Nervous!!! (Recovery Time?)

I just got approved and am scheduled for surgery August 15th. -I'm excited and nervous. I am trying to read everyones stories- and just reassure myself that I'm not crazy for doing this. I wanted to know about different peoples' recovery time. I am a first grade teacher and have 2 weeks after surgery before the first day of school. Would I be crazy to think it's possible I could be back to work (atleast part of the day)? I have an awesome assistant that will be very helpful-- I know everyone recovers differently, but I'm just wondering if I should put it off until later... I don't want too-- I tried as hard as I could to get it scheduled earlier-- but it didn't work out. I am a leg amputee and have been using crutches since I got pregnant 4 years ago (Prosthetic leg didn't fit after weight gain). I'm a fighter and do pretty well on crutches-- I can't wait to get to a healthy weight and get fitted for another leg. If you have any input on your recovery time, I would greatly appreciate it. Mine will be done lacroscopically (however you spell that word Thanks!!!

I had surgery on a Tuesday morning, came home Thursday morning, went to work for 3 hours on Friday. The following week, I worked 4-5 hours each day, came home and napped. The week after that, I worked about 8 hours a day and came home and took a short nap before dinner. No problems at all. Pam 9-13-05 5'2" 282/157/145

I think you will be fine , to return to work in 2 weeks. the crutches would be my only concern , but since you are used to using them , it maybe okay, or maybe you could consider a wheelchair for the first week or so. I has surgery on Tuesday and was back at work on the next Monday ( desk job) . Just listen to your doctor and you should be fine. DO NOT PUT IT OFF FOR later, this is your chance to make the greatest change you will ever experence in your weight loss history. This surgery has saved my life I feel wonderful. Take care Allison

It sounds like you need it now. You will be able to walk and get around so much better. I have a little pep in my step now. God bless you. Amy

I had surgery Tuesday June 20th... was out of the hospital Thursday June 22nd... On Saturday June 24th worked 3 hours at my p/t job and on Monday June 26th went back to work at my f/t job. For the first week back I worked from 9-2 instead of my 8-5 shift.... the first day was a little rough but after that I could have worked a full day but didnt want to push myself and also it was gorgeous out and I went to the pool everyday!!!

Hey Kathleen, My surgery is scheduled for August 21st Laprascopically (I think that's spelled right) and he states If I am feeling okay he would let me go back to work in 2 weeks, I think I will take 4 though. If your doctor releases you after 2 weeks and you feel fine I think you would be able to go back for at least 1/2 days. I hope this helps. ~Alicia~

I am a teacher too and I am having my surgery Aug 1st. My Dr. 's concern is just for me getting my water and nutrition in. He likes his patients to take 4 weeks. I will also have a Gtube for 4 weeks. I still plan going in on workdays, ,but I will have to take it easy and stay on top of eating and drinking. Shellie

Kathleen, I am a second grade teacher and had surgery on Sept. 13th of last year. I was out one day shy of 2 weeks. It really wasn't difficult. I was mostly just tired. I did full days right off the "get go." The hardest time I had was right after lunch, I didn't know what was going to stay down and I tended to be a bit lethargic after I ate......but that would only last around 30 minutes. So, I think it is very realistic to be at work in the amount of time you stated. My only suggestion would be to set up your classroom before surgery so you don't have to lift things afterwards. Our custodians move all the chairs and tables to clean during the summer so each fall we have to set things up again........that would be very difficult right after surgery because even with lap rny my doc wouldn't let me lift more than like six pounds for six weeks. Congratulations! You will love this tool! Nancy

Nancy, Thank you so much for your response! I feel 100 times better. I am going to work on my classroom next week--for sure! Thank you again, Kathleen

Hi Kathleen, I do not think you're crazy at all...Depending on different things like age, health, and beginning weight, I think recovery times vary significantly. I weighed 270ish on surgery day, had borderline high blood pressure, but generally no commorbidities, and I am 39...I had surgery with Dr. Melkonian on a Tuesday and was back at my desk job on Monday...I was shopping with my Dad 2 days after surgery...and walked out of the hospital carrying my own bag...Good luck...I would talk to your surgeon. Dr. Melkonian told me to do what I felt like doing (within his limits of course), but he okayed me back to work. Jamey