Time off after surgery

Hi.  I'm a newbe who is looking at VSG surgery within the next few months.  I'm a middle school teacher, so I'm not lifting anything heavy.  My doctor initially said 4 weeks, but then I talked her down to 2.  Is this realistic?  I appreciate your feedback.

Peace,

Allison

Yes, this is totally realistic for most.  Be aware that you could be an outlier.  I was off work for 13 work days.  Could have likely gone back after 9 or 10.

I missed only 10 calendar days.

Two weeks with no heavy lifting is totally realistic. I took 2 weeks off then worked 2 weeks from home at a desk job. I would have been able to work at one week if I had to (but would have been very tired). 

Two weeks seems realistic but it depends on the job and activity level. I went back after 6 days but I have a sedentary job and work from home so I can control my environment and my schedule.

My doctor told me he generally writes a note for two weeks off.  Mostly because he wants his patients to be focused on drinking the liquids/water that is needed.  He said "if you go to work you will not drink all the water you need to because you will be distracted." I see his point.  I haven't had my surgery yet but he was preparing me. 

I was off about 5 days.

My Dr said to tell my employer 4 weeks, but depending on how I felt I may go back in 2 or I may need 4. I felt like I could have probably gone back at least part time after 2 weeks, but I had some vacation time saved up. And with my surgery being Dec 14th I was able to spend Christmas and New Year's home with my son. I would say it's realistic, just will depend on how well you recover.

I'm planning on going back part-time after a week off. I sit at a computer and don't lift anything other than the phone. :-)

With middle-schoolers, you need to be on your A-game.  My incisions healed in two weeks, but my head was in a fog for six weeks.  Talk about a cheap date!  I took 8 weeks off, and very grateful for it.  Just wait until summer break so you don't miss a beat.