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.




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