Question:
How long before returning to a desk job after Open RNY
I plan to have surgery on Monday, November 24 and want to return to work on Tuesday, December 2 or 8 days after surgery. Has anyone returned to work this soon? My job is a desk job, no physical requirements whatsoever. I am in fairly good health now (except for being fat). I plan to up my protein between now and then to build up my body in the hopes that this will help my recuperation. Thoughts anyone? — Kim M. (posted on September 26, 2003)
September 25, 2003
Doesn't seem like a long enough recovery time to me. I had a Lap RNY done
on 1/31/03 and took a full 4 weeks off. I think that I was ready after
2-1/2 - 3 weeks but not too much before. What does your surgeon say about
this? Good luck!
— Judy R.
September 25, 2003
I returned to work after 9 days after an open RNY. I too have a desk job.
I felt pretty good and my Dr. said to listen to my body. If I felt good
enough to try it go for it but to make sure that when I felt tired to rest.
I worked about 5 hours a day at first and then after another week or so I
went back to working 8 hour days. But at first I would go home from work
and rest. Good luck to you on 11/24.
— Lora T.
September 25, 2003
I had open RNY and was off work for six weeks. I had -0- complications,
but there was no way I could have went back to work that soon and I have a
desk job. I was barely off of narcotic pain meds (went off on day 6
post-op). I have a 1 hr. drive to work and I couldn't have sat in a car
that long for anything. Even if I had felt a little better (I had no energy
until week 4), I wouldn't have wanted to risk a car accident that soon
post-op.
What does your surgeon recommend?
Good Luck.
— Carolyn M.
September 25, 2003
I was out 8 weeks after open RNY. I was pretty sick for the 1st 5 weeks. I
am now 2/12 months postop and feel better every day. I started back for 1/2
days and the next week went back to 8hrs/day. Everyone's recovery is
different so you do what is best for YOU. Your health needs to be your
number one priority.
— laurab
September 25, 2003
I returned to work 9 days after open rny...i was a little tired the first
day when i went home but other than that i was fine...7 weeks out down 40
lbs..
— Eugenia K.
September 25, 2003
How would you get to work? Is there someone to drive you there and back
each day? We were told absolutely no driving for 2 weeks. As for when to
return, there's no set rules. Have you asked your surgeon? The number one
thing is to follow his rules. If he tells you to wait 3 weeks, then it
would be pretty clear to me to wait 3 weeks. If he says 8 days is fine and
you feel good enough, then go for it! I see people who return in two weeks
and then others who wait 8 weeks. I'm a support group leader with a very
large group (90+ at times) and have never heard of anyone having open RNY
returning before a minimum of 2 weeks. You certainly don't want a
set-back. Good luck to you!
— Lynette B.
September 26, 2003
All I have to say is PLEASE remember that this is major surgery. Some
people do heal faster than others. I think 8 days is too soon to return to
work. I went back after 4 weeks felt real good after 3 weeks. Was really
glad that I did wait an extra week. I couldn't drive for two weeks. Beside
I had a g-tube in for two weeks.
— Sharon T.
September 26, 2003
I truly think we are all different in our tolerances and recovery periods.
Some if it may depend on how healthy you are going into surgery, if there
were any complications in surgery or the few days following, how you are
adjusting to your new lifestyle, how your pain tolerance is, etc.
Personally, I am 29 years old, had absolutely no co-morbidities and
exercised regularly pre-op. I went back to work at 3 weeks post op. Any
sooner than that, I would not have been comfortable. It's not painful,
just uncomfortable. The second week post op, my incision began to drain
(at times soaking through the medical gauze in a matter of minutes). I had
arranged to take 6 weeks off, planned to go back at two weeks out, but
ended up returning the third week. Maybe plan for more and if you feel
great at 8 days out...go for it. Better to be safe than sorry. Good luck
on your upcoming surgery.
