Question:
Has anyone only taken a week off from work after surgery?
I have ot been at my job long enough to take fmla, has anyone gone back to work after 1 week and how was it? — reddiebug (posted on March 5, 2007)
March 5, 2007
I took 2 weeks off and that was okay. The first week I was very tired and
still a little sore. I guess it depends on what kind of job you have. I
do have a friend that only took a week off and she ended up leaving work
early the entire 2nd week because she was so sore from sitting all day.
Malena 329/147
— *Malena* M.
March 5, 2007
you did not say what kind of work you do. I work behind a desk. I took one
week off. and worked 1/2 days the sd. week.
— bntfive
March 5, 2007
I guess it may depend on what kind of surgery you are having as well. I
had open RNY, and there was no way I would have considered going back after
one week. It was two weeks before I started back part time from home, and
a full four weeks before I went back full time. Even then I was exhausted
by the time I got home.
Good luck, and best wishes for your speedy recovery and your new life.
Chris
— CChappell
March 5, 2007
I went back to work exactly 1 week later! I worked a full day and then
took the next day off and worked full days from that point on. I am a tech
teacher with a lot of technology that allows me to sit at my desk and teach
if need be. So that is what I did.
I am also a single mom so I was very tired by the time I got home at night.
My little boy and I watched lots of movies those first couple of weeks and
I rested a lot when I got home but I didn't have a problem at all. If you
want to email me and ask me any more questions feel free at
[email protected]
— erclizard
March 5, 2007
I'm actually a day under two weeks out and went back 1 week after surgery.
I sit at a desk all day and haven't had any problems. I would not plan on
over doing it - or ANY overtime, and you will be a bit tired - but as long
as you are feeling alright and don't have an active job, you should be
fine. I would just make sure they are okay with you leaving if you get too
tired. That is really the issue more than pain or anything else.
— qchell
March 5, 2007
I took two weeks off, in fact, today is my first day back to work. It's
been fine. Hard to get up and motivated this morning, but once I got to
work and got into a work groove, I was fine. I sit at a desk pretty much
all day so depending upon what you do....I would say - take at least two
weeks. I could of gone back after one, but didn't feel like I would be able
to. Last night I had reservations about going back today...but I am fine.
:)
— jammerz
March 5, 2007
Like the others stated, you don't say what you do for work. The other
thing that you might want to consider is if your doctor is going to allow
you to go back to work after only 1 wk and if your employer will allow you
to go back to work without a work release. Also, depending on what you do,
your doctor may want some restrictions placed on what you do, to protect
you. Then it is going to be up to your employer to see if they have a job
that will fit those restrictions, if your present position doesn't meet
those restrictions. Good luck to you.. Kari
— Kari_K
March 5, 2007
Yes, I had laproscopic bariatric surgery and went back to work the
following week. I am a caregiver for 15 elderly ladies in a CBRF and so I
have to move around a lot, but I was able to do almost everything that I
was to do. I do spend some time at my desk as well. I had started walking
the day after surgery, and walked every day. I have had no complications.
My doctor said to go back when I felt like I could go back, so I did. I am
not saying that I wasn't tired, and there were times when I had to sit down
because I felt weak and was in a cold sweat, but I am glad that I did it
and would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Don't be afraid to push
yourself, but also listen to your doctor and your body. They will tell you
what to do. Good luck and God bless you.
— cmancl
March 5, 2007
Hi my surgery was on the 12th of Feb and I just went back to work today
(mon) My job requires me to do alot of lifting and standing. A girl I work
with that had her surgery in August was back at work within the week but
she works pharmacy and can sit on a stool all day.
— MOMTOTWOSONS
March 5, 2007
I only took off 6 days and I believe it was way too soon. I had a hard
time getting my strength back. I was weak for quite a few weeks and very
sore. I would not rush it.
Lynda
— lyndaw
March 5, 2007
I took just a week of when I had surgery and did just fine. Remember no
lifting over 10 lbs. for the first month. On my lunch hour, I would take a
short nap - I went home (I work 2 miles from home) and was able to relax
there. It is also important that you eat and drink your fluids, including
protein shakes to keep your strength up.
You can do it as long as you don't over do it. Good luck.
Cathy
— cdavison
March 5, 2007
I have a desk job too. Took a week off, then went in 1/2 time for the 2nd
week. I was always feeling very tired the first 6 months after surgery.
Maybe I should have recovered more right after surgery. It was during the
middle of winter in MN and I was going stir crazy sitting around the house.
Good luck... just remember to take it easy.
— LaurieH
March 5, 2007
Loretta, you pose a good question, but I really encourage you to not take
off just one week. When I had surgery, my surgeon said that she supported
6 weeks off because you are doing things to change your life, it just takes
time. I took the full 6 weeks, and was so glad I did. I got exercising,
got my routine in order and put some changes in my life that were needed.
Wls is not a quick fix, don't treat it like one. It is not fast food
weight loss, it is a big process and deserves that respect. Your work will
do fine without you and you will be much better for the rest and respect
your body needs to fully recover. Just because you are not bleeding or
leaking doesn't mean that you don't need to recover. Please reconsider
your action here, for your own healths sake. Patricia P
— Patricia P
March 6, 2007
I'm a Nursing Student and I'm having surgery (lap band) after graduation in
May...my surgeon said I would need 4 weeks before I could start a job as a
Nurse on regular duty...due to the requirements of standing for long
periods and lifting people. So it all depends on what surgery your having
and more importantly what type of job you have and what that job requires
of you, not only physically but I assume emotionally as well, as healing is
so multi-faceted.
— PurplePixie
March 6, 2007
You don't mention what type of surgery you are considering, but I had
lap-band surgery on 2/13 and returned to work for a 1/2 day on 2/19 and
full-time after that. Although I have what would be considered a desk job,
the building I work in is large and I had to do a lot of walking so I was
tired by the end of the day, but the walking helped me with my post-op
instructions of walking some every day.
— [Deactivated Member]
March 10, 2007
I am 15 days out from surgery - - and exhausted.
The first week I was doped up on Lortab as I had pain for a full 7 days.
Aside from that, I felt good and had energy enough to vacuum the house.
But around day 8 I got really tired. And it got worse over the last week,
especially last night. I have been walking every day but had to skip it
yesterday and today because I'm so tired and weak.
Thank God I do not have to rush back to a job right now. My post-op
followup is in 3 days and hopefully we'll figure out if this is normal or
due to a deficiency or something else. I have faithfully gotten in more
than 90oz of water, 90+ grams of protein, and all my vitamins - - every day
since 3 days out. I guess you can do everything right and your body is
going to do whatever it's going to do!
— SueMiller
March 10, 2007
P.S. I had Lap RNY. Plus I already have an illness (POTS) so I guess I
shouldn't be surprised by the fatigue. I guess I'm just surprised that I
felt so good the first week (even with pain) and then dropped on day 8.
— SueMiller
September 2, 2009
Having my surgery in the morning 9/3/09, I am so hopeful that all goes
well...the Dr. is blessed to handle the task at hand, and that I can go
back to work Tuesday after Labor day! Don't want to sound all drama, but
if there's any luck wishers out....I could you a little of that, please -
and, thank you!
— Lisa1212
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