Question:
Returning to work
I'm having RNY lap on 3/28/08, can anyone tell me the average amount of time out of work? I sit at a desk all day, no real movement involved. — pixiegirl27 (posted on March 13, 2008)
March 12, 2008
I sit at a desk all day too..I had my surgery on 2-21-08 and I am out for
4-8 weeks...my doctor told me that I can just let her know when I want to
go back...congrats on your surgery:)
— nzuri33
March 12, 2008
If you have the surgery done " laparoscopic," you will need only
2 weeks at the most. More if done "open." Good luck to you!
— Pamela S.
March 12, 2008
I had my surgery on 1-1007 and went back to work on 1-22-07. I would have
went back sooner but I was not allowed to drive. Everyone is different. I
think it depends on if you have complications and your pain tolerency
levels. Good luck
— Paula K.
March 12, 2008
Hi, I was out 6 days after RNY Surgery and did fine I also sit at a desk
all day
— campnwego
March 12, 2008
I think the average recommended time out with it done laparoscopically is
2-3 weeks. But like others have mentioned, it depends on the person and
any complications you might have. It is major surgery, so remember that
your body will need time to heal and will need to rest. You'll be tired
for some time after having this surgery. Good days....then bad. I just
think that's par for the course with any surgery, no matter how minimal it
may seem. Usually you're in the hospital 2-3 days with a lap RNY. More if
it's open, and you'll be off longer too if it's an open procedure. If
you're a die hard..... you may be able to go back to work in a week, but I
wouldn't push it. Let your body heal and you'll have some issues with
eating and bathroom habits, so being home wouldn't be so bad. I know
though, that financial concerns creep in....but remember that you only have
one body.....and it will need care after this surgery. Best wishes and HOW
EXCITING that your surgery is soon! Keep us posted as to your progress!
Hugs....Cheryl
— Cheryl K.
March 12, 2008
I was off work for six weeks....I am so glad that I was. I know people
that went back to work after two weeks and wish they had not. Everyone is
different. Remember, this is major surgery. GOOD LUCK !!
— AngelaC.
March 13, 2008
That type of just usually allows you to return to work earlier. BUT, I
listed to many post ops at 3 support meeting I attend monthly. From what I
hear, the recovery time may be as little as one week or as long as 6 weeks.
Everybody is different in their healing from surgery, their tolerance to
any pain, and adjusting to new regimine of eating, drinking water, getting
enough protein, possilble diarrhea, etc. Best suggestion also is to bring
extra "undies" to work with you. Some food you try at work may
not agree with you, and it's always best to be prepared.
— Dave Chambers
March 13, 2008
I took a week off. Just make sure you get up and walk all day long since
you are at a desk job. I would get up every 45 min and walk around the
block.
— Carlyn M.
March 13, 2008
I am having my surgery on 3-25-08 and I only plan on being out a week. My
boss said to take longer if I need it so we will see but for now the plan
is a week.
— Jstarr81
March 13, 2008
if you are worried about finances don't be. I was told that my job is
covered by FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) and I can have STD (Short Term
Disability) after the first 40 hours of non paid time that will cover my
wages. Just a thought.
— newlyme
March 13, 2008
Depends on your age and what you do for work. I am 62 and I went to
surgery on Wednesday, and the others that day went home Thursday night. I
was release Sunday night. I had plan to be to the office on Monday. I was
in bed at home for two days and at my desk at home for a half a day on
thursday and Friday. I went to the office for 1/2 days the following week,
and then went back full time after that. I have a desk job. The nurse who
had surgery the same day I did, went to work a week later. She was 35 and
works on her feet all the time. Both of us had Laproscoptic RNY's.
— William (Bill) wmil
March 13, 2008
Take as much time as you can. You will need time to get to know your new
habits, likes and dislikes, what you can and can't eat. Self-control is a
tough one, especially if you're used to having snacks in the drawer. Just
a suggestion, but the more time the better.
— bariatricdivalatina
March 13, 2008
I had RNY lap on 3/5, so I'm one week out and I feel just fine. Actually I
feel guilty for staying home. I have so much energy, only had pain for 2
days in the hospital and haven't felt any pain since. I can't even tell
that I had the surgery except when I'm sipping my protein shakes! Good
luck!
— s_wendt
March 13, 2008
As already stated, the average time is 2 weeks after a lap RNY. I took 3
weeks just because I had the time. In my opinion, take as much time as
allowed at work. The first 3-4 weeks are the hardest, even if you feel
great, because you have to relearn your body. Good Luck!
— mary_rn
March 13, 2008
I have a mostly desk job as well...I had Lap RNY on 2-12-08 and returned
to work after just one week on 2-20-08. I felt completely back to
normal...no issues at all. I had planned to be off for 2 weeks...but being
home, feeling good and being bored out of your mind is over rated!
— CThrasher
March 13, 2008
I had surgery 2007, Dec. 17th and was back to office on Jan. 8th, 2008.
— rina_mo
March 13, 2008
Serena, thanks for writing. Many women and men go back to work after a
very short recovery, but it isn't about how fast I can get back to work for
many, it is initiation of a new lifestyle that just takes time. You need
to begin walking, which makes you exhausted, drinking water and changing
eating habits. Sometimes it is just good to take that time and re learn
good habits and adjust to your new surgery. I took 6 weeks off and was so
glad I did, by the time I went back to my desk job I was walking 2.5 miles
every day and doing great. I was still tired, but I had begun good habits
that took to all the way to losing every pound I intended to, even a few
more. Take care. Patricia P.
— Patricia P
March 14, 2008
Wow, I am astonished at the answers that I've read. 1 week after surgery?
