How Long Before You Went Back to Work Post Op?

I took off 2 weeks, and today was my first day back. I had my first post op follow up Thursday and I'm doing great. However, my surgeon said I should stay home another 4 weeks to minimize stress and continue learning meal times and get in the habit. I am really tired with boughts of energy here and there.

Just curious what the typical time off taken is even though doc's orders may be longer.

Woah. 6 weeks seems excessive. Most people here seem to go back to work after 2. That's my surgeon's recommendation too.

Hi :)

I went back 2 weeks post op and was fine. I found that I was tired in the afternoons but have a flexiable boss so picked my hours - did 6.30am till 2.30pm which allowed a rest in the afternoon. I really only did this once. Its a month tommorrow for me and I have continued to feel great. I listen to my body and still dont lift etc

With the foods. I was on 2 weeks mushy food when I came back to work and managed fine. I started solids this week and again have been fine. I find you just need to plan out your meals and be organised. Sip sip sip

I tend to cook a lot on the weekends - and freeze it in individual portions. It makes it easier to pack lunches etc

I guess the biggest thing is listen to your body and dont place too high an expectation on yourself. You are healing from major surgery and though keyhole - its a big change internally and mentally

:)

Shirley

Australia

I was back to work 7 days after surgery.

I could have gone back on day 4 or 5, but I doubt I could have accomplished much more than filling a chair.

I agree 6 weeks seems like a lot. I went back after a week. However I work from home unless I'm traveling so have some flexibility. As my doctor said, 'there's no reason you can't sit in a chair so I'm not going to restrict you.'

I was tired in the afternoons the first week back but felt pretty good after that. I guess it depends on your job.

I was off for a month and then went back on a modified (part time hours) basis. My job was very stressful and very physical so I needed that extra time, plus I was dealing with fatigue and dizziness. If it was a strictly desk job I would've still taken the month to heal but return F/T. My surgeon, who was head of GI at the hospital, recommends at month if the person can get the time off and 2 weeks at barest minimum.

I took two weeks off but could have returned to work 4 days post op. My job is mentally challenging and stressful and while not physically demanding my fit bit claims that I walk 2-3 miles a day on campus and walk back and forth 1.5 miles to another hospital 3 times a week.

I find that my eating is better/more structured on days that I work.

Had surgery on a Tuesday. Discharged on Wednesday. Worked from home on Friday 6 hours. Monday was in the office. (I'm a desk jockey.)

I guess he offers a great paid time off and disability plan to his employees to suggest 6 weeks off. I wasn't able to take 6 weeks after my second child was born - I had not paid maternity leave and went back to work 4 weeks after a c-section.

If you feel fine, go back to work.

That's criminal! My firm gives 3 months maternity and paternity leave, paid! :-(

I went back after 3 weeks. My doctor gave me 4. I wanted to go back after 2 weeks but he would approved it. He did approve the 3. I had a desk job.