Average time off from work

Hey Guys, I've been talking to my boss today about how much time I needed to take off and of course my doc says 2 weeks. I'm just curious if it sounds logically to think it may not take that long? I don't want to get my hopes up if that is unreasonable. I'd love to take all the time off in the world, but since it happened so fast, I didn't have enough hours to cover my time, so I'm going a few days without pay. So how long did it take for you guys to feel normal/back to work? P.S. I work a desk job. Not very strenuous.

Hi Amber! I originally (way before surgery) wanted to go back within a week...some people do it. At the last minute, I changed it to 2 weeks. I then decided to take 2 weeks off and am now at work 1/2 days for 2 weeks (this is my second week). I added the half days because I tend to get tired very quickly. This is the beginning of my 4th week and after working 4 hours, I came home and took a 2 hour dead to the world nap. I'm not sure that I could make it all day as tired as I am (It has nothing at all to do with pain...when I'm not tired, I feel really good.) I have also had a bit of a problem with food so I prefer to be able to eat lunch when I get home in case I feel sick. If I absolutely had to though, I could have gone back to work after 2 weeks...it would have been rough but I could have done it. Hope that helps! Christine

First of all, I was a bank manager ( have recently changed positions) and I spent most of the day on my feet... then my shoulder was dislocated...anyway, I took off 6 weeks. All paid by the bank, so it was good. The last 2 weeks I was probably ready to go back to work, but spent that time getting stuff done around the house and meeting up with other WLS friends, as well and figuring out what I was going to pack to eat at work. By the time I was back to work I was feeling normal, although my arm was still in a sling. Funny thing... most people thought I was out with surgery on my shoulder. Ended up being a good excuse! hugs, Tammy 303/198/150ish surgery/2 weeks ago/goal

I took about three and a half weeks off work. I actually felt fine at 2 weeks but we had just moved house so I took the time to do things in the house. I never experienced any issues when I went back to work as I have a desk job......... Jackie

Hi Amber, I was just reading your bio and saw that you were "fast tracked". I assume that means you were approved super quick. How does that happen? You are so cute! Are you married? If you are not, I have a 21 year old son that you need to meet! Kim

Hi, Kim! I was fast tracked because my Doctor is going on vacation in August (which was our goal) and he had some last minute cancellations. They knew how serious I was about it. I committed to making all the appointments (labs, ultrasound, psych, nutritionist, seminar, support group) in a short amount of time and all I needed was insurance approval. I work for the City of Virginia Beach and they have a gastric bypass rider policy so it didn't take much to get approved. My BMI is over 40 and I have a few co-morbiditys. Thank you for the compliment! While my marriage is shakey at times, I'm definitely married and turning 30 in August, so 21 is a bit too young for me ;-) Thank you for the offer though, if he is as nice as his momma, he'll do just fine! Have a great day!

Wow, 2 weeks? I was told by my surgeon at least 3 to 6 weeks would be needed for recovery! Then my psychologist told me to expect to be out for 4 at the minimum. My aunt had the surgery and took the full 6 weeks off, but she said she took the last 2 to just "vacation" and probably could have gone back after 4 weeks, but she was VERY tired the first 4 weeks...

Hi Amber, It all depends on how well you do with the surgery. I had it done 2 weeks ago. I did so well like I never had an operation that I came home on Saturday and was working Monday morning for half day. Everyday all day after that. I also have a desk job so that makes things easier. But it all depends on how well you make out. I was walking laps around the nurses station normal walking. Other people where creeping around. So just depends on you. I hope you do well like I did. The worst thing for me is the liquid diet as of Thursday I will be able to eat something. Can't wait. Good luck to you. Crystal

Hi Amber, I was off 3 week for the Laproscopic RNY. I was off almost 5 weeks when I had my lower body lift in February. Roberta