Going back to work after surgery - I am a Dental Hygienist

I am wondering how soon I can really expect to go back to work.  I can comfortable have a week off.    Is there anyone who works in this type of environment (or similar) who could speak to this question? 

I don't want to loose my job!

Hey Trattner,
I went back to work a week after my surgery.  But I don't have a job that is nearly as physical as yours.  I was able to work, but was exhausted.  Everyone is different.  My aunt's coworker had the sleeve and she was just fine going back to work.  
I hope it goes smoothly for you.  Can you talk to your boss and explain that you just had major surgery?
Hugs,
Mel 

I hope for the best too - I had to have surgery two years ago at Christmas and then rehab on my right hand and arm.  5 releases in all (carpal tunnel etc) and was off almost 3 months.  This is my work hand of course.  I almost lost my job then - to the temp that they got to step in for me. 

It has worked out in the end, I even recently go a raise.  But my doc is hard to figure and a bit unreliable.  So you never know.  My husband just retired from the Navy so we really need for me to work. 

Thanks for your input,
Jan

Maybe you could get the surgery scheduled for a Friday. That way you would only have to take six days off work but would have 10 days total with the two weekends. 

You should be OK if you are walking and getting into shape pre-op.  You will be tired at the end of the day, and you cannot be lifting anything heavy.

One of the things to plan for is to be able to make sure you can get in your water and Protein shakes during work time. You pretty much have to be drinking one or the other continuously.

The good thing is that once you make it through the first 5 or 6 weeks, you will probably have lots more energy than now.

I am glad that you brought up getting in shape prior to surgery - I am sure that would help, and I am definately not in shape.  Dental offices typically work a 4 day week and I only work a 3 day week Monday thru Wednesday so if Dr. Walton has surgery on Thursdays I would use my 3 days of vacation and end up with about 10 days off.  If all goes well - I am diabetic so that may have slowed me up before. 

Thanks,
Jan

My doctor wants me to take 2 weeks off. You mention not wanting to loose your job. Are you able to take a short term disability to help protect you for your time off? That is what I will be taking for my 2 weeks. If not that, can you take vacation or unpaid time off? Are you trully worried about loosing your job for time off?

I have cause to worry, but hopefully it won't be an issue.  There is no option for me but to use my 3 days of paid vacation that I get a year or just off with no pay.  The Dental office is a funny place - the two people who bring in income are the dentist and the hygienist so it is difficult  to take time off, the appointments are made 6 mos in advance etc.  Temps are available but last time that I had surgery and have a temp my doctor almost gave my job to the temp perminately.  So much for loyalty.  I had breast cancer diagnosed this last Christmas, with lumpectomy and radiation.  I wasnn't off long though and worked through out my radiation treatments.  But I obviously had some health issues, but I am never late, never just call in sick.  So we will see . . .

 

Thanks for your response,

Jan

I was back to work in 6 days, BOY WAS I TIRED. Maybe you can start slow with half days at first adn see how you do.

My one thought when I saw dental hygenist was DAMN you're going have some bad breath when Ketosis kicks in better wear a mask all day when you start to notice the metalic taste

I'm also a.dentla hygienist who is considering bariayric surgery. I'm sure I'll be able to get time off especially if I FMLA. My concerns are whether or not I'll be more prone to low blood sugar and feel like I'm going to faint, lower GI episodes while treating patients and low energy levels in a high pace environment. I'm scared that I'll feel horrible and in turn loose my job for not being able to perform. Did you experience any challenges similar to this?

I am diabetic so I already know about ketosis.  I expect that you were tired!  And I do wear a mask, except when I have to gasp for cool air when I'm having a hot flash ;-) 

I'll get some sugar-free gum!

Jan