How long b/4 you can go back to work ?

Hello All - I've been looking into wls since feb. and I now have a tentative date 12-11-06. I'm starting to get nervous/scared and exicited at the same time. I hear lots of stories good and bad. The bad ones are starting to really scare me. I'm also self employed and was wondering what a realistic time frame would be for me to stay home. I was hoping to go back in 7 - 10 days. I know it all depends on if there is complications - which i pray will be none. I'm having the lap- rny. if anyone can give me an general idea of time off that would be great. Marta

Marta, It is really going to depend on how you feel and really what you do. I am a nanny and I was back to work after two weeks and I have not had any problems at all. My hubby has a desk job and he was back in a week and a half. Each and every person is different. I would talk to your doctor about it. He might be able to give you some better ideas. Don't let the bad stories scare you. If you follow your Dr's instructions and do what you are supposed to do you will do fine. It is a lot of times when people deviate from those things that there are big problems. Best of luck to you, Melissa

I had my surgery 11/6/06 and went back to work today, everybody is differant just do exactly what they tell you to. If you have any questions my email is [email protected]. Harris

Thanks for your posts. I hope that all will go well and i can return that quickly to work.

I think not only do you have to consider surgical complications, but what type of work you do as well - and how strenuous it is. I was in Disney World having a ball 10 days after my surgery - felt good, did a lot of walking and riding, etc. But I wasn't able to life my youngest daughter (she was 22 pounds at the time). I think if I had a desk job, a week would have been plenty of time for me. I had no complications, and have been off of pain meds since about 24 hours post op.

I think that it is a decision based upon the individual and the surgery performed. I had open surgery. I decided that I was going to change my eating habits. I stayed home 8 weeks as I was going to make sure my thought patterns were changed towards eating. Good luck. Jeanne

I got a note for 3 weeks but I'm going back after 2 1/2. I could go back Monday, 1 1/2 weeks out but since it's a short week, I decided to take 3 extra days. If you have no complications you will feel great in a few days!