Time off for LapRNY?

I can only get 2 weeks off this summer for surgery.  I work as a dental hygienist, so no heavy lifting.  Just a lot of bending over patients.  What do you guys think?

I had open RNY on a Monday, came home on Thr., went trick or treating with the family on Friday and returned back to work on Monday. I figured I could sit at work just as easy as home. I just had to get somebody to drive me around everywhere.

Thanks ken- that makes me feel a little better.

This comes up often.  I'm going to copy and paste a response from awhile back...Brian

Depends on how physical the work.  I had RNY...I was dropping about 1 1/2 pounds a day!!  It really was taking it out of me.  Remember it's not just the work...it takes energy to get ready for work and the drive to work and back also.  I was a security guard at the time.  I went back after 3 weeks and it almost killed me.  I would try and grab for energy...and it just wasn't there...very frustrating.  Had to walk 3-4 miles per shift.  Even though you have to be 100% well to return to work...can you do 1/2 days?  That is what I tell people who ask this question.  Try and do a couple of 4-5 hour days...see how you handle them.  Another way to go is if you work a Monday-Friday...come back to work on a Thursday.  Do 2 full days of work and take 2 off.  You'll be able to see how you handle a full days worth of work.  Brian.  PS  Also plan ahead for your water and food needs there at work.

Thanks Brian- I am worried about lack of energy, as my job is very busy, though not nearly as much walking as you do!  Karan

Maybe my experience will be of help. I am an industrial electrician for an auto company. I had my RNY on a Friday (3/25/2008@ 8:00 am) I went home Sunday (3/27/2008 @ 12:00pm) and returned to work a week later on Sunday(4/3/2008 @ 11:30am). I returned to work 12 hrs shifts 7 days a week without a problem. I did restrict my heavy lifting to no more than 20 lbs for a month. After that I was back to normal completely. My duties usually involve every aspect of industrial electrical maintenance and industrial electrical construction. Please realize that every one is different though. I was monitored by the company in plant nurse every day for the first month. since my company's medical staff had not had an industrial skilled trades worker ever have RNY before.
Nick

Thanks Nick. I was worried when a patient of mine told me that she took off 6 weeks, and that she definely could not have gone back to work within a month due to pain in her left side (but no complications).  I want to take off as little time as I can get away with.  Karan

I had my Lap. RNY on Wednesday and was back to work on Tuesday.  I'm an MRI Tech. at a Hospital and work 9.5 hours days.  The surgeon did put me on a 10lbs. lifting restriction for one month but I'm going to try to get that lifted.

I went back to work 7 days later. I'm a HS math tchr so no heavy lifting here either.  Other than getting my 450 lb ass out of a chair.