— Kamy
September 26, 2003
i had open RNY 5 weeks ago and i think i was a fast healer. the fourth day
after surgery i stopped taking all pain meds (my choice). i walked alot
while i was in the hospital too. the only problem i had the first 2 weeks
was sitting in a comfortable position. i couldn't sit upright for ever long
because i still had retractor pain. on my profile i even did a day by day
account of what things i could and couldn't do. if there is any way you
could wait to go back at 3 weeks i think it would be much better. besides
you will have already had your second appointment, had your staples removed
and gotten used to how to eat. also i would ask your doctor if he uses
binders , if not i would by one to give the support that you need. binders
are very cheap online but VERY expensive at a medical supply store. i got a
dale binder for $16.00 and my local supply store wanted $45.00 for the same
one. you can't see them under your clothing either. good luck to you and i
hope you heal quickly!
— franbvan
September 26, 2003
I am 30 years old, in great health except for the weight. I had open RNY
in March. I had a note to be off for 6 weeks, but hoped to be back in two.
I came back after 3 weeks off, and wished the first week was only part
time. I have a desk job that has no physical demands at all, but I was
uncomfortable and got tired very easily. I was bored enough to want to go
back after one week, and was off pain meds in a few days, but physically
could not feel comfortable sitting for long periods of time (20 minutes or
more). I was very active with walking during the recovery time to speed
things up, but still couldn't go back for 3 weeks. If I were you, I would
allow more time - you can always use less time if you feel like it. Good
luck! Open RNY 03/20/03 326/240/146
— vittycat
September 26, 2003
I was back after 4 weeks for a week of half days and then on the 5 th week
i was full days agin ...i felt great!
— E. V.
September 26, 2003
Check with your doctor. I think a week (or 8 days) is clearly too soon ...
you will only have been out of the hospital for 4-5 days by that time, and
not over the anesthesia or immediate physical discomfort of the surgery.
You may still be on liquids (or just barely starting with pureed foods),
and may or may not be sleeping soundly through the night. You will still
have a hard time getting enough water in. You'll still have a hard time
sitting up for very long, and you'll need naps. You may also not even be
cleared to drive yet, by eight days post-op. I know there can be a lot of
pressure to return to work, but honestly, I don't see how you'd be able to
get much done there, either, in addition to pushing yourself too soon too
fast. I'd strongly urge you to allow at least two weeks, and more
realistically, three, before returning to a desk job after open RNY,
assuming you're in good health (I was in good health, and took four weeks
-- could've gone back after three, but not very productively). JMHO!
— Suzy C.
September 26, 2003
I have had two WLS. The first, VBG in 1995, I had a desk job and hoped to
go back to work 9 or 10 days later. I was pretty young (21) and pretty
healthy considering my weight at the time. I ended up taking a little over
two weeks just because I started getting light headed after I was home and
at one point I even had a very brief fainting spell. My second surgery was
last year when I was revised to RNY. I had only been at my job for 7 months
and didn't really have a backup. Paid time off was not the problem, I had 4
weeks sick time and almost 2 full weeks of vacation (very generous benefits
at my job!) I just felt a little guilty being out with no one to do the
work. So I went back on the 13th day post-op. If you can afford to I would
take at least two full weeks. Like others have said everyone heals
different. And, Goddess forbid, but even minor complications can increase
your time out of work. Good luck, I hope everything works out.
— Ali M
September 26, 2003
I probably could have gone back to work in about 2 weeks, but there is a
"social" and a "mental" aspect to WLS that a lot of
people forget. Mentally, you have to be ready to deal with the questions
and socially you need to be able to "eat" in front of others. I
had lots of nausea (even if I didn't throw up) the first month and it took
me some time to get to the point I could even eat lunch at my desk, let
alone around people, comfortably. Keep that in mind in your decision.
— Cathy S.
September 26, 2003
Just my 2 cents worth - I had open RNY and was back at work half-time 10
days later. The first week back was half-time, the following week I went
back to full-time. The hardest part for me was about 4 weeks after surgery
when the lack of energy was at its worst.
— Chris S.
September 26, 2003
I went back to my desk job after two weeks - I was lap. I think I could
have went back after one week if I had to, but I'm glad I took two. Most
of the discomfort was gone after the first week and I was getting restless
and bored but I still tended to get tired quicker and I was taking some
afternoon naps so you may want to consider working part-time if you return
after one week. I was also grateful for having time to settle into my new
routine - re: meds, diet - before having to go back to work.
— sandsonik
September 26, 2003
Well, I typed a whole response to this and forgot to sign in so it got
wiped out. If it shows up somewhere in cyberspace sorry for posting
twice.
