Is this realistic??

Hello LW Friends...I need some advice from you veterans I have been waiting on this surgery for a long time and want to do everything right to have the best results. I am an elementary school principal and on my feet most of the day. I am having my surgery over the Christmas break as not to miss work. A few friends have advised me that I will need more than 2 weeks off for my lap RNY surgery. My doctor said it should be fine after 2 weeks. Was it hard for you guys to return to work? Am I being realistic about this? If I need more time I can take it but need to do so ahead of time to prepare everyone in case I'm out. Please give me advice on what you all experienced and what you think I should do??

I'm a school psych, and had mine two days before winter break last year. I went back just fine on the first day, but needed to stay home and sleep on Thursday of that week.

A friend is a special ed director in a neighboring district. She had hers right before spring break, did need an extra week off, but then was fine.

If you're a good healer, and able to get in your fluids and protein during those two weeks (ok, not the full amounts, but working up toward them), just plan on sleeping whenever you're not at school. It might be more difficult for you than it was for me, as you ARE the face of the school, but you can probably do it.

Thank you Rebecca...If I can just make it through the day until about 2:00 and then head home for at least that first week, I'll feel successful. Your stats are FANTASTIC!!!!

Well I would think you would be fine to return to work.  You don't have a labor intensive job.  I am a CT Tech and am required to push carts and move people.  My surgeon said I would be fine to do that part of my job @ 6 weeks post op.  I worked weekends at the time and took 2 weekends off which was a total of 17 days.  I was ready to go back to work 10 days after surgery.  I was aloud to have patients walk over for thier imaging studies and if they couldn't walk someone else would push them for me.  It worked out well and everyone was very supportive and helpful. 

I think they should be aware that there is a possibility of complications that may require you to be out longer that cannot be foreseen at this point.  They can't deny you the time off since it would be covered under your medical leave.  I'm sure you will get many differnt opinions on this.....should be interesting!

Thanks Heather...our faculty and staff is extremely supportive and I plan to be off for 14 days then return the Tuesday we get back. I won't have to walk as much or do heavy lifting like you said so I'm hoping it will be fine. I know I can leave early if I need to. Your right though about making sure they understand I may need more days if complications. Thanks for that tip!

I went back 1/2 days after 2 weeks off. I don't know if you've read Vitalady's Pre-op Ideas but it may be helpful to get you in the best possible shape for a quick recovery. You know we'll be swinging lizards like mad for you..

link: https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AU46vLsRDC9rZGhranhtcXpfM TNneHpzZmhkbQ&hl=en

The protein really helps with healing and it's always a good idea to get your vitamin levels up.

--gina

I own a salon and am a little over a month out. I had this very question several weeks ago as I was not letting every client I have be "in the know about my surgery" My salon slows in October, and I was able to juggle (manipulate) my schedule to accomodate me missing for 1 full week. I had surgery on a Monday, and was back to work the following Monday. I started with 2 customers that day. I think 3 the following. I did have a full day on Thurs and Friday with a full week-end off. By Monday at officially 2 weeks, I swear I was near 95%. Although I was exhausted in the evening.

Barring some complications, I think you will be ready to go. Be sure to rest when you can. You will get tired easily and quickly.

P.S. I am down 23 pounds since surgery and not one customer has even noticed my weight loss (Except the ones who know and are looking for it!) I wear my cape and really don't want attention just yet. I figure by Christmas it will be noticable and most will never think/remember my 1 week absence by then!)

My job was not labor intense, but I took a week's vacation and went back to work.  I never even told anyone I had surgery.  lol

I was 60 years old at the time.

Ruby
3/2005  rny
262/125/131
hi/lo/today
Had a hysterectomy three weeks ago.  It was done through the vagina.  I had complications.  Really got me down.  Lost 10 pounds in the process.  Hope I can keep it off 

Hi!  Great question - I was wondering the same. 

Here's what I always tell people - planning for short recoveries is planning for a best-case scenario, which really can work out just fine, as it did for many people.  But it's very important to have a Plan B.

My story is that I wouldn't have been able to return to work at 2 weeks out.  Not even at 3 weeks out.  It took me 4 weeks before I was able to follow the water/protein/vitamin regimen, and it was only then that I was able to have enough energy to resume my life.  Before then, I didn't even have the energy to hold up my head at the table when I tried to force myself to eat something.  It took me hours to drink a protein shake, hours to drink 20 oz of water, etc.  This did get better, almost 90% better by week 5.  I had 4 weeks off from work and needed all of them.  

So 2 weeks, as others have said, can be just fine.  It wouldn't have been for me.  I hope you'll recover much quicker than I did!

Is it possible to plan for the 2 weeks and to have someone in place, ready to go, just in case?  On call, sortof?  

God forbid you should have to go back into the hospital (which happens to some), or just not have the energy to work, you'd immediately feel better knowing that someone was there for you. 

Good luck!

I went back after one week but I own the company so I new I could go home early if I needed to but I was fine.  It did take me several weeks before I could get all my protein and fluids in so I was pretty tired and weak.