How much post op time is needed after surgery?
If you need to lift anything over 8#, you won't be able to return to work for at least a month. If you don't do any lifting then 2 weeks should do you. You will need to nap though. Its important to be able to get your fluids in and be able to eat your tiny meals by the clock. You won't be cleared for driving until you are off your pain meds.
Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Hey there!
I'm an ER nurse and my surgeon told me an absolute minimum of 4-6 weeks off. Due to the nature of the ER and a history of a bad area where I was working and being assaulted at work in the past by patients, she wanted me out for 6 weeks.
At the time, I lived in NJ and had full short term disability/PTO so I was getting a full pay check for the time I was out.
Long story short - directly after surgery I was found to have what they thought might be a cardiac condition - which turned out to be a long reaction to anesthesia - I was bradycardic (think 36bpm) for DAYS after surgery (apparantly, word leaked out that, I was not, in fact, a marathon runner prior to WLS
). Which prompted my surgeon to require a cardiac consult/clearance prior to me returning to work. Then we were entering the holidays and she did me a favor by taking me out longer...so I could have Thanksgiving AND Christmas off. Total time? 12 freaking weeks at full pay!
But...I digress - if you're lifting (which as a nurse...you freaking are!) minimum of 4 weeks. You absolutely must be able to heal - inside too - you know the drill. And you will be fatigued easily. AND you have to learn to balance small meals consistently, when half the time we don't have time to pee consistently! Soooooo worth it though!
~P
I'm an ER nurse and my surgeon told me an absolute minimum of 4-6 weeks off. Due to the nature of the ER and a history of a bad area where I was working and being assaulted at work in the past by patients, she wanted me out for 6 weeks.
At the time, I lived in NJ and had full short term disability/PTO so I was getting a full pay check for the time I was out.
Long story short - directly after surgery I was found to have what they thought might be a cardiac condition - which turned out to be a long reaction to anesthesia - I was bradycardic (think 36bpm) for DAYS after surgery (apparantly, word leaked out that, I was not, in fact, a marathon runner prior to WLS
). Which prompted my surgeon to require a cardiac consult/clearance prior to me returning to work. Then we were entering the holidays and she did me a favor by taking me out longer...so I could have Thanksgiving AND Christmas off. Total time? 12 freaking weeks at full pay!But...I digress - if you're lifting (which as a nurse...you freaking are!) minimum of 4 weeks. You absolutely must be able to heal - inside too - you know the drill. And you will be fatigued easily. AND you have to learn to balance small meals consistently, when half the time we don't have time to pee consistently! Soooooo worth it though!
~P
Instead of complaining that the rosebush has thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses. 
Michele,
First off, you should ask your surgeon for what his time-off parameters are because he's the one who will have to certify your absence. Also check your benefits to see what you're eligible for.
My take on it is a little different from everyone's... take as MUCH time as you can. Here's why... First, your body is healing from major abdominal surgery, even though it's done laparoscopically. Your insides have been totally rerouted. Your digestive process has been changed. That's big-deal stuff. You obviously need to give yourself plenty of time to heal physically.
MORE importantly, though, you need to take time to focus on defining a "new normal" routine for yourself. That means exercising daily, establishing a nutrtition routine that has you eating appropriately every 2-1/2 to 3 hours and drinking a minimum of 64oz of non-caffeinated fluids daily, and finding the time to care for yourself. In the first 4 - 6 weeks after surgery, you will likely need daily naps as your body adjusts itself to metabolic changes. For up to a couple of weeks after surgery you may experience "brain fog" as your body clears the chemicals from anesthesia.
if you can take a nice chunk of time without stress to focus on building the momentum for your new life, it will make a huge difference when you go back to work. You'll have more energy, feel more focused and able to do things, and will feel confident in your ability to maintain your new routine. Going back too early will just add stress and leave you feeling more off balance as you still try to figure things out.
That's my $.02. Hope it helps!
Karen
First off, you should ask your surgeon for what his time-off parameters are because he's the one who will have to certify your absence. Also check your benefits to see what you're eligible for.
My take on it is a little different from everyone's... take as MUCH time as you can. Here's why... First, your body is healing from major abdominal surgery, even though it's done laparoscopically. Your insides have been totally rerouted. Your digestive process has been changed. That's big-deal stuff. You obviously need to give yourself plenty of time to heal physically.
MORE importantly, though, you need to take time to focus on defining a "new normal" routine for yourself. That means exercising daily, establishing a nutrtition routine that has you eating appropriately every 2-1/2 to 3 hours and drinking a minimum of 64oz of non-caffeinated fluids daily, and finding the time to care for yourself. In the first 4 - 6 weeks after surgery, you will likely need daily naps as your body adjusts itself to metabolic changes. For up to a couple of weeks after surgery you may experience "brain fog" as your body clears the chemicals from anesthesia.
if you can take a nice chunk of time without stress to focus on building the momentum for your new life, it will make a huge difference when you go back to work. You'll have more energy, feel more focused and able to do things, and will feel confident in your ability to maintain your new routine. Going back too early will just add stress and leave you feeling more off balance as you still try to figure things out.
That's my $.02. Hope it helps!
Karen
When I make my appointment wirth my surgeon, I plan on asking him all about how much time I myself will need. I was just curious to see how much time everyone else had used.If I need four weeks, I;ll take 'em, if I im feeling goog at two weeks, then Illl go back at two weeksIf it;s too much, then I'll back off a bit, I;ll Ease up a bit eventually I feel good about it al.I wish I could get it done today! So we'll see what happens. It's a couple of weeks before I go to see the surgeon.
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R K.
on 8/1/10 5:24 am
on 8/1/10 5:24 am
If you are a nurse at easton I can give you the name of a nurse there that just had surgery. I.m sure she'd be willing to give you some insight.
*
"If I only had three words of advice, they would be, Tell the Truth. If got three more words, I'd add, all the time."
— Randy Pausch
"If I only had three words of advice, they would be, Tell the Truth. If got three more words, I'd add, all the time."
— Randy Pausch
I agree with Karen.... Take as much time as you can afford and are allowed. I know my surgeon's office was willing to endorse most anything I felt I needed as far as time away from the job ......Remember, this is an exciting re birth and it's all about YOU!!! You need to give yourself as much time as possible to make sure botht he body and spirit are ready!!!
Hugs!
Jayne
Hugs!
Jayne
Although I am a teacher, and had off for the summer... it wasnt until 4 weeks that I was pain free. A lot of the Barix patients were sooner, but they had different pain meds.... I was only perscribed Tylenol with codine.... since leaving the hospital... Therefore, I was in A LOT of pain. I think it will depend on your meds ... and tolerance (though I have a very high tolerance for pain)
~ Jen 
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