When can I return to work after surgery?

Hey! So I just got my surgery date - unfortunately, I'm a wedding planner and I have lots of weddings both before and after surgery. The doctor says I will be out of work for 2-4 weeks. I have heard some people say they feel a lot better after a week and moving around and ready to while others 6 weeks later and still can't work. I know everyone is different, but at what point did you feel ready to return to work? Could you go back to work 2 weeks after surgery? Weddings are at stake as well as money so I can not take any longer than needed off. What do you recommend?

I have a desk job so you are probably running around more than I do.  But I had surgery on Tuesday and I was back to work Monday.  I wished I had taken another week just because my energy level was LOW!!!

I am a hairdresser and on my feet all day. I was back one week after surgery..
Julie

It depends on your type of job. Like myself I went back a month later due being a nurse on your feet all day long there was know way that I could go back in 2 weeks.

I had my surgery on Wednesday and went back to work today. I easily could have gone back yesterday. I never even needed any of my pain meds.

 I work in a warehouse and returned after 2 weeks. I think it depends more on your daily activity level before surgery too. You may feel a bit tired or sluggish at first, but if you can sit periodically and manage your drinking schedule, and are not required to do any heavy lifting, then you should be fine. Jobs that have you routinely walking are actually a good thing to help speed up your healing. Ultimately you know your ability better than everyone else.

The weight loss center where I went said 2 - 4 weeks, but my hospital discharge said I could return to work in 5 days, so I did.  I work a desk job and took a few naps in my car during lunch.  I had my surgery on a Wednesday and returned to work the following Tuesday.  I missed 4 days from work.

 I had a pain free recovery with no problems- I took 3 weeks off but could have gone back to work at 2 weeks; I am mainly at a desk all day while I'm sure you are more active, however you probably have more flexibility in your hours and schedule than I do. My only issue has been fatigue and low energy levels in the afternoon. In my opinion, as long as you have no complications or pain and remember to eat and drink reguarly and get your protein , water and vitamins in, you may be able to return at 2 weeks, especially if you are able to rest during the day and/or set your own hours. I hope this helps.

I am a pre-opper so I really won't know until I've been there. But I am an elementary teacher so for me--it's all about my mental state.  The surgeon that I am interested in requires a 2 week pre=op liquid diet and then 3 weeks of liquids post-op (before mushies) so that's 5 weeks of liquids! Eeek!!! I just don't want to feel worn down and grumpy since I'm with small kids all day.  I'd rather be working once I have some actual food in me. So if I do this during the school year, I would do my  pre-op liquids while working (maybe it would take my mind off of it) and then take off 4 weeks post-op.

Who knows--maybe I will feel completely normal on liquids. But from what I've read on here--it sounds like people feel pretty cranky when they're on them.

Pam :)

I had surgery last Tuesday.  I plan on going back to work after 2 weeks.   Saturday was my worst day.  I thought there is no way that I can go back to work anytime soon unless things get a lot better.  
Yesterday, I felt great.   I'm still a little tired, and grocery shopping kicked my butt lol.    There's no doubt that I will be able to go back to work next week.    I have a job that requires a lot of heavy lifting, so I'll be on restrictions.  

I would take a least 2 weeks off.

Amy