Realistic time off from work after RNY

BAF

In my consult, my surgeon stated that I would be off work one to two weeks depending on how I recover from lap rny.  After talking to my girlfriend, who had surgery 5 months ago, she is saying that there is no way that I would be able to return back to work after one week with staples and two weeks off is pushing it.

My job is somewhat sedentary.  I see students all day and counsel them on financial aid.  I would say that I walk to the printer once per 30 minutes a day, if all appointments show up.

What do you think?  What was your experience?  Am I setting an unrealistic goal for myself to return to work?

Hi Jspurple,

For me, no way was a couple of weeks sufficient.  At the two week point I was feeling better no doubt, but still sore and the energy level was just getting back up.  I took the slow route back and didn't return for a little over 5 weeks.  I felt as if I could have been back at week 4 maybe, but the extra rest certainly was welcomed and I am so happy that i took as much time as I did.  We're all different and heal differently, so you will have to make that call.  For me, it was great not having to rush back and heal at my pace.

Best wishes,

Janice

My Dr. said I would need 6 weeks off work and I laughed at the thought of being off that long. I thought that the surgery would be similar to my c-section ( I had NO pain with my c-section) and I would at the max need 2 weeks off work. Ummm.....NOOOO!!!! I need all 6 weeks. I felt HORRIBLE for the first 2 weeks. I was tired and light headed most of the day and worried I was going to dehydrate because I wasn't getting enough fluids and also worried about my protein intake. I really felt like crap and on top of it all I got the Flu. My job would be classified as active, and I lift heavy boxes that weight between 40-60 lbs. There was no way in hell I was returning to work in 2 weeks. But once I was back to work and moving and walking a lot more and not constantly thinking about food and water I think I began to feel even better.

Everyone's experience is different. My co-worker had the surgery done in Dec. 2008 and breezed thru her recovery. She felt wonderful with hardly any pain or problems and returned to work in 3 weeks.

You Dr is right, it depends on how you recover, but it also depends on whether you will be having open RNY or Lap procedure.  The open will take longer because of the actual cutting...lap is less envasive and a quicker recovery time.\
My best to you on your journey!

I took 4 weeks.  I could have gone back at 2 - but the 4 gave me time to also adjust my MIND.  It's not just physical - you need to get yourself ready for the change you have to make in your day to day to accomodate your new lifestyle.

I say take as much as you can afford - both financially and job-wise.  You won't regret it! 

I am concerned to take more that two weks off because I will be entering managment training soon and dont want to jeopardize that opportunity by being gone too long.

I had an Open RNY and took 6 weeks off...I needed every last day of it too.  I did feel better after about 3-4 weeks but like #1MM said, your mind will need some adjustment. I had an office job too and I returned to work part time and I was drained!

I would say to plan to take as much as you can, it can always be adjusted versus not taking enough time and needing more.

I was off for 2 week from LAP RNY and I had no problems at all. Everyone is different. See how you do and go from there but I would let them know that your doctor recommended  at least 2+ weeks off. Don't sell yourself short and have more complications.

Didn't have RNY but I had my surgery lap and I needed those naps during the day.  My body needed time to recover.  I took 5-1/2 weeks off.  And needed every day of it.  If you can request the time, just take it if you need it, you can always go back early.


Take care
Amanda

 My surgeon gave me 7 weeks off... and I loved every single minute of it.