Question about surgery

OK I am getting closer to the wls date has not been made yet but will be  here soon. Been approved so far now just waiting to hear from dietitian to see for one month any ways would like to know just how much pain are you in after surgery and for how long ? My doctor said some thing of the fact that I might be able to go back to work with in two weeks after the surgery but every thing I have been reading is like 4 weeks or more

the pain depends on if you have laproscopic or open. i had open and it hurt quite a bit for two days and then it was very bearaable with pain meds.  it isn't near as bad as plastic surgery.  just be careful after surgery to not lift too much or strain, you don't want to get a hernia like i did.  congratulations on your upcoming surgery, sounds like you are just about set to go, just waiting on the last ok.  good luck to you. vick

I was glad I took 4 weeks -  I would have been too fatigued to go back to work in 2 weeks.  I had llaprascopic surgery.  Best of luck with your surgery.

June, I was off the narcotic pain med within 3-4 days of surgery, used tylenol for a couple more weeks then nothing.  I probably could have gone back to work at 2-3 weeks out, at least part time except that my job requires lifting.  If you have the sick time, take the time off that you need to heal and work on the good habits. 

I got tired easily the first few weeks and napped several times during the day.  I did not sleep well the first few weeks.  Part of the poor sleep may have been due to my usually working the night shift and completely disturbed sleep schedule with surgery.  It took a month or so before I could sleep on my stomach, used pillows for proping myself into comfortable positions.  Some folks sleep in a reliner for a while, it felt good to get back to my own bed when I got out of the hospital.

Recommended things to take to the hospital, lip balm, a pillow to use for padding the seatbelt on the way home.  Slip on style slippers, I noticed more difficulty reaching my feet for the first couple of weeks.  If you need dark for sleep, eye blindfold and possible ear plug for room mate noise control.  My room mate had the TV on all hours, the eye mask helped.  I had a fan in the room for white noise and did sleep as well as could be expected. 

That probably over answered your original thought.  Try to stay as relaxed as you can and be comfortable knowing that you are doing something great for yourself.  Any other questions???  You will make it through this.  Hugs

My first 2 days post op I was pretty sore. After that tylenol was all i needed, and only for about a week or week and a half. I suggest you take at least 4 weeks, 6 if you can. You will get fatigued very easily any sooner than that, and even at 4 weeks, you may need to do part time at first. BUT we are all different. if you have a job that requires a lot of standing or walking or lifting, take 6 weeks!

As kathy recommended use this time to get adjusted to your new lifestyle and get the hang of everything. At first you feel a bit lost and really have to think about things and plan alot. Read a good book, do some crafting, and adjust to your new life!

Do NOT try to go back in 2 weeks... it is just tooo soon! It'll kick your behind!

I had laproscopic and left the hospital off all pain meds.  But everyone is different.  You will get a feel for it while in the hospital.

I had surgery on a Wednesday and went back to work the next Monday, but again, everyone is different.  I have worked with injured employees for 20 years and understand the sooner we can return to our routines, even if modified, the sooner we heal.

However, your doctor is the ultimate person to work with.  Good Luck.  Keep us up to date.

Steve

Iwas surprised at how little actual pain I felt. My problem was extreme nausea, not pain, but as soon as I stopped using the morphine pump (I had hit the button about 3 times the 1st 24 hours) the nausea started to get better. I was off for 3 weeks, and then went back to work. I got really really tired about midway thru that week and stayed that way for about 5 days. I think it helps to have enough time to get yourself into a routine before going back to work. There is so much to get used to and learn! Take as much time as you can and you'll be ready to deal with it all when you go back!

Rhonda