59 and ready

I am 59 and ready to be thin.  I have tried lots of things.  After reading through these posts I find that I am excited and can hardly wait for the first few pounds to disappear.  What I am most concerned about is getting back to work,.  I teach Middle school computers and don't want to leave my kiddos very long.  Any idea on how long it will take to be able to go back to work?

Hidy,

Each person is different....  obviously..  recovery is something your Dr can tell you.  I do know that a couple of weeks for my RNY was what I needed.  I wasn't working at the time so recovery was easier.

When is your surgery?  What kind are you having?

CONGRATULATIONS on your decision.

Millie

Hello!

I'm a hairdresser and had Lap RNY on a Thursday. I came home on Saturday, started driving again on Monday, and went back to work a week later.

Everyone is different, doctors are different, but I think your mental strength is as important as your physical health when it comes to how you do post op. Personally, I know that the sooner, and more I get up and move, the better I am. I've had many (many, many) surgeries and have never allowed myself to wallow about. That's not to say I do stupid things, I just get up and move about, rest when I need to, then move about some more. Before you know it, you're up and running again.

Take care and keep that excitement going. You'll be just fine. Hope we can help you along the way!

Thank you for your comments.  I feel like you that mental strength and determination is vital.  Thanks for reminding me of these attributes!

I had RNY and I was back to work in 8 days part time.  Full time in 2 weeks.  I work a desk job and found I had no problems.  What made it real easy was that I have a small refrigerator in my office.  I was able to keep everything close at hand.  Everyone is different but I found that walking soon after surgery and keeping that up everyday afterward helped me to feel strong early on.  Good luck.

I have heard that walking is a key to success.  I try to stay active and I know that I will make a determined effort to walk...I am sure my dog would love it!

Hi   I am 58 and haven't had surgery yet either.  I am also a teacher, and I stand most of the time that I'm teaching and move pounds and pounds of books in and out of my car.  Because of my job, I may take off more time than others are indicating - you may want to consider this, too. 
As far as I'm concerned, it's better for me to take a little longer than others take than to return to work too soon and regret it.
Just my thoughts.
Margaret

Thank you so very much...You have made a lot of sense and made me think more about not regretting my return.

Hi and welcome to OFF.  As others have said, each person is different.  No lifting, though, you wouldn't want to get a hernia.  Maybe you could schedule around spring break or during the summer months.  Good luck with the ride of your life!

Hi:

I took three weeks off, but I sit at a desk and work at a computer. My main problem was exhaustion (I was getting up at 4 a.m. at the time). It was very difficult to stay focused on a liquid diet three weeks out at work at 4 a.m. I wound up having to go home early a couple days, take a sick day once (I was on liquid antibiotics that made me sick ... from an infection in one of the incisions), and another sick day from a really bad migraine. Once I got back on real food I found I did better. I had more energy. Plus, around that time, I was switched to evening hours (5 to midnight) ... I'm definitely a night owl.

Everyone is different. If you are having lap surgery, the recovery time is usually short, but there is always the risk of complications (discuss with your doctor) and your energy level may be low (don't want to scare you, but it's true). Your energy will pick up again ... you'll have this big burst after about three months.