How Soon Back to Work

I just got improved by insurance company  - yay!  And debating between Dec 9 and Dec 30 surgery date.  One factor weighing in this decision is trying to estimate how long I will be out of work.  I work full-time in an office - mostly sit at a desk or in a conference room in meetings. And it is about a 45 minute commute each way.  Can others share how long they were home from work?

 I had my surgery on a Tuesday and went back to work the following Monday. But I then took the next 2 days off because I felt like I needed more time. By Wednesday I was feeling good and ready to go back. Take all the time you need!!

BTW - Meant to say APPROVED by insurance company, not IMPROVED!  But fully expecting my band to help me IMPROVE!

Congrats!  I just had my surgery on Nov 10th (a Tuesday) I think I felt surprisingly well.  I only took 3 pain pills in the hospital, and then Tylenol on Wed @ home and that was it!  I wanted to go back to work on Monday, but my Dr. wanted to take the stitches out on Monday, so thought the weekend and one day couldn't hurt.  Went back on Tuesday.  A little tired, mid day, but feeling just fine.  I too, have a desk job.  All that being said, Take as long as you need!!  If you have the time, you might want to take a couple of extra days!  Good luck.  georgie

I had surgery on a Wednesday and was back to work on a Monday.  If you could get a week it would be nice.  I could have used maybe one more day.

Congrats on your insurance approval and getting a band!  :)

Boo

Of course everyone heals at different rates. MY experience, I could have gone back to work in 3 days. IMHO, If you can afford it - I suggest that everyone take at least two weeks - and here's why

(A) You need to get into the right "mind-set", especially when it comes to your "eating regiment". If you’re anything like me, in the past you never ‘ate’ when you were suppose to. You skipped meals, ate the wrong things, etc. In order to be successful, you need to follow the rules; eat at specific times; drink all day, etc. Even in an “office" atmosphere, sometimes things are hectic, and you may start “short changing’ yourself in the beginning. Get down a good foundation, and this way when things DO become CRAZED, you’ll know that no matter how nuts it is, YOU need to take care of YOURSELF FIRST

(B) I always feared, God-forbid what happens if something goes wrong, and I am at work. In my case, NO ONE could have picked me up if I fell. And many “on site nurses" have no bariatric training and/or knowledge. The anesthesia may also cause you to be groggy and/or cause body pain for a few weeks.

So if you have vacation time coming to you, then take it. If you don’t, and want to spread it over a “long weekend" – then do that too. But if you think you’re the type of person who can go back to work after a few days, then choose that.

Only you know you ;D !!

Oh yeah .. CONGRATS on you APPROVED IMPROVEMENT ;D !!

Hi Tom!  I also had Dr. Abkin for my surgery (RNY - 5 years ago) and am having him on Tuesday 11/24 for my Band over Bypass.  Surgery is at a surgery center.  I am a little nervous being away from a hospital setting.  I live in Mine Hill so fortunately the hospital is just down the street if there are any problems. 

I am a nurse, taking Monday 11/23 thru Monday 11/30 off and returning to work on Tuesday 12/1, God-willing.  Would love to take two weeks but had swine flu last month and took a week off then.

Any words of wisdom regarding the Realize Band?  My experience with the RNY is extensive but I don't know much about or know many people with the band.

Thanks all for your time!!!

Blessings,
Karen

Topic Hijak -- Karen, the surgery center is top notch. Maybe even a little better then a hospital. The entire staff are trained professionals who worked (still work) in a hospital. You should be in and out in 4 hours, compared to 8 in a hospital. I call it the Jiffy Lube of Bariatric surgery :D !!

As for wisdom about the band .. nothing you don't already know. It's a tool, and in order for it to work you need to follow the rules. Go to Support meetings often (that's a major in my book), come to the boards to post or even "lurK', know  I am here to help if you need.

I had my surgery on Monday and was scheduled to retun to work on Wednesday.  I must have lost my fricking mind.  It only took a couple of hours before I realized I needed to be off the rest of the week.  I wasn't in any pain until day 3.  I think I tried to do too much.  So I lay in bed with an ice pack on my incisions all day.  Don't pu**** too hard.

I took an entire week off work.  I too have a desk job and an hour commute to work.   I felt ready to go back to work after that week off but I understand that everyone is different.  Good luck!!