Am I being realistic?

My RNY is scheduled for February 22. I have two boys, a 1 year old and a 4 year old, and a husband who works nights - only seeing him a couple nights a week. Also, I work full-time as a teacher at a men's prison. My plan is to only take a week off of work after my surgery. I get up at 5:30 in the morning and am home around 4:30 in the evening. I get dinner ready, boys bathed, and put them to bed on my own (most nights). Am I being unrealistic that I can be back to work in one week?

My surgery was 12/10/12. I did not realize I would be as tired as I was. There were days I didn't have any energy to get out of bed.  My energy is still low, but I returned to work 4 weeks after my surgery.

So to answer your question, I don't think it is realistic, but good luck with your surgery.

 

Tina

I think that will be asking a lot of yourself and you may regret it.  Would you be able to tell work that you came back too soon and take more time if you realize you went back too soon?  If not, I'd suggest at least two weeks.  

After 3 C-sections, I thought I was going to be Superwoman and return to work in 2 weeks.  I was off 4 weeks before I returned to work.  This was not due to pain, it was due to energy levels.  My children were 6, 8, and 16 at the time...this means I had to do much less than you.  Do you have any family or neighbors that could assist with supporting you for a few weeks?  

 

Wishing you the best!

 

Melissa

Honestly, I think you are pushing the limits. Some could do that, but they are a rare exception. You are having major surgery. Most people take at least 2 weeks and usually more. I didn't work when I had mine done and I had a very easy time post op. I still had to rest by afternoon....by rest I mean that I fell dead asleep for at least 2 hours.

I would suggest that you discuss this with your Dr. and ask what he thinks you should do. You are going to have to spend time relearning how to eat and drink.

Martha 

I was back to normal life about a week after surgery. Some days where harder than others but you do what you have to do.

That's probably not very realistic.  I'd plan for at least two weeks off.

I am scheduled for my surgery on Feb 4th and I am planning on returning to work on Feb 13th, mind you I don't work full time hours.  I too am home with my 2 girls at night as my husband works afternoons.  I know that it is going to be a challenge but my surgeon has given me the ok providing I don't have any complications in surgery or during the 1st week after.  I was very surprised when he said that I would not have any limitations (ie. lifting, standing for long periods, etc.) 

I will be playing it by ear when it comes to going back to work and I hope you will do the same.  Hopefully you have the flexibility to take extra time off if you feel that you need it.  YOU are what is important!!!  Good luck

I went back to work at a week out but honestly I needed a nap after work most nights. I think you could do either the mom stuff or the ft stuff by yourself but both is going to be rough. Do you have anyone that could come in after work and feed them while you grab a nap? if not I'd suggest 2 weeks from work.

I think it will be difficult to pull off.  Even though the lap incisions are very small, this is MAJOR surgery and your body has to try to heal from it with VERY little nutrition coming in afterward.  I really takes a toll on the body, and with your schedule and the kids I think you are, indeed, being overly optimistic.  Some people could do it, but most could not.

My RNY was open, but even after a simple lap gallbladder removal, I couldn't go back to work in a week (and I only had dogs to care for, not kids).

Lora