Newbie here...When did you return to work?-I am a nurse

Just wondering how long everyone was out of work.  I am scheduled for lap RNY on May 26.  I am a nurse and do a lot of lifting, pushing, pulling etc.  My MD told me two weeks but it seems like it should be longer than that.  Thanks for the input.

Jennifer

Two weeks!!! No way, I am a a pediatric nurse and I had my surgery on 5/9 and am on leave til July 10th. Our jobs are emotional and very physical. Fight for more time, just for you to get used to your new lifestyle and to heal. God bless you during this journey... JeanMarie

I am also a nurse :) and am ready to go back to work! I had planned to be off until end of June, but I am bored. My first post-op check up is next Monday and I hope to go back then.

Two weeks is good, but only if you recover well AND are able to self-manage your work as an nurse... you know.. stop rounds when you feel like it and rest.. ask someone to take that extra patient, etc.

I was given "4-6 weeks" depending on how I felt.  I COULD have gone back after 2 or 3 as I felt great but went for the 6 as I haven't had more than 2 weeks off in 30 years.  It helped me to have time for exercise and to learn how to eat without vomiting at work when I chose a food that didn't agree with me. 

I went back to work yesterday and I am having trouble getting my water in or my exercise because of the time constraints.  Take the time - especially if you must lift things as you can't lift more than 15 pounds at the beginning.

-Rhonda-

I was also told 2 weeks....no way jose.... I went back at the end of 4th week and that was the best thing.  I had so much fatique and you dont want to hurt yourself just relax there is nothing to rush for.  You will have extreme fatique your first two weeks due to caloric intake.  i used that time to test what i could take as far as food goes...

I was off 4 weeks.  Then came back to work part time.

Hi Jennifer.  I have been out a total of 3 weeks and return to work on Monday.  Even though my job is somewhat sedentary (I'm a paralegal in a law office), it is high stress.  After meeting with my surgeon 2 weeks post-op, he said "absolutely not" about returning to work after 2 weeks.  I was still very fatigued and having trouble keeping food down.  I was actually grateful because I needed this extra week to get better and get used to taking my vitamins, getting my water in, etc. 

I think it depends on the person.  Some people are fine and ready to go back after 2 weeks and some are not.  Your doctor should make that decision for you based on how you are doing after surgery.  Good luck with your upcoming surgery girl.  See you on the losing side!