Thanks guys for all the responses. Let me just say that my surgeon has
said that normal recovery time is 4-6 weeks, with some taking 6-8 and
others taking 2. He said listen to your body, but did not rule it out. I
also only live a mile from my work place and could even walk if I had to,
but my husband could take me to work and back because we are pretty much on
the same schedule.
I have not told anyone at work because I do not feel my manager would be
supportive due to some conversations we have had in the past. We talked
one time about this surgery and she said I couldn't be off to have it - she
wouldn't approve my sick leave. (Joking, but serious if you know what I
mean) I told I would just take vacation. She has even said she would not
approve my vacation if she knew I was going to be off for surgery. I know
there are all kinds of things wrong with these statements, but the reality
is that it is a job I like and I am paid well with good benefits and I
don't want to make my life miserable by fighting her. So I'd rather keep
my mouth shut and wait until afterwards to tell her. Also, she has proven
that she does not keep confidences and I would not trust her to keep this
to herself. I do not want anyone else in the office to know.
I have had a few major surgeries before and judging by how I felt after
them, I feel that at one week I could go back if I took it easy and even if
I went home early if I felt the need. I could probably even schedule to
work 1/2 days that week without a lot of question.
I am a very private person and do not plan to tell anyone except two people
who are vey close to me and who I know I can trust -- my husband and my
mother. I may tell a close friend when it gets nearer to the date. After
the surgery, I will slowly tell people as the need arises. It's just that
beforehand, I don't want a lot of people talking about me and believe me,
it would cause a buzz in this small town.
So, thank you for all the answers and the good wishes. You've given me some
food for thought and I will consider it all as I decide what to do.
— Kim M.
September 27, 2003
Kim, heaven help you with a boss like that. But I agree with the other
posts. I went back 2 weeks after getting out of the hospital (with dr
approval). As I'm a workaholic, my husband insisted on driving me to work
and bring me home at noon for the first week. I was tired by then anyway
but wouldn't have had enough sense to go home if he hadn't been there! And
also I agree that you should ask the dr about a binder if he doesn't give
it you automatically. Mine was on me when I came out of recovery. So good
luck and don't try to do too much, even if you feel good. It could
definitely cause a setback.
— lharbison
September 27, 2003
How big is the company you work for? Does it fall under FMLA laws? If so,
they have to allow you to take time off for major medical. If you work for
a small company, I don't know. But if you accrue sick leave and vacation,
you should be able to use either for this. Although elective surgery, this
is for a major medical reason, not vanity. And your vacation is for your
own personal reasons. If you were in an accident or had appendicitis, I'm
sure you would be allowed to take sick leave with no problem. This is just
as important. If they don't want you at your best health, they shouldn't
have sick leave.
— Susan R.
September 29, 2003
I went back to work half days after two weeks...then back to full time
after another two weeks. The first days back you will be wiped out, no
matter how easy your job is. If you can take more time off, seriously
consider it. Working half days for two weeks was a lifesaver for me. Good
luck on your surgery - Becky Marquez- Open RNY 12/26/02
— Rebecca M.
September 29, 2003
Kim, you don't say how old you are (I am 53), and I think that can play a
part in it. I had open RNY on 5/21/03 and was out of work exactly five
weeks, returning half days on 6/25/03 for the first two weeks. The
surgery, which went very well and from which I healed quickly, really takes
a lot out of you. After 8 days you will only have been out of the hospital
for a few days. I was in the hospital for six days and went home with a
drain and surgical staples that were removed a week later. You can't work
with those! Even with a desk job. And you need to let your body rest and
get adjusted to the new plumbing. You'll still be on liquids after 8 days.
I couldn't even drive until at least two weeks after surgery. Ask for and
take a few weeks sick leave. You won't regret it.
— Sherrie K.
September 29, 2003
I had open RNY, removal of the gallbladder and a hernia repair all done in
the same surgery. I returned to work on the one month anniversary of my
surgery (I was not due back to work until October 1st but felt good enough
to return 8 days earlier). I can say, however, that the first week back
(this is my 2nd week), I went to bed at 8:00 every night and got lots of
rest. I am still getting lots of rest because I know the body needs time
to heal from the surgery/anesthesia.
— Dimple Donna
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