, but it is hard with the nerve damage that was caused by the hernia

But don't let me discourage you. The everyone is different and everyone I know that has had the Laproscopic procedure has great success. I had a 6oz pouch so that also explains why I didn't see as much weightloss during the honeymoon phase.