Recovery Time

OK I know for each person it is different and as I've read it sounds like plenty of sipping on water and walking helps in the process (correct me if I'm wrong.)  Now with that being said:

I have a job that I'm either at my desk on the computer or traveling seeing clients.  I envision being able to be back on my computer when I get out of the hospital.  Maybe working 4 or 5 hours on my laptop.

I then hope to be able to travel.  This would involve flying and driving with a couple of weeks.

Is this wishful thinking or have some of you been able to get back to work shortly after surgery?

I had lap RnY. My surgery was on a Monday and I was back at work the following Monday and I think I could have gone back sooner but I had already taken the week off so I left it at that. I think you could do what you're talking about. Just don't do anything real physical and you should be OK.

Everyone really is different.  If you don't have any complications you can be back at work within a week. 

Same as above, I was back the Monday after Monday surgery.  Could have been back Thursday/Friday for a short day.  That said, by the end of a normal day (lawyer) I was very tired and slept extra for the first week or two.  I wouldn't recommend doing the traveling part for 3-4 weeks after.

I took 2 weeks off, could have went back after 1 but had the extra week and it was the end of the year so if I didn't take it they would have paid me for it any way. There was a time I would have taken the money, but as I have gotten older I would rather take the time off.  pan head

Remember that you may be losing 1-2 pounds a day the first few weeks.  It really takes it out of you.  Each person is different.  I am a security guard and was also handling other businesses (rentals, stocks, inlaws old age stuff).  It is tough for an "American Man" to say, but I couldn't do it all...I really would recommend that when you think you can go back to work, try and work 1/2 days.  A couple of 1/2 days (4-5 hours) will let you know if you can handle more.  For awhile I would try and grab for energy but it just wasn't there.  It came back, but each one is different.  Brian

I was lucky and got 7 weeks off to recover. I have a desk job so I could probably have made it back within a week with some discomfort.  Biggest issue is the energy drops and potential throwing up or dumping because you have to relearn what to eat and experiment with different foods, because everyone is different. I know people that have gone back to work too quickly and end up calling off or going home a lot the first month. Good luck Earl

I had surgery December 6th and am off wor****il January 3rd.  I wouldn't go back during this time for anything, and I could easily have gone back yesterday (a little over a week out).  I have a desk job.  I had open RNY and the walking and sipping has really been healing.  I stopped all pain meds five days out. Except for the money, why not take the time to honor your body for losing 2+ pounds per day and settle into a routine that will allow walking and sipping and later more vigorous exercise.  Wouldn't that, in the long run, be of the most benefit to you AND to your employer?  It's important to look at changing long term patterns and promote long term well being. Good Luck, CB

I had my surgery on a Friday and took the following week off then went to work on Monday. With that said I had no immediate problems and did fine. Good Luck and Merry Christmas!!

Same here, Surgery Friday morning and took the next week off, then back the next Tuesday. I do 12 hour shifts and after ten days, I had no problem going back. The one issue might be driving. Be careful if you are still taking any pain meds. Once you can stop taking them you want to give it a day or two to clear your system before driving. Also, keep in mind that the anesthesia meds can stick with you as long as a couple weeks I think. Good luck.

----- 
Even the toughest criminals become remarkably docile 
 once separated from society by six feet of soil.