Question:
How much time off from work is needed after lap band surgery

I am concerned about how much time off I need to take following lap band surgery. Is it realistic to think one week is enough? I am concerned about getting into a new routine after surgery and dealing with work at the same time.    — Jane46 (posted on January 13, 2009)

January 12, 2009
Hi Jane, Although everyone is a little different I can tell you what my experience was like. I went into surgery for my lap band on Tuesday and was sent home on Wednesday, on the way home I went to the grocery store. Thursday I was bored and walked for a while then went shopping and got a pedicure. Friday I was so bored I went to my office and did some paperwork. I drive an hour each way to get to work. I was back to swimming as soon as the surgeon gave me the OK. The only complications or problems I've experience are from my own oversight or negligence such as not listening to my body when I've had enough food. Best of luck in journey. Mary-Anne
   — mannecote

January 13, 2009
I took a week and 1/2 off, I should of taken 2 weeks off to heal. I think that is enough time to recover.
   — Nicole Wilson

January 13, 2009
after a week I went back to work...I had no problems...I guess it all depends on each person...Good Luck to you
   — sweetmarie1

January 13, 2009
My surgeon told me that I should be able to go back to work at one week.... and I'm having gastric bypass, not lapband. He says that as soon as you are feeling well enough, even if it's three or four days, you can go back. He WANTS you up and around and moving as quickly as possible.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

January 13, 2009
Went back to work in one week was ready 3 days prior to actually going back...I have my own biz and it is slow in July. If you have a hectic job that takes your concentration away you may want more time...but as far as pain and recovering it is a breeze for most..
   — lori042499

January 13, 2009
I would take at least two weeks to give your body proper healing time; depending on the type of work you do. Also important to check with your docs. I can't emphasize that enough. Following your prescribed program is also important. Good Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl

January 13, 2009
A week is more than enough...don't worry. I live alone...I just needed someone the first night then I was fine. I actually drove about 2 days later.
   — Linda R.

January 13, 2009
A week is more than enough...don't worry. I live alone...I just needed someone the first night then I was fine. I actually drove about 2 days later.
   — Linda R.

January 13, 2009
Just another note...gastric bypass recovery would be very different than lapband!
   — Linda R.

January 13, 2009
I took off a week. I could have gone back sooner except for the gas build up in my shoulder! I think a week is enough time. However, everyone is different! Carole
   — happybug

January 13, 2009
A week was plenty of time for me.
   — Donna O.

January 13, 2009
It really depends on what kind of work you do just as much as your personal healing time. I thought I would only be out a week since I had my RNY done lap, but because my surgeon wouldn't give me clearance to lift 10 lbs until a couple of weeks later it wound up being close to a month. I work in a library-- and my supes were worried about me lifting heavy books and having to reach across the desk to get stacks of books when I checked people out.
   — snickersblk

January 14, 2009
Hi Jane, I am 1 year post my lap band surgery. I went to the surgi center at 6:15 am on a Friday am and had my surgery at 9:15. Surgery was done by 10:00 am and I was home by 11:45. I rested the remainder of the day. I had absolutely no pain. I followed my drs. directions to a tee and was driving 2 days later. I realize that everyone is different and each surgery is different but if you follow your doctor's orders, you should be fine. If you feel you need to take time off from work, by all means do so. A week should be fine. As an aside, I can't believe that I am 1 year post op already. I have lost over 80 lbs. and I am looking forward to year 2. I have learned so much about myself this past year. Good luck to you. Shirley F.
   — shirl45

January 14, 2009
I know you've got lots of answers saying it's okay...so you should be fine. I could have went back in a week to work. But my husband just came home from Iraq and I wanted to milk my time off...so I was out two weeks. :) You'll be fine!
   — Carrie S.

January 14, 2009
I'm having lap band surgery on the 19th and plan to take one week off of work. My surgeon said that should be plenty of time, and unless I'm not feeling up to it, I plan to do more than just hang out at home all week. Nothing too exciting, but I do want to get out and purchase a piece of "goal" clothing to hang in my little home gym in the basement.
   — wenniewo

January 15, 2009
I had my lapband surgery in Aug 2008 and was only in the hospital a total of about 10 hours. I took the week off but felt fine after about 2 days.
   — VeraWalker

January 21, 2009
I had surgery on Wed. Jan 14th and went back to work on Tuesd. Jan. 20. I felt fine.
   — Just_L

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