ok, what do you think.

Well I got my time off request back from work and they are only allowing me to take off 5 days.  I have a really cush job and can sit on my bum 98% of the day.  Do you think I will be ok after 5 days to sit on my bum at work?  or.........  Should I reschedule until after the new year when I can take more time off.  BTW, I have not told my boss why I am taking off, she is not very understanding and I feel she would judge me unfairly.  Ok, go easy on me .

I went back after 5 days. But it all depends on how you heal, I would think. But with having surgery, and having a doc note, shouldn't they allow you off? Short term disability?

You're gonna be tired, and sore.

There HAVE been people who have done it. I'm not saying it's gonna be anything close to easy...but it can be done.

Also remember you will be on a very restricted diet probably some sort of liquid only diet during that time frame.  If you feel you can do that in the work place, then go ahead.

I understand not telling them exactly what you are having done - but do they know it is a surgical procedure?  That might help them be a *little* bit more understanding, although as Norm's signature says, reasoning w/ some people is like trying to teach a brick to swim.

I, personally, would want more time off from work, regardless of the job and it's requirements.  You very well may find yourself needing a nap or what not during the day.  And you DON'T want to sit on your bum 98% of the day.  You will HAVE to get up and walk and move at least every 2 hours - if not more than that.  It helps the healing, prevents blood clots, and prevents pneumonia.

Good luck in your decision - it's difficult either way.

Pam

I was only out of work for 4 days post op. Had surgery tuesday was back to work on monday. I think you'll be OK. You will get very tired in the afternoon so maybe a nap at lunch.

You'll be fine!

Liz

As long as you have no complications, you may be okay.

I have a desk job and could probably have gone back earlier than I did (10 days off work).  And I know that some here went back quickly.

However...
You need to realize that you may not be at your peak of mental sharpness.
You need to be able to drink your water and protein shakes at your desk - a beverage is a "must" literally all day long.
You need to be able to walk periodically throughout the day.
You need to be prepared with some tylenol for twinges of pain that may occur.
You need to plan your "at home" time so you get plenty of rest, especially if you encounter any kind of stress at work. Go to bed early.
You need to have a plan for how you will handle the lunch hour and breaks at work, since you will no longer be eating "regular" food, especially if you have not shared details of your surgery.
You need to have a plan for taking time off for follow up dr. appointments.
You need to look ahead to plan for building exercise into your daily schedule. Walking will do the trick at the start, though,
You need to plan what you will say to others about your reason for being off - I have found that the less said, the better.
If you have family obligations, you need to plan ahead for quick or frozen meals for them, so you are not faced with cooking, housework, and your job so quickly after surgery.

Best of luck!
Lynn

GREAT list!!!!  With fabulous explanations!!  Well said!

I think that you would be ok to go back.. keep in mind everything that has already been said about resting, walking, sipping, etc. 

I am lucky enough to get disability.  I took FULL advantage and then some!!  LOL!  I was out for 6 weeks!!!   The doc was willing to sign off and my company approved it so why not!! 

Good luck whatever you decide to do.. you're almost there!

You guy are AWESOME!!!!!!

Thanks for all the advise, it is nice to know others have done it and gone back so quickly.

I went back to work after only a week off and I also have a cushy desk job - I felt good but in hindsight I wish I had taken off at least one more week just to rest my body and let it heal. I didn't suffer any complications by going back so soon, but my energy level definitely suffered and it took me a long time to get back on the exercise circuit because I just didn't have the strength or energy I needed to do it.

The only other thing I would offer is this: if for some reason your surgeon cannot do the procedure laproscopically and has to do an open RNY you will have to take more time off - there is no question about that, and sometimes even the surgeon doesn't know until they're in there.

And if you take the 5 days will that leave you any sick time for the remainder of the year? You're going to have follow-up visits with the surgeon and may need time for that?

Best of luck whichever you decide.

Crossing my fingers that it can be done lap!!

I have mde all my f/u appointments for the rest of the year all after hours for me.  Thank you Dr. Garber!!