Question:
Please tell me how long you were off work, what your surgery experience
was like and any suggestions you may have. Also if anyone has any before/after pic's of their surgery I would appreciate any photos. — S. K. (posted on December 22, 2002)
December 22, 2002
I was off work for 6 weeks. I had open RNY. I also have a job where I can
take it easy if I have to. I was lucky to have STD so I could stay home,
recover and not worry about my finances. Your length of time off work will
depend on the type of surgery you have, your general health pre-op and how
quickly you recover from the surgery, the type of job you have, your doctor
and to some extent, whether you have STD, some vacation time due you or a
means to remain financially stable while off work. The first 5 or 6 days
home were tough ones. I was still in a lot of pain and I wasn't moving
around very well. I got out and walked every day though and every day I
got a little further. After that everything seemed to improve very rapidly
and at about 2.5 weeks post-op I was driving again and getting out shopping
and running small, easy errands. I was more then ready to go back to work
at 6 weeks post-op and I did not have any problems. Now, at 13.5 months
post-op and two additional surgeries (a total abdominal hysterectomy and a
gallbladder removal) behind me, I am ever so grateful for the opportunity
WLS provided me. I feel great and I am very active and 30 pounds from
goal. No pictures for you though, sorry.
— Susan M.
December 22, 2002
You'll get different answers on this one. It depends if you have lap or
open (lap is less recovery time). As for work, it depends on whether you
have any complications and what you do for a living. Those who sit/desk
jobs seem to go back quicker. I know of a few who went back in a week,
several after two weeks. For me, it was almost 2 months, though I had a
complication and a 2nd surgery (open) 5 days after my lap RNY. I think how
healthy you are to start with and your age also affects your recovery time
(the young seem to recover quicker).
— Cindy R.
December 22, 2002
I went back to work after 14 days. The surgery was not nearly as bad as I
thought it would be. I kept a pretty good journal in my profile if you
would like to read it. And I have before and after pics.
— Linda A.
December 22, 2002
I had lap RNY on 10/29/02. I was in the hospital 2 days, went back to work
on post op day #12. I do have a desk job and was told I could go back to
work part time if I felt like it. I wound up going back full time with no
problems. The only requirement the surgeon made was that I could not be
taking the narcotic pain med. No problem! I stopped taking that about 1
week post op.
— koogy
December 23, 2002
I had lap RNY on a Friday and went back to work Monday morning. I only
missed 1 day of work. I told no one I was having surgery and nobody could
tell I didn't feel too "whippy". Guess I was a pretty good
actress. The lap RNY isn't a big deal at all.
— lee J.
December 23, 2002
Lee I went back to work part time in just over a week, and thought that was
fast. I encourage everyone to give themselves enough time to heal.
— bob-haller
December 23, 2002
Everybody gets sick of me harping on this issue, but here goes once again:
DO NOT go back too soon. I did fairly well with my surgery. But you do
not heal up that fast INTERNALLY and since there are no pain nerves there
you do not realize that. Even with a desk job, you twist, bend, pick up
stuff, etc. At 6 months post-op, having had NO complications, no warnings,
I woke up one morning with a fairly sizable--about the size of an
orange--hernia. By evening I looked 9 months pregnant. The doctors said
that the absorpable internal stitches had been holding me together inside,
but when finally worn away I was not healed and literally came apart
inside. I was rushed to surgery and could have easily died. So, do walk,
drink, do as much as you feel you are able, within reasonable limitations,
but PLEASE stay off work as long as possible. I know many people go right
back and do fine. But it will at least affect the way your scar heals,
your energy, etc. Just MHO, but I always take the time to sound the alarm.
Best of all to you! Marla -120 pounds from all time high, 25 to goal.
— Marla H.
December 23, 2002
I had my lap procedure on Thursday morning, went home from the hospital on
Saturday, and was back to work on Monday. It helped that I am my own boss
at work and most of what I do is behind a desk. I didn't feel fatigued at
all.
— Paula C.
December 23, 2002
i had my surgery on tuesday went home thursday and went back to work after
9 days home but i would have to agree with some of the other posters not to
go back to soon i do have a desk job so it wasn't so bad for me but my
doctor did try to talk me out of going back so soon he even filled out my
fmla and disability papers just incase i changed my mind but i went back
and i haven't had any problems since just a little more tired that all
good luck
— shelly B.
Click Here to Return