How long after DS did you need before you went back to work?

I'm just trying to figure out this question for possible surgery scheduling. My job is not physically strenous. Some standing and walking around, but that's about it. The bathroom is 50 yards away and it sometimes might take me a few minutes before I can stop what I'm doing and go.

Other than the excess weight, I'm in fairly good health.

Any thoughts?

Most surgeons recommend 6 weeks, especially after abdominal surgery, for complete healing. I have seen some return back to work at 3 weeks, when it is a desk job, which is still against medical advise. It is advised not to lift greater than 10 lbs or or do a lot of bending. I did not go back to work early, I needed those 6 weeks. I'm a RN, worked in a busy NICU.

I have a desk job and was back to work about 2 weeks later.

The most important factor in your timeframe toget back to normal activities will likely be whether or not you experience any complications during or post surgery.

Gook luck!

I was not employed at the time of my lap DS surgery. Otherwise, I would have been out at least 6 weeks. My current job is a sit-down one, with occasional trips to the basement to retrieve older batches as needed (I take the stairs two floors down and back up).

Mine was open and I could have gone back to work in 2 weeks. My insurance gave me 6 weeks. Automatic for major abdominal surgery. So I took the time off. It was the first time in my adult life I'd ever had that big a block of time off work. I enjoyed it and even more important I had time to learn about my new digestive system. Try out foods and vites and find out what worked in a non stressful environment. I did have some diarrhea and I had time to get it under control.

And btw, imodium is your friend. If you have diarrhea, treat it. I probably carried imodium with me for a year postop. Seldom took it but it was like a security blanket!!!

How much critical thinking are you doing at work? I ask because the "anesthesia fog" lasted several weeks. It wasn't until around 6 weeks before I really started feeling like myself again. I took off 8 wks total.

I general I strive to do as little critical thinking as possible

But I know what you mean about the "fog."

Thanks...

I had surgery 2 weeks ago (lap-band removal and DS revision) and am planning on returning to work next week - making it 3 weeks of total.

I could probably have started back at work yesterday, but my surgeon does 3 weeks baseline and that's what my short-term disability insurance accepted. If I am not feeling up to it yet, I am supposed to meet with my PCP to request an extension (my surgeon is in another town).

I'm sure it will be fine. I am a telecommuter though, basically 100% desk job and I don't leave my house to go to work. What I am most worried about is the brain fog and accounting that I do for work. I just plan on being extra careful and double-checking my work!

I will admit there was/is a bit of brain fog. I'm just getting over that but I did make a couple of errors I would not usually make the first couple of days back.

I was still feeling really sucky between 2 and 3 weeks later. A round trip (45 minute each way) car ride just about did me in. I think at 4 or 5 I was back to work.

I think what's most important is that you remember everyone experiences recovery differently. So it's good to get a baseline on what to expect, but leave room in your plans to accommodate your needs once you know what they are.