Returning to work

I had RNY surgery on the 28th and took the rest of the week completely off work. This is now my third week teleworking from home and I am scheduled to return to the office next week.

I am really concerned about the return to the office because I still get really tired and need to take a rest even when I'm working here at home. The problem is that my commute is a long one and once I am in the office, my duties are more physical, including moving books around. I think I'm recovering well, but I know that my day is a long one when I go to the office.

I see the surgeon again tomorrow and I'm considering asking for him to order more time out of the office.

How long did it take for you to fully recover after surgery? How long were you off work?

I went back to work at 3 weeks and did fine but like you said was still really tired. By the time I got home I was ready for a nap. My job is totally sedentary. If you are doing lifting, definitely ask your doc if you are ready for that. If you have the time and your surgeon gives the ok I would recommend taking as much time as you can. Everyone is different - some go back to work after only a week. Really only you know how you feel and what your job really entails.

We stay pretty tired for quite a while. Months even. So you'll need to figure something out, eventually. Any way you could grab a quick nap at lunch?

Be really careful about lifting. Nothing over ten pounds until at least 6 weeks.

Drinking extra is the best thing you can do to keep your energy up at this point. Not enough fluids and you'll really feel like crap.

I went back to work day ten and I commute an hour and a half each way to work.

I went back to work at 10 days post-op teaching at a university campus. I was on my feet all day -- and therefore pretty tired afterwards. It took a long time for the exhaustion to go away.

I did carry a back pack full of books around campus -- but I didn't have any heavy lifting other than that.

I went back at two weeks but didn't get quite through every week without having to take 1/2 day off here or there for another couple weeks. It is very exhausting! We are all different, our bodies only take what they can take. If you have the time, I'd definitely ask the surgeon for more time. Take care of yourself.

I originally took off 4 weeks but needed to stay out for 7 due to developing a massive UTI. Staying hydrated was definitely the most important thing. If you need more time then ask your surgeon. You know your body better than anyone and your doctor will agree with what you need.

I was initially thinking I'd return to work early (after 3 or 4 weeks) but at week three I decided to take the max of 6 weeks. This worked out well as I had the same issue with getting quite tired between weeks 4-6 post op. I ended up getting pushed out for a seventh week for a random work reason. I am glad I took the time - it made it easy to focus on eating right and moving more for that time frame, plus, I got to deep clean the tile grout on the ground floor of our house LOL We have SO much tile I had to break it up and do batches over four or five days with breaks in between.

I know plenty of people *****turn to work quickly - but I'm glad I had the ability to take the full time.

Did your work clothes still fit?