Recovery Time

I have a desk job.  I had surgery on a Monday, and I was still falling asleep on that Wednesday, randomly.  Your body is fatigued from surgery.  I went back to work a week later and that was seriously pushing it.  I also have a ridiculously high pain tolerance - I took zero pain meds, not even tylenol, after I was discharged from the hospital.  There's really no way to tell until after surgery how you will react to it.  The real question is: what does your surgeon say?

I would suggest taking FMLA for 2-3 weeks.  You can always elect not to use it.  If you wind up needing it, then it's there and you won't lose your job.

no,not even

HI Jamesskc,

I had surgery may 24, 2016 it was a Tuesday Morning i stayed in hospital until Thursday because i wanted to .. i went to work on the following Tuesday because Monday was Memorial day.  i was fine for the week but by my 2 week post op i told the doctor although feeling well and looking great i  was tired so he said i could take as much time as i wanted because although i look great and felt great your body needs rest to heal..  i took 3 more days off..  Good Luck..  

No, that's assuming you have zero complications & are healing properly. This is major surgery, it doesn't matter that you have a low stress job. You need time to recover. 

I too think that would be pushing it. How long does your Dr keep his patients in the hospital and what are his/her recommendations? As others have said this is major surgery. You will be very tired for a while and getting in enough liquid and  protein will possibly be a full time job. Good luck.

I was 59 years old and had RNY.  I had a desk job, had surgery on Tuesday and went back the following Monday.   I could have gone back on Thursday.

I was self-employed for years and rarely took any sick time, maybe two days in 20 years, if that.  As long as you are off of pain medicine you should be able to drive. 

I packed my protein shakes and water bottle and made sure I walked around for five minutes every hour.  It was a little worse than having a root canal, but really not that bad.

My surgeon wouldn't let me drive for 1 week post surgery.

Congrats!

I had my surgery on a Thursday and returned to work the following Tue. I also have a low stress office job. I was not in any pain, however, I was very fatigued. Maybe plan on taking the week and then go in if you feel up to it? Or maybe try a half day to see how you feel? Just listen to your body and don't pu****

Best of luck!

I am in a similar situation at work, I get it.  My surgery was on a Wednesday, and I went back to work part time Monday.  By Wednesday I was full time, but really wiped out at the end of the work day.  It's doable, but helpful if you can do the part time thing.  Good Luck!

I went back to work 7 days after surgery, but could have gone back sooner (also have a super low stress office job).

I was only on painkillers for 2 days post-op, and definitely feel I could have gone back on Day 4. Thankfully though I also had no complications. I think you need to factor in a week, at least, and see how you feel day-today.