I am 3 weeks post op (Lap RNY) and I can't imagine being back at work yet.
I'm still having some tenderness from my incisions, I tire fairly easily
and I'm still trying to get a schedule down that allows me to get in the
protein and fluids I need. My doctor planned for me to be out of work for
8 weeks. I also have a sit down computer job but I work at a pediatric
hospital and I guess it's better if I don't catch any of the bugs that the
kids bring in before I'm properly healed. I am out on FMLA and thank God
I'm covered financially by the time I've accumulated in my EIB (Extended
Illness Bank). When that runs out (in about 7 weeks), I'll be covered by
short term disability. I am also using this time to plan for my return to
work. Figuring out what I'll need to take with me in terms of foods and
drinks so I can stick to my new and proper way of eating. Don't rush your
return if you don't have to. Use the time to heal and recover. Good luck
to you!
— dsmuffin
March 14, 2008
Like most are saying everyone is different and has different experiences.
I asked a Dr. this question and her answer was "It depends on how much
sick time you have." I can say for me my hospital stay was a little
longer due to minor complications but at about 2 weeks out I was hit by a
terrible lack of energy, which I hear is not uncommon. I was happy I had
asked for 3 weeks, but it is probably best to tell your employer that you
have heard everyone is different and you will keep them informed.
— swaz
March 14, 2008
I also sit at a desk all day, I was alowed to go back to work half days one
week after my surgery. I then worked up to full days by the end of week
three. Just remember that you have to get up and walk around at least once
an hour to keep you blood flowing in your legs to help prevent blood clots.
— blueeyes3025
March 14, 2008
I had lap RNY on 2/19 and went back to work on 2/27. I was only in the
hospital for 24 hours. I really felt well enough to go back to work in 4
days but I had to wait until my 1 week check up. I have a desk job at an
OB/GYN office scheduling patients up and down all day. I have done GREAT.
I am 48 years old, totally out of shape and a BMI of 56. I had planned on
being out for 6 weeks and had short term disability and enough sick hours
to take that much time but I really didn't need it, so I came back to work.
Glad I did, I go out and walk during my 2 breaks and my lunch hour, so I
get in 45 minutes of walking a day while at work. I still have enough
energy to walk for about a half an hour at night cook dinner, and clean.
Yes, I do have a family to look after too...I feel like super women since I
had my surgery!!! Oh by the way I have lost 42 lbs, in 4 weeks.
— rosheet
March 14, 2008
I took off three weeks. Even with laparoscopic surgery you need time to
heal and adjust to your new diet. I know people that went back too soon
and they paid the price. I sit at a computer all day and I could not have
gone back in one week if my life depended on it.
— t_roxus
March 15, 2008
I had RNY lap with no complications. My Dr. left it up to me as when I
felt up to going back to work. I took a full 6 weeks off to recoup. My
soreness is now completely gone and my energy level is still not totally
there, but it is coming back. I have no regrets.
— fys2
March 15, 2008
I was back to work at my desk job 12 days after lap RNY, worked half days
the first week, 6 hours/day the next week, and next week plan on full time.
I tire easily and am lucky my boss has let me take the time. Everybody's
different, you won't know how much time you need till you get there. Good
luck!
— Susan C.
March 16, 2008
I was out for 6 weeks and had a hard time going back then... very tired.
You need the time off to figure out your new food schedule and to allow
your body to fully heal. I work at a desk, too, but you still need energy
to effectively perform your job.
Base your return to work date on what your doctor and work will allow.
— gonnadoit
March 16, 2008
TWO OF MY FRIENDS WHO HAD RNY SAID 6 WKS IS A GOOD AMT OF TIME. THAT IS
WHAT I AM TAKING OFF. IF I FEEL ALOT BETTER AT 1 MONTH I WILL GO BACK TO
WORK. BUT THEY SAID 6 WKS IS GOOD. SINCERELY BRIDGET
— doowoop2
March 17, 2008
I had my lap RNY on two weeks ago today. I teach 4 senior adult exercise
classes each week so I'm not totally out of shape. This is my 7th surgery
in 4 years. I've had 2 back surgeries, 2 foot surgeries, knee replacement,
and hip replacement. I'm 56 years old and have always considered myself as
feeling much younger than my years. After surgery, I felt like my body had
gone to rock bottom. I walked the halls, but was soo exausted. I was sent
home after 2 nights. I thought it was too soo, but was glad to be home.
At first I tried to walk 2 times a day. I was only able to walk down two
street lamps and back very very slowly. I've worked it up to 5 street
lamps which is less than a 1/2 mile. I can't believe how exausted I am, so
I'm only doing it once a day now. I have taught two of my classes, but
very abrieveated. My students don't mind, they just want me there. I am
totally exausted still even after two weeks. My Dr. says because your body
has to find a new way to get the energy (out of fat cells instead of in the
blood streem) it can take up to two weeks for your energy to come back.
I'm still waiting. I'm suppose to start back to all classes this week, but
I'm not sure I'm ready. The two classes I've done so far are only 50 min
classes, but the other two are two hr. classes. Maybe I'll take one more
week. I notice even when I'm sitting I'll just ache and my rib cage will
hurt and I'll just be soo tired I need to lay down for a little while.
I've read all the other responses and am amaized by people saying they can
go back to work in just a few days. That's always been me, but not this
time. I think even with a desk job, 2-3 weeks is minimum. Good Luck with
surgery. Paula
— paulajaneb
March 19, 2008
Hi - I'm having the RNY on 3/24/08 and I only have 2 weeks off of work
without losing my job. No choice. Luckily, I, too, sit at a desk for most
of the day.
— C P.
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