When did everyone go back to work?

Thanks, everyone

I'll have to take it one day at a time, I'll see. Maybe if I'm able, I'll make an appearance 2 days the 2nd week and only stay a couple of hours. then if I can go in 3 days the next week for a few hours, I should be o.k. If I can't, I can't. At least I can work from home. The good thing is that my daughter is working at my office for the summer, so she can "carry my bags" so to speak. The other good thing is that I can work from home most of the time --between the computer and the phone, I think I'll be o.k.



I just hope my colleague doesn't try to steal my job while I'm away. My family needs this job because my hubby's on disability.

Things have a way of working out; remember when I never thought I'd be approved?

Thanks for all your input, it really helped.







One more week, yikes

Of course this is all moot if I have complications, but I'm thinking positive.

Karen: Hello, I can appreciate the concerns and challenges you have posted here for us to comment on. Each person has a unique set of issues going into surgery, each person has a unique recovery and each person must do what is safest/best based on the information/education and support they have fom friends/family/their bariatric team. With that said I agree it may be overly ambitious of one to consier a return to work after only 8 days post-rny. The factors I'd consider would be: Pain, it is so individual, will you be on pain pills? Will you be able to move well (more than back and forth from recliner to a bathroom etc). Energy, it is individual some are so fatigued others are energized who wil you be? Some get tuckered out by noontime needing a nap or they cannot go on, really....Factors such as how YOUR body reacts to this major assault/traum, how much blood you may of lost etc..How your body doe starving b/c at 8 days out if you are eating it isn't usually ore than a few houndred calories...The body says I am shuting down all non-vital funtions to conserve... How are you able to get fluids in, at lest 64 oz +/- dehydration is the early enemy and can be fatal, how will u be able to sip sip sip all day how resrticted will u be some have no issue w fluids others have a tough tough time, when we work there is so much distraction from self care it may be even more of a challenge... Nausea/bowel issues: how nauseated will you be, some have none others a bit..can u run to the bathroom if so or if you have diarrhea? (liquids in=liquids out for some). Food each bariatric program has a different protocol, ine had fluid 15 days how will you know when and wha and how much you can eat/tolerate....How will you be able to sit alone and chew on a cheese stick for 15 min w/o distraction at work, is it possible? Not only for tolerability but more so this is th only opportunity to relearn the lifestyle when the tool is most effective. THIS IS YOU TIME. Be kind to self you are deserving of a relearning curve/opportunity to get it all down, no food/fluid together, suppliments spaced, enough fluid in, exercise as able, no carbonation or caffeine etc. Hopefully it is tetbook but complictions happen, THIS I KNOW, I neded 8 wk to rtn to work b/c at 4 wk prior to my scheduled return I had adhesions cause a stricture so I neded 2nd surgery, again not everyone does have issues but no one knos who will or what they will be. WOW a train ride, ouch/bumpy, shakey (think pain/nauseating perhaps) and a 15 min walk, shwew that may be clincher there....

Regardless of how long u  in a position or who is gunning for it, think about you, your needs, your recovery. Not that work isn't a factor...2 wks may be more realistic IMHO... Do you have sick leave or vacation? Most of us can get short term disbility, do you know if u r covered under FMLA? BE WELL...

Thanks, Jamie.

I appreciate your input. There is always a taxi instead of the walk!

I will play it all by ear; it was important for me to know of everyone's experiences. I'm checking out all the elevator options at train stations, etc.

My office is so small that we aren't eligible for FMLA. I really think that making an appearance, even just for a couple of hours will be key for me, and I will weigh (ha ha) all the factors.

You guys are all great--helps make up for the fact that I can't get to my support group this Tuesday nite.

congratulaton to you karen me and you have the same sugery date:)

I had my surgery on 6/5/07 and I had planned on going back to work on the 14th but TRUST ME HERE that ain't happening unless some miracle occurs overnight!  I plan on returning on the 18th, I need my strength back and for my core/stomach mucles to get better to deal with the sitting and standing. TAKE YOUR TIME I too work in NYC at a desk job but I've already been told the subways and trains are a bit to get use to after surgery especially within the first month or so post-op. Walking is so draining and preop I was doing 2 miles a day now I'm lucky to do a city block or block and a half you have to build back up. RIght now I'm 5 days post op and can honestly say no one told me of the pain I'd have in my core/stomach and that I would feel tired about 90% of the time. Rest, relax and you'll know when your ready to go back to work. All the Best, Teresa

I'm so glad I don't have to take the subway (my last job was at the E train 53rd street stop--I know there's no possible way I could have contimplated that post-op! Where in the city do you work? I'm @ b'way & 26th.

I work on E 51st and live on the upper west side. I've planned to do the cab thing at least 2 or 3 afternoons when I go back on the 18th because I know I'll be exhausted after 8 hours at work.

Desk job or no desk job, I recommend at least 10 days to 2 weeks. I worked a desk job and was operated on Monday July 18th and went back to work on Monday July 25th. Trust me, I felt fine. But one thing that you need time for is adjustment to your new eating schedule and lifestyle. Plus I was so tired I could only sit at the desk for a half day. So give yourself some time.

I'd plan for 2 weeks off ... if you feel better to go back sooner - that is great - but each person's recovery is SO individual!!!!  do not rush - your recovery - rest - relax and sip sip sip hugs, Britt