Question:
How soon do people feel ready to return to work?

I am 7 weeks out (and no, not getting all my vitamins and protein, and have been back to my main job for several weeks now, but this past week tried returning to my 2nd job, so on friday I work 9am-6pm, then another shift from 10pm-7am....I am so worn out, and just don't know if I'm not used to it, if I should be taking it easier than this with the 2nd job. Its very physical, and I just don't want to burn out or anythnig. Any input would be great!    — slimjim24 (posted on March 19, 2007)

March 18, 2007
You answered your own question at the beginnning of your story. You are not getting enough food which means not enough energy. What did you expect? How did you expect to feel? Do you expect your car to start without gas in it? Same concept. You are playing a very dangerous game. Just remember that the RNY surgery is not only a restrictive surgery (stomach made into small pouch) but a MALABSORPTIVE surgery. It already has put you into a starvation mode. Use some common sense. Get your fluids and protein in, lots as you said that your second job is very physical. You are not going to absorb everything that you eat, so figure that you need to take in a minimum of 80grams of protein and start with your vitamins too if you are not doing those. The vitamin deficiency effects will come later and the sx's of the deficiency is not seen until 3-6 months out. You do what you want, but you asked... I would hate to see you go through all the work of the surgery and then fail because you are not taking care of yourself. If these are two full time jobs, yes, you are doing too much. This was MAJOR surgery that you had... take time to take care of number one, or someone else will be having to take care of you..... good luck
   — Kari_K

March 18, 2007
I return to work this week so I'm interested to find out how my energy level is going to work out. I'm taking my chewable multivitamin, calcium, B12 liquid on the daily and getting in as much protein as I possibly can. Maybe going to your second job is a bit much as well without taking your vitamins and protein. Step it up and see what happens.
   — the7thdean

March 19, 2007
Jessica, I had a lap RNY on 2-23-07 and returned to work full-time on 3-14-07. I do not do alot of lifting, but am on my feet all day. So far, I am not minding it, I minded being cooped up in my house more for 2 1/2 weeks!
   — jlw0423

March 19, 2007
Hi Jessica, I had my surgery on Tuesday 2-13-07 and returned to work that week on 2-16-07. I was tired the first day back but made it through. I think it depends on how your body reacts to everything. So far I have been fortunate! Good luck with your journey. ~Diana~
   — Diana06

March 20, 2007
Beside what everyone else has said, I have to say that you will burn out with this schedule, surgery or not. When do you sleep? You need rest to recooperate as well as protein and water. What does you surgeon and you primary care physician say about this schedule? I do hope things go well for you. Julia
   — Julia W.

March 20, 2007
Jessica, you are working way way too much. No one can keep up that pace for long periods of times, espeically if you are working the 2nd job sevreal days a week and the other one full time. 7 weeks post is not enough time to do 2 jobs. You will not be able to handle the physical load. I know you probably need the finances, but I would begin praying for a new job Jessica. You need atleast 6 months to adjust to the calorie reduction and weight loss. Your body will be going through a lot of changes. I don't have any good answers for you, but this is too much. Take care of yourself and your pouch. Sincerely, Patricia P
   — Patricia P

March 21, 2007
Jessica, I had my surgery on 1-17-07 rny and I,m due to go back 3-25-07. I think it depends on what type of job you do, I do alot of lifting. It also depends on the person and how you feel, maybe how you feel is what you should go with.
   — jennewlfe