Question:
How long should I plan on being off work with a lap RNY?

I'm a teacher and I need to let my school know how long I expect to be off. I know everyone's recovery is different but I need a estimate.    — Kim T. (posted on August 4, 2003)

August 4, 2003
I had lap RNY with no complications (thankfully). I was 28 years old. I was more than ready to return to work as a petsitter in 2 weeks.
   — Kristen S.

August 5, 2003
I know 3 Lap RNY post-ops who all took about 3 weeks to return to work. Actually, my son is one of them, and he wasn't working, but said he would have been able to go back at 2-1/2 to 3 weeks. My other two friends are female, one is 59, and the other is in her early 50's. Both felt good enough to return to work after 3 weeks, although they said the first week was tough because they were pretty tired. Both have desk jobs. My surgery (also lap) is scheduled for Sept. 11, and I told my boss I'd be off about 3 weeks, possibly less. I'm not a teacher, but I work as a secretary in a school district, and I know that a teacher's schedule can be demanding at times. So be kind to yourself, and if you can afford it, perhaps you might consider an extra week, for 4 total. Good luck with your surgery.
   — Carlita

August 5, 2003
I think as a teacher you should take a little extra time off, or consider going back half time if that is possible. I am 11 days postop and have been feeling great since about day 6. I think you could get by with 2 weeks, but since you have a demanding job, I'd shoot for 4 to really get strong before you return. Be sure to take B12 to prevent feeling weak.
   — bethybb

August 5, 2003
Hi! I am 3 1/2 weeks out and was surprised at how quickly I recovered. The pain is minimal, you will struggle the most with feeling fatigued and weak. I felt ready to back to my sit down job at 2 weeks, with no problems whatsoever. The kids might wear you out more. I would suggest taking three weeks off like I did, and if you feel like returning earlier, then you can. If you have had a C-section, know that this surgery is so much better than that was! Good Luck and Congratulations!!!
   — Michele B.

August 5, 2003
I teach special ed., and was out for 3 weeks. I was a little tired but did fine when I returned.
   — Fixnmyself

August 6, 2003
My doc reccomends taking off 6 weeks no matter what procedure you have. It isn't that it takes 6 weeks for your incision to heal, but you essentially have some new anatomy and that needs 6 weeks or more to get to know you and see how things go. This is the time to treat yourself well and take the time to heal on the inside. Good luck. Oh, I'm a 1st grade teacher and with surgery last week, will miss the first month of school. My doc provided me a disability letter with dates needed off and my principal was great to work with. I said I'd be gone for the first month, and he said, "Who do you want for your sub?"
   — Rachel T.

August 6, 2003
My surgeon says 4 weeks tops, unless you have complications... otherwise that's all he'll approve for you to take off....he will let you go back to work as soon as you're ready... I'm two weeks post-op (lap RNY) and I could work right now no problem (I'm an O.T. working with elementary school kids), (with possibly a little help for lifting heavier patients)... it's very individual when you'll feel like working, and if you check with your doc, I bet he has a certain amount of time....good luck
   — Kelly B.

August 11, 2003
I was off for 5 weeks and I felt like MAJOR crap when I went back to work. It took me about 3 more weeks to start to feel a little better. However, I was only eating 300 calories a day so my body was so weak, that's why I felt so bad and recovered so slowly.
   — Patty H.