HOW LONG AFTER SURGERY BEFORE.....

You could drive??? Went back to work??

two weeks six weeks

one week 2 1/2 weeks

What did your surgeon say? Mine told me not until I am released, which is usually 2 weeks to drive, and 3-4 weeks to work. Depends on your surgery and what your surgeon says Molly

Carolyn, I drove after 2-3 weeks, I retuned to work after 3 weeks off and came back 1/2 days for the 1st week. take care Debra P

CaRoLyN: Every surgeon is different on this, for me I could drive once I was off pain medicine (that was 6th day postop or 3rd day I was home), but I still had someone drive me to my 2 wk check up as it is over 1 hr away (just in case!). I was released to work 4 weeks (Lap RNY) as I was working as RN inpatient psych unit and had to be able to perform alll duties (take-downs/restraints/seclusions etc.). He said "IF I HAD A DESK JOB" I could ofreturned at 2 wk (if feeling up to it!). Return to work is usually a safety issue w/ herbias if needing to lift etc, but otherwise it is how much energy you have and type of job (one surgeon waited 6-8 wk to release a pt he knew was due to go back to 12 hr shifts and 70 hrs week due to OT). MY OHILOSOPHY: You gt ONE HONEYMOON ONE OPPORTUNITY to figure out how to eat/drink/manage life at work, this journey of rebirt, DO NOT LOSE any second or opportunity to be successful, at 2 wk yu aren't even eating (many are on 2 wk liquids), finding some foods that are 'SAFE" to eat and knowing how it feels to eat and how to not eat/drink and how to get fluids in and have a routine is a BIG DEAL! So use all the time off you can for YOU! I went back at 8 wk because at 4 I had developed adhesions (scar tissue) in abdominal cavity a common complication of any abdominal surgery except usualy not an issue, ine wrapped around my small intestines so at my Y connetion it was blocked! (stricture), I needed 2nd surgery (Lap thankfully) to cut the adhesions, then on liquids 2 more weeks an dso on, risk of hernia again so back at 8 wk! I can say although I wouldnt want the 2nd surgery again I am happy I had 8 wk off (this goes to show us we can never fully prepare postop for those unexpected complications!) DON'T RU****!!! Some have the most energy of their lives and others are so tired and fatigued.... WEll I have rambled, your surgeon should be able to give you estimates! Be well. Take Care, Jamie Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh 320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=c1132518510 "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"

Hi Carolyn, Well , I didn't start driving for a week-- And I never had to go back to work(retired) ---But I did start exercising almost immediately. That is KEY!!! I started Walking the first week , and then I returned to the pool for aqua exercises after the surgeon gave me the okay six weeks after the operation-- I think that the best thing I ever did was to start exercising as soon as possible--it has helped to tighten up that loose skin--and firm up the muscles--I weight 151 now (after a year-91 pounds down ) and I am wearing a size 6-8 pants. I do have loose skin--but then I am sixty-one years old --so I lack the elasticity of a young woman--but I am not ashamed to get into my size eight bathing suits (the legs could look better--but I am a work in progress--check back with me next year this time). You should just follow your surgeons advise and consult with him or his nurse coordinator about what you can or cannot do after surgery. He will be your best advisor! Also listen to your body--everyone has a different pain tolerance level and a different rate of healing--you will know when you are ready--but do try to exercise as soon as possible and exercise regularly--it will do you a world of good! Be Blessed, Marian SC 242.4 /151/goal125--130???

Thank for you great input!!! You guys are the best!! I haven't spoken with my surgeon yet I will see him next Monday and see what he says!! Talk to you soon!