Average recovery time, anyone/

Here is a question for anyone who can answer. What is the average recovery time after surgery? I am having a laproscopic RNY next monday, and am trying to anticipate what amount of time I will be out of the office.  I know each person is very different and I am not looking for a definitive number, but I have heard such conflicting information.  I have a very demanding job. I also am fortunate in that I have very supportive people at the office. I will not have to do anything physical and will be able to do part time if necesarry and even work from home if I wanted. Its just that work has really picked up for me right now and I don't want to lose too much time, but I also want to give my body a real chance to heal. In no way am I going to go back to early and sabotage my recovery, I'm just trying to plan accordingly. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks, Denise

I've had 3 lap surgeries as an adult...my RNY and two previous back surgeries.  I know that I bounce back *super* quickly from surgeries so I don't know if you should depend on my information.  That said, my surgeon told me that I would be able to go back to work in 1 week.  I stopped taking prescription pain medications 3 days after surgery and since then have taken Tylenol PM two nights at bedtime (on day 5 and day 6 I believe).  Honestly, with my desk job, I could have gone back about 5 days after my surgery if I knew that I would be able to leave on a moment's notice if need be.  I am, actually, going back to work on Monday about 1 1/2 weeks post op and I am more than ready.  I know that I may need to leave early sometimes - I haven't found that I get tired too much, but there have been three occasions where something I ate didn't agree with me and when that happens I've pretty much had to call the next half day a wrap and get a lot of rest (and spend a lot of time in the bathroom).

I would give yourself 2 weeks, and play it by ear after that.  That's what a lot of people do.  I took a lot of time, but I had complications and a second surgery because of them.  I was completely out for 6 weeks, and then part-time, mostly from home, for another 8.  I had a hard recovery, but if I hadn't had complications I would have been back to work in 2 weeks, I felt pretty good after the RNY. 

I took 3 weeks off.  I had surgery on a Wednesday, and was at church on Sunday morning.  Walking very slowly and was pooped after that. I was driving 6 days following surgery.  Off of pain meds 4 days after surgery except for Liquid Loratab to help me sleep until the end of the first week. At 10 days out I went to a board meeting.  Again, sore and uncomfortable to sit for 2 hours without moving but still bearable.  The next night we had a special function called gallery night and I was outside greeting attendees (sitting) and overdid it.  The temp dropped and I found myself shaking and shivering and had to leave early. I went back to work at 2 1/2 weeks out.  I found that sitting for long periods of time was very uncomfortable and had to move frequently.  I was extremely bored at home and so sick and tired of shopping (I walked the big box stores and malls for exercise early on).   As everyone else said, it's really up to you to determine how you feel, and if you can arrange for flexibility with your work that would be best.

I too have a desk job.  But I personally took 6 weeks off.  I had enough time saved that it wouldn't be a problem for me to be off and I also wanted to make sure that I had plenty of time to adjust to my new eating/drinking routines. I agree with the previous poster and if you can - take 2 weeks off just to give yourself a little lee way. (Plus I was so burnt out at work that I was ready for a "vacation".  What a way to get a vacation, huh??) Anyway as I posted earlier my first day back after 6 weeks was Friday and I had a GREAT day. You know your own body and will know when you are ready to go back.  It's great that your office is very supportive - that will also help you make the adjustment back to work.  Not very many people knew why I was off so that's another reason why I waited so long. Good luck!

Its not that you can't do a desk job....you will be tired and you need the rest so your body heals inside.  My guess would be 3 weeks if all goes well. You gave yourself the gift of a new life, now give yourself one more and let yourself rest. I see today is your surgery and I am wishing you well. Keep us updated on your progress & how you are feeling.  HUGS  Jeanine