Question:
How long after your surgery can you return to work? I have a mostly desk job.
— HeatherRae (posted on September 9, 2009)
September 9, 2009
You did not say what type of surgery you are having but I had the RNY and
also have a desk job. However, I took three weeks and glad I did. I had
planned on going back after two week check up but I still was tired. If
you do decide to go back after two weeks, I would suggest half days for the
first week. You may do better than me but no sooner than two weeks as you
will still be tired, trying to get in the protein as well as your liquids.
Just my thoughts.
— Kathy Thomas
September 9, 2009
I had lap rny and originally I thought I could go back after one week (that
was before surgery and w/o talking to my dr). My surgeon will not sign off
on a return to work for anything less than 6 weeks, recommending 8 weeks.
Well originally I took the six, I asked for an extension and will be going
back the end of the month. Still trying to adjust, I am tired ALL the
time.
It is different for EVERYONE. First I would talk to your dr and see what
they recommend, and the minimum that you must take. And see how you feel
after surgery.
A friend of mine was fine the day after she got home from the hospital. (I
thought I would be too b/c I have had surgery before and bounced back from
them quickly).
Take the time that you need to heal. This is the time for you to be
absolutely selfish!!
— wendy-s
September 9, 2009
I had RNY surgery and went back to work after 2 weeks. I had alot of pain
after surgery which lasted over 3 weeks. It was hard to sit at my desk all
day and I was very tired. I suggest taking 3 weeks. I wish I had!
— Beda40
September 9, 2009
I was out for two weeks and two days. I had the RNY, and had no problem
going back to work after two full weeks at home. Mine is also a desk job.
— agwc
September 9, 2009
I had RNY and went back to work on the 3rd week. (CNA patient care) I made
it thru one 8 hour day and had to take two more weeks off. My problem was
not so much soreness as weakness. After all with either surgery your
calorie intake is reduced very drastically. But you may be okay with two.
See how you feel, see if your employer will be flexible with you.
— lesleigh07
September 9, 2009
I took two weeks off and as much as it was nice to have the time off... I
was ready to go back in one week. Day four was the hardest for me. I am
now one year out and down 110 pounds. Life is not only good it is GREAT!!!
— KraftyV
September 9, 2009
I understand I am unusual, but I had my surgery on a Tuesday and was
released by the hospital on Thursday and was at work the next day, Friday.
I'll say this, I was very tired and was ready to go to bed as soon as I was
home. Oh, I have a desk job as well.
— Joseph Johnson
September 9, 2009
You can ask a lot of people and get alot of different answers. Everyone is
different. Doesn't make you a "Slacker" if you choose to stay out
as long as possible. Me, I went back to work when my disability ran out,
LOL. It was great to spend time with my children.
— smparker2
September 9, 2009
I also had lap RNY and I was out for 3 weeks, but that 4th week was pretty
rough - I had a lot of pain, so that 4th week was full of mostly half days.
For me, 4 weeks would have been the best thing. It really depends on how
you are feeling. My doctor wanted me to take 6 weeks, but work was so busy
that I just couldn't take that much time. Good luck to you!
— stellarsan
September 10, 2009
Hi, I had lap RNY on 12/12/08 and was out a week, then did half days for a
week, then back full time. My doctor says the key is to get up the day of
surgery and get moving, so I did, I didn't need the half days, but it was
Xmas time and I needed that extra time that week to be ready for Christmas
LOL. I was walking the halls of the hospital constantly and yes there was
a little pain, but the more I moved the less I had pain. I only took pain
meds for 3 days after surgery and then didn't really need it. Be prepared
to be tired, but if you stay in bed it will take longer to heal and longer
to get your strength back. I have lost 112 pounds in 9 months and am 10
pounds from my personal goal. Good luck, this is the best thing you can
ever do for yourself! Cathy
— brindledanes
September 10, 2009
Well, I'm hoping I have an experience more like Cathy! I am having a RNY
and would like to go back to work the next week. I'm gonna have to work
hard by walking and walking and yet take it east at work! Thanks for the
advice!!
— HeatherRae
September 10, 2009
I have a desk job also. I had the lap rny on Friday, April 17 and was back
at work for a 1/2 days the next week starting on Wednesday, April 22. I was
pretty tired and I probably should have at least taken the week, but I
managed to do okay.
— colabear32x
September 10, 2009
I am hoping to be more like Cathy myself! I plan to have lap RNY in about 2
weeks and I had planned to be off work for 10 days, but it was suggested to
at least take 3 weeks. My sister had this surgery and she had said she took
3 but felt fine after 2 weeks. My issue will be if I go in non paid status
I may not have any health insurance until I go back to work and it has to
be on the 1st of that month! Can't have that with such a major surgery!
— Papoose79
September 10, 2009
Hi, I had the rny on 08-21, started back to work (desk job) on this past
monday 09-07... i am soooo glad I did. I needed to get my mind on something
else.
Martha J>
— MarthaJ0110
September 11, 2009
It depends a lot on whether or not you do any sort of lifting at all. I'd
always thought of my work as a desk job... but my supe required clearance
for lifting a certain amount. Plus I was not allowed to drive for a bit
because my surgeon didn't want me to risk pulling a suture or anything.
What I thought would be a two-week break turned into a month.
— snickersblk
September 11, 2009
While it is good to be back at work in a week, I have to say that I'm glad
I took the extra time, especially becaue I had to relearn how to eat with
this new tool. #1, I had a lot of pain, but mostly I wasnted to be able to
go to the bathroom by myself (way too hard to turn around those first 2
weeks for me) & shower, drive ( I couldn't even ride in a car the first
2 weeks - too many bumps), and get into the good habits I would have to
keep up with when away from home. Cathy, I'm so glad you had success wiht a
week, I just can't see how you did that - you are a super woman! THose of
you pre-op, I hoped for a very short time too, but it just didnt' happen
that way. Not to burst anyone's bubbles, just want you to be realistic -
this is a major surgery and not everyone bounces back so quickly - most
people need a little more time. Good luck!
— stellarsan
September 11, 2009
I was told I'd miss a week of work, so that's what I told my boss. Pain
after laproscopic surgery was minimal and only lasted about 2 days.
However, I was WEAK and nauseated. I stayed home for 2 weeks because I was
too weak to function, then went back half-days for about 2 more weeks.
Nausea lasted over 6 weeks, so I sat at my desk at work and moaned and
whined. I would do it again!!! The weakness and nausea were worth it.
But, like other posters have said, every person is different. My aunt is a
freak and she went back to work in less than a week!!
— mosie555
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