Question:
when having the lapband how long before returning to work
I work in a coffee shop as a barista and was hoping I will beable to return to work after 4 days. Does anyone have an opinion on this. Thanks — gabbyjane (posted on October 27, 2007)
October 27, 2007
Hi Robin. I had lap band surgery 4 weeks ago and I had surgery on a
Thursday and did not return to work until the following Wednesday and I
have a desk job. I personally was not ready to go back to work sooner than
that though I had originally planned to go back on Monday. Many people do
return after 4 days however with your job and being on your feet, I would
say to at least prepare your supervisor for the possibility that you MAY
not be able to make it back for 6 or 7 days. Then, if you feel like going
back in 4, go for it. Just don't push yourself too much, too soon. Maybe
try working 1/2 day the first day or 2 back. Good luck!!!
— mandi78
October 27, 2007
Like MOST things in life...it depends on the person. I had a gastric bypass
done laproscopically and could have gone back to work as a teacher within a
week....but, that really is up to how YOU feel and definitely what YOUR
surgeon advises!
Congrats! You'll be soooo happy that you did this....I'm down over 100lbs.
and it "feels" wonderful! Trish
— zoeysgrami
October 27, 2007
First, you may still have some pain left over - Lap Band, especially done
laporoscopically, frequently leaves gas bubbles that get caught... The fact
that you'll be planning to be on your feet will actually help that, but if
it's bad enough that you think you need pain meds, you may fall asleep at
work.
You'll also have lingering effects of anesthesia and surgery - I really
needed a nap every afternoon for almost a week after surgery.
Check with your doctor - you will get restrictions on driving and lifting
heavy things for a few weeks after surgery.
If you really feel you need to go back to work so soon afterward, I'd have
a talk with your boss. See if they can give you a shorter shift for the
first week (4 hours or so would be a lot easier to handle than an 8 hour
shift, and it would help you ease back into work). Also, make sure your
boss knows you can't be lifting anything heavy for a while.
Best of Luck!
Beth
— Beth F.
October 27, 2007
Hi Robin,
I had lap band surgery in June and was physically able to go back to work
in a week. However, since I had the time, I chose to take another week to
relax, get used to my band and simply take time for myself. I'm glad I
did.
The time needed to recover is a personal one. It all depends on how the
surgery goes, if there are any complications and how quickly your body
bounces back.
— Mary Ann H.
October 28, 2007
thank you so much for the advice, I forgot to mention I am the boss which
is such a bonus and our shifts are 5 hours..
— gabbyjane
October 28, 2007
I was out for only a week. I might could have went back before then but I
wanted to make sure I was doing alright. Your body will be going threw
major surgery.
— Tana Mallard
October 28, 2007
I was ready to go back to work in about 4 days - just be sure and walk,
walk, walk to get the gas to dissipate - the incisions are not very painful
at all. Best of luck to you!
— beckiemclarty
October 29, 2007
I did the lapband on Saturday the 27th of October and I came to my work
early morning today the 29th.Thanks
— ANDRIA4
October 29, 2007
Robin,
It really depends on a lot of factors.....pain tolerance, medication, etc.
I had my lap band done on Monday and went back to work on Wednesday. I
stopped taking the narcotics right after surgery and just used them when I
was going to sleep. As long as I was not using the narcotics, my doc
cleared me to drive the day after. Just don't over-do cause on the fourth
day it seemed like I was really tired. Then it was all good after that.
— Dobbie C.
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