Question:
How soon before going back to work?

I am waiting for my consultation with the surgeon and my work who has been very supportive is looking for an idea on how long I am going to be out. I am doing bypass and have a sit down management job. Can anyone tell me how long they were out of work after bypass? Obviously will do whatever the surgeon says but find this site great for first hand knowledge. Thanks in advance    — elder1104 (posted on July 23, 2009)


July 23, 2009
I had the RNY gastric bypass and was out three weeks. I also have a sit down office job. I felt as if I could have gone back after two weeks, but when I did go back after three weeks even sitting and not moving around much was very stressful on my body. I felt I should have waited at least another week or so or just went back half a day. So if you have an option at least try and take six weeks that way you will be fully rested and feel up to making a full eight hour shift. Also remember whenever you go back to work don't get distracted and forget to drink your fluids each day constantly. Good Luck to you!
   — mriles

July 23, 2009
I had my bypass on a Wed. and out of hospital the following Friday and then out of work for the following 2 weeks. I too have an office job so I really had not problems. I think the problem for me was figuring out what to eat at lunch time. But all worked out its now been 15 months and have exceeded my goal in weight loss. I am having trouble stopping the weight loss. I have always followed the rules for eating after bypass with no cheating and always exercising daily. I walk 2 miles daily and at this point can eat most anything and always taking vitamins. Thanks
   — susajohn

July 23, 2009
I had laproscopic RNY on a friday. I took the following week off and went back to work on Monday, 10 days later. I was tired and sore, but I did well.
   — ajsp

July 23, 2009
I WAS IN A MANAGEMENT POSITION AS WELL WITH LIGHT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. I MADE SURE I DIDN'T LIFT ANYTHING OVER 10LB. WENT BACK TO WORK 10 DAYS AFTER SURGERY. I HAD INFORMED MY BOSS AND MY STAFF OF POST OP LIMITATIONS. THEY WERE VERY SUPORTIVE. EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT MY SURGERY WENT WELL NO COMPLICATIONS FELT OK A FEW DAYS POST-OP. HOWEVER IS WAS AND STILL IS HARD TO GET FLUID & PROTEIN IN WHEN I'M AT WORK EASY TO LOSE FOCUS AND TIME SLIPS BY SO BE CAREFUL.
   — angelam43

July 23, 2009
I had the RNY and I was out only 2 weeks, but in that 2 weeks I also lost 25 lbs. So when I came back, my co-workers where so surprised to see how fast and how much weight I lost. I also have a sit down job, so I could walk if I wanted too. I didn't sit much after the surgery because I didn't want to cause blood clots in my legs. You might feel a little tired from anesthesia, but just don't over do it. Two weeks is plenty of time. your abdomen will feel like you have done 5,000 sit up right after surgery, but you won't have that feeling when you go back to work. Best wishes to you and congratulations!
   — Kristy

July 23, 2009
I had gastric 6/16/09 was out 1 week. It really depends how you come thru surgery. I really was happy with my experience and felt good in recovery and started walking immediatly. I also didn't need much pain meds after the 1st night. When I came home in two days I only took Liquid Tylenol because I got a headache one night. If all goes well one week should be enough if you don't have a physcially demanding job. But, two weeks maybe right for you. Keep positive, your attitude can get you through anything. Donna
   — donnaholman

July 23, 2009
i was out for 1 week after having bypass ,however i was was very tired all the time so don't rush take your time ..
   — shannon091906

July 23, 2009
My Dr. gave me 4-6 wks and I am glad I took the 6 wks. It gives you time to know what you can eat, get down an excercise routine know the new you. Hope you find this helpful.
   — LosingLisa

July 23, 2009
I had surgery on Monday out of hosp on Thurs, back to work that Monday!! I also have a management job and I only worked about 4-5 hours daily that first week and 6 hrs daily the following week. I moved slowly the first week and by the second week I was much more limber. I have had no problems since. When I asked my surgeon how soon to go back to work, he said when I felt like it. He said I could sit at home or sit at work. I did not lift anything, and my staff was great about bring things to the office althought I still had to make rounds several times a shift. And don't forget blood clots are a real concern the first few weeks so howeverlong you stay out, walk!
   — sallie H.

July 23, 2009
I'm a staff nurse with alot of patient contact, including pulling patients up in bed and patient transfers. I had my LapBand on Tues and went back to work on Saturday. Very little pain, no fatigue, and I work 12hr shifts. I was eating alot of cottage cheese that weekend, but most of the people I work were unaware that I had surgery.
   — BeenThere1

July 23, 2009
My RNY was done 3/23/09 and I returned to work the following Monday, 3/30/09. I was driving the weekend before since I wasn't needing to take pain meds.
   — rkurquhart

July 24, 2009
I went back on Day 11. I would have gone back sooner, but the drain was a hassle, so I decided to wait until they pulled it out. Went back the next day.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

July 24, 2009
I am in my fifties and went back after 2 weeks to a desk job. I can tell you from experience to try and go back the middle of the week so you don't have 2 work five days straight the first week back. I was tired my first week back and should have considered working half days that first week.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 25, 2009
I had my RNY on a Thursday morning and went home on Sunday. My doctor supported me in when I thought I could go back to work. I have a clerical job and I am up and down throughout the day. I returned to work for 4 hours on Friday (8 days) and then I had the weekend to rest up and I was bak fulltime on Monday. I m very glad I chose to go back a 1/2 day at first. I wanted to see how I would be handling it. All went fine and I am blessed.
   — gagini

July 25, 2009
it varies soo much from person to person just like most things with gastric bypass do. my advice to you is.. if you can afford to take the time off, take it!!!! i am a nurse and took a full 6 1/2 weeks off like my surgeon recommended and i am soo glad i did. you may be fine to go back to work really soon due to your management position, BUT gastric bypass is MAJOR surgery and your body needs time to adjust. you will probably still be on the puree foods and learning what you can and can not tolerate, which is trial and error and believe me...you want to be at home not work when something doesn't agree with your new pouch! (nausea, vomitting, and or diarrhea) and trust me...you will be very TIRED and easily fatigued. do what you have to do, but please take all those facts into consideration.. I hope this helps and good luck with your upcoming surgery...Holly
   — RNlvnCARSON

July 26, 2009
Depending on type of work you do....Don't rush it. I"m a registered nurse and went back to work at 4 weeks....wrong thing to do. Really didn't feel better till around 6 weeks and at that point I was very weak. Just remember don't rush back to work if you don't have to. GOOD LUCK!!!
   — L_Reschke




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