how long off

I had open RNY on Monday, left hospital on Thrusday, went Trick or Treating with family (riding in car) on Friday and back to work on Monday. My doc said I needed to stay active to avoid blood clots and needed to get around. My wife drove me to work and picked me up. I was told as long as I did not lift anything more that 10lbs I was good to go. I did not have any problems, actually walked 3 miles during lunch one day.

I've been with the Govt. for 32 years so I have a ton of leave. I had planned to take 3-4 weeks off for RNY but switched to the Band at the last minute. I still took 3 weeks off to get my head together and develop new eating habits away from the pressures of work. So glad I did. I had never taken more than a week in 32 years and it's what I needed to jump start my new mental well being. Remember, it's not just a physical change we're after. Good luck with your surgery!
Regards,
Matt

I had RNY, could have gone back to my desk job in 2 weeks.  But i had 100% paid medical leave approved for up to 4 weeks.  So i figured, why the hell not?  I took the entire 4 weeks. 

I really don't post much, but this questions comes up all the time.  I even asked it when i was looking to schedule my surgery.  It's funny because you see answers from every end of the rainbow from "I needed 6 weeks" to my personal experience.  I had LAP RNY on Thursday afternoon. 7/23/2009 and returned to work Monday 7/27/2009.  No problems no issues.  Yes I do work a desk job where i sit most of the day, so i figured i could sit at home or sit at work.  It really ends up being a personal decision.  I would say if you get paid time off, go ahead and take it.  If not, assuming you have a realatively sedentary job, you will be fine.

Good Luck!!

I agree with everyone here.  Everyone is different.  My wife took the full 3 weeks off she was granted and enjoyed every minute of it (she has a desk job.)  I too have a desk job.  Monday was surgery, got home on Thursday and went back to work on Monday for 1-2 hours (about all I could handle) for that week.  My mom drove me to work and waited and pushed for me to get done.  I have the ability to take work home so I would work 1-2 hours in the afternoon at home.  Week 2 I was working 3-4 hours and taking the afternoon off completely.  Week 3 was 5-6 hours at work and then home.  Week 4 was back to full time.  I had short term disability as well as paid time off so pay was not a worry.  I sometimes wish I would not have pushed myself to go back so soon but after 115 pounds gone almost a year later who cares.  It was a success and that is all that matters for me at this point.  Good luck and you need to decide what you are going to do.