When to return to work?

I have a primarily sedentary job sitting at a desk. There is some walking when I have to go to the workroom, or other areas of the building.  I'm just trying to figure out when I should return to work.  I'm feeling pretty good, and just a little achy and my belly area.  I would like to take as little time off as possible, however I don't want to get in over my head too soon.  I'm wondering if maybe a few half days next week might be a good compromise?

I've really had a very easy recovery, is it safe to assume that all will continue along that line? Has anyone had an easy few days and then things get really rough?  

Thanks for any input!

I went back to my desk job at 10 days post-op.  I was taking care of my 2yo & 3yo at home on the weekend at 8 days post op.  I was tired, but not in pain.  I made it through a regular work day just fine, but went to bed at 8:30 that first week back!

(had surgery on a Friday, took the next week off, went back on the next Monday full-time)

I had surgery on April 22 and went back May 5.  The first day I was very tired but these last few days have been fine.  I just wanted to make sure I was past the all liquid phase before going back to work.   The respiratory therapist at my hospital had her VSG 3 weeks prior and went back to work after 1 week. 

I went back to my job the following week... but with restrictions. ..I could only work 8 HR shifts ( I usually do almost 14) 5 days a week ( I usually do 6 ) I can't lift anything over 5 lbs.. and when I needed a break I had to be able to take one... and my hr said it was fine... don't pu**** go slow.....  baby steps ...things are going very well for you so make sure it stays that way... it's a lot harder at work for me to remember to drink and eat..then at home... your Dr will write a script with your restrictions to give to hr. .. best of luck!!!!  :-)

I had surgery on a Friday, went home on Sunday and went back to work f/t the following Monday, so a total of 10 days off after surgery.  I have a very sedentary job too and I was fine.  If things are going well now it's safe to assume that they will continue to go that way.  

I also have a desk job.  I took 3 weeks off but could of went back after 2 weeks.  Once my drain was removed, I felt a lot better.

You're feeling good and healing, probably because you're resting lots. A full work day won't allow that and could be a challenge. My suggestion: take next week off, go back half days the following week and then F/T thereafter. My doc said 5lb lifting restriction was for 6 weeks post surgery, 10 lb limit for 2 weeks after that, then duties as usual. And I have a desk job too. Be gentle with your tummy. You won't get this recovery time back.

I sit all day long. Getting up and walking around is actually a good thing when you are at work. I have a gym right outside my desk at work so i would get up 2x a day at least and go on the treadmill for 10 minutes just to get moving. It really helps with recovery. I had my surgery on a thursday and took 2 weeks off b/c I was able to use short-term disability vs taking vacation/sick/personal time.

I too had a very easy recovery, and knock on wood have had zero complications and I am a week shy of 4 months out. Take your time now and get your rest in. You will a little more tired than usual, but you work through it. And, i found as the weight comes off I am actually less tired going to work than i used to be.

Another tip for going back to work...make sure you pack all of your food and liquids. I would err on the more than less side just in case you do get hungry, something else you packed did not agree with you, and avoiding the cafeteria/vending machine. This way you also know how everything was prepared, etc.

How much does a laptop weigh? I usually use a shoulder bag, but does that count against the heavy lifting?

Depends on the laptop but probably around 10 lbs with laptop, bag, powder cord, paperwork etc. Definitely counts as lifting. Be very careful with this, whether you use shoulder strap or carrying handle.