Time off work after RNY

Can anyone tell me about how long you were off of work after having your surgery? I believe I was told in the begining about 4 weeks. I told my boss today that I was having surgery in a month and it didn't go so well. She believes this is a cosmetic surgery that is not nessesary.

it all depends on what you do. I have a desk job and was back to work quickly. I had surgery on tuesday and went back to work 1/2 days on monday, yes the following moday. Now this doesn't work for everyone and had I been able to take more time I would have. I felt fine but tired very easily. I also at that time only had a 13 mile commute to work. Depending on the size of the company that you work for you can qualify for short term disability or Family Medical Leave.

I would try and educate your boss, unfortunately too many people still feel this way. WE all know that it isn't true by far.

Liz

I took 2 weeks off for my surgery.  I'm a temp, so I had no paid time off, but I thought a week off just wasn't quite enough for me.  Like Liz said, it will depend on what kind of work you do.  And this is in no way cosmetic surgery!  I didn't go through it to look good---I went through it to get healthy and live longer.  Are you able to educate your boss?

I am a nurse at a prison. ( I know that sounds funny) I need to be on my feet approx. 6 of the 8 hours I am there. No heavy lifting. Alot of bending during pill calls.

I probably stand a better chance of educating my dog. She is a very opinionated lady.

OK 4-6 weeks off then. IS it a state prison? If so I would imagine that you have short term disability and this would qualify. Can't take a chance if a prisioner gets rough with you early out from surgery. The bending will be hard too - hubby had to help me with my shoes for a bit. I had Lap. RNY.

As for your boss, she doesn't have to support or approve, she just has to deal that you are taking time off to do the best thing that you will ever do for yourself and your family.

Do you have an HR dept that you can talk to about what kind of time off you are entitled to? I work for a small family company and well HR is the owner... Thank God they were very supportive and while totally un-educated I was able to do what I needed to.

The first few weeks post op, depending on the surgeon you are on liquids. You will not have the strength to be on your feet for 6+ hours a day.

Please ask any questions you may have!

Liz

I took off 6 weeks.  I probably could have gone back in 3 or 4 since I have a desk job, but my company basically allows whatever the doc says within reason.  So I took advantage of the time to make sure my brain and body were functioning somewhat normally. 

Like Liz, my surgery was a Tuesday and I went back half days Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and worked full days Thursday and Friday.  I also have a desk job and I was bored. I would come home and nap, but I was otherwise good.  I had to allow more time to get ready in the morning as I moved a bit slower, but otherwise I was good. 

I am sorry your boss is being difficult.  Considering your job, I think a few weeks is definitely advisable.

Good luck!

My surgery is scheduled for Jan. 5th.  Although my job is a "desk" job, it's very emotionally intensive and feeling "fried" at the end of every day is common.  I asked to take 4 full weeks, and my boss recommended that I take 6 and then come back on a part time basis if I was ready sooner.  As soon as she put it out there, I've warmed up to the idea.  We wouldn't be going to these drastic measures if we weren't willing to put ourselves or our body's first.  Make this process about you - and not about work.  As my boss told me that day, we need to decide early on - do live to work or do we work to live?  And I work in Career Services!!!

If I feel guilty about taking the time I plan to take, I remind myself that she said that.  I'd follow up with HR just to cover all your bases and make sure to ask about Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) if you don't have short term disability.
Melissa

I'm an ER nurse who works nights and my surgeon wanted me out for at least 6 weeks.  I was lucky and had short term disability and a work plan and got paid just about 100% for the entire time I was out.  She wanted this for a few reasons.

1)  I've gotten into altercations with patients before and she didn't want anything happening to me

2)  She wanted me to be able to KNOW I could get in my protein and fluids and it takes time to realize how to do that.

I ended up being out for I think closer to 8 weeks due to having a reaction to anesthesia with a low heart rate and needing to get an appointment with a cardiologist to get further return clearance.

I probably could have gone back at about 4 weeks - but no sooner than that.  I got tired easily, and lifting patients in beds, and pushing stretchers in the ER would not have worked real well for me.  But I can be a wuss when it comes to pain, too :)

Pam