How long before returning to work?

I plan to have a Lap RNY  in April or May. My companies short term Disability only pays 55% of my salary for six weeks. I am a self pay so I would like to get back to work asap. I can probably get some light duty. They ( my employer) let me come back on light duty last year after I had knee surgery. My question Is how soon did others return to work? How long was it before you felt recovered? Thanks, Steve

I sit at a desk so I returned in 5 days, felt better at 6 days.

Hey Steve,  I returned to school and work when I was 2 weeks out. I, unlike you, had open RNY. I was very sore and moved very slowly, my energy level was non-existant. You also can't lift anything over a few pounds for about 6 weeks or so. Most doctors, mine included, want patients to stay home for the first 6 weeks so it's easier to develop new eating habits. When you have no appetite, and your busy working, then it's very hard to stay on any kind of schedule. That doesn't mean it can't be done, just that it would be more difficult. Hope this info helps. Ronnie

Steve, I see a lot of guys back at 2 weeks. That seems to be most common. Most prefer at least 3. That’s what’s most common. No "lifting" until 6 weeks is also the typical advice. I have No First-Hand Experience to offer…. Best Wishes- Dx

i am an auto insuance adjuster  and i had 3 weeks of sick time so i took 3 full weeks. but i was released by my dr after 2 weeks. i was told that as long as i can stay hydrated that was the main concern

I'm fortunate enough to have disability insurance that covers me 100% for 26 weeks. I"m having surgery on the 18th of April. I'm hoping to get the whole summer off out of the deal, (I'm dreaming).  My doc told me 3 weeks is typical. 2 weeks isn't uncommon either for a lap RNY.  DD

DD -=-Greetings, 26 weeks !  What a ride!! You by a lake or somewhere we can stop and park our hippe school bus / motorhome in July ? Just the 14 of us for a week or so .... Oh and the dogs.  Did I hear the dinner bell? We're only bringing 12 kids this summer ..... KIM VBG from the west See ya soon!  Oh I added some pictures of the hippie bus on my profile.

Kim, C'mon down. You can park the Partridge family bus right next to Lake Michigan. The more kids the better. Blueberry farms are numerous throughout the region. We'll keep all those rugrats busy, pickin' and a grinnin'. I've always got a protein shake chillin' in the fridge for you.  DD

Hey Steve, I was off two weeks. I could have gone back after the first week. I sat at home bored the second week. What Paul said about the not liftng anything over fifteen pounds. I mainly sit at a desk, no heavy lifting. I have yet to tell any one at work that I had the surgery. As far as they know I was on vacation for two weeks.  I was up walking with in two hours after the surgery and tried to walk every couple of hours. I think it made a huge difference. The day after I was released I went  with the wife to Wally World, "Wal-Mart", and kind of over did it but bounced back quick.  As Dx says, your milage may vary. Pan head