Four more days

Hi Guys,

I'm four days away from my RNY surgery and looking for some feedback. I'm curious to know what you felt you really needed to have with you while you were in the hospital. I also wanted to know how long until you felt you could go back to work. My job is not at all physical but is demanding so I want to minimize my time away from the office. Any advise or comments are appreciated!

Didn't need anything in the hospital, the stay was quick.  I went home the next day.
I did like the fact that I had my own bathrobe and a pair of slippers.
Beyond that it was all good.

As for work my doc gave me 4 weeks,  I used 2 then worked from home for 2 weeks.
But I have a sit down work on the computer type job.  So your mileage may vary.
I probably could have gone back into the office much sooner, I was a bit tired, but pain was not the issue, just tired.

Scott

With each person it's different on the return to work.  Remember that it takes energy to get ready for work, the drive to work, the walk in...ect.  You may try to grab for energy and it just might not be there...You could be dropping 1 1/2 pounds a day...it really takes it out of you (before you could grab a Snickers Bar or something...Not now).  When you think you are ready (I took 3 weeks) try and do a couple of 1/2 days...4-5 hours...see how you handle them.  If you work a Monday-Friday I would come back on a Thursday...do Thursday and Friday 1/2 days...see how you handle them, then go back to full time the next week.  Also those 1/2 days can be good for assessing what you need at work (food wise and breaks).  Brian

Your bathrobe and some slippers has been suggested.  Don't forget your toothbrush and toothpaste!  Bring some sweats to wear home and bring a pillow to hold against your stomach for the ride home too.  Only other suggestions I have you may read below!  Especially #4!!
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As an Insurance agent I don't work too hard.  My surgery was on a Tuesday, I went back to work the next Monday for 1/2 days and full days the folowing week.  The only problem I had was that it took over a week for the sedatives to leave my system.

Good luck and congrats on your decision to make your life better and longer.

saw a post saying some type of lip moisturizer since there are no fluids the first day.

 CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!  Just ensure you do exactly what your surgeon tells you to do.  Remember to begin to walk after surgery.  You want to get back on your feet quick to prevent complications and begin your WLS journey....

It's going to be a wild ride!

you only have 4 days to change your mind and get a DS! I wish you the best though.
 sorry if it sounds like I'm being mean, but I have recently embraced the pay it forward motto. God speed and welcome to the bench

I had my cell phone to make calls (charger, too!).  I took a book but didn't feel like reading.  It took the first day after surgery to get my day and night straightened around after a late afternoon surgery the day before - I rotated between sitting in a chair, walking, and lying in bed.

My back to work: I'm a minister, and 10 days after surgery I went to church and sat in the back pew.  I did go up front for about 6-8 minutes because we took in new members and I wanted to be a part of that.  I came back to the pew afterwards and told my wife that I was absolutely exhausted from doing that.  The next week, 17 days post-op, I did my normal stuff including preach.  I put a stool in the pulpit just in case (no, Don, not for laundry emergencies!!!), but I didn't need it.  I had my lay worship leader primed to take over a few parts of the service that I normally do in case I felt weak, but I didn't need to relinquish.  The adrenaline of leading worship kept me going.  However, after the service, I was whooped from the energy it took to lead worship and preach. 

It took me about 5 weeks to get back to full energy, but I could function at church pretty well during the third week - and this probably relates to getting into a routine with a regular diet in my case.  I would expend my energy at church and then go home and crash.  The mind was working well (some church members may disagree...) but the physical body couldn't keep up.  As already mentioned, your mileage may